Ah, New Year’s – the champagne, the parties, the countdown for the ball drop, the frigid weather and the snow…ok, so January will be here sooner than anyone wants. It brings the start of another year, and, sadly, the end of the Portsmouth 400 celebrations.
There’s still time, however, to acknowledge this most historic year in a unique, historic community.
In case you missed it, one of the most enjoyable ways to party for Portsmouth’s past was to participate in the “Portsmouth on Tap” series. Six breweries – Cisco Brewers, Loaded Question Brewing Company, Great Rhythm Brewing Company, Liars Bench Beer Company, Earth Eagle Brewings, and the Portsmouth Brewery – pledged to craft a limited-edition beer to honor a person or event from Portsmouth history.
The breweries partnered with the Portsmouth Historical Society to offer trivia and games during select events. The last game night will take place at the Portsmouth Brewery on December 14 from 5 to 7 p.m.
Update: The last event in the Portsmouth On Tap series, scheduled to take place at the Portsmouth Brewery, has been canceled.
Another way to indulge your love for local history is to take part in the annual gingerbread house contest at Portsmouth Historical Society. If you want to enter a house in the contest, you must act fast – registration ends today! Visit Gingerbread Contest Registration Closes | Portsmouth Historical Society (portsmouthhistory.org) The houses will be on display from November 24 to December 30 in the gallery at 10 Middle Street.
The historical society also offers “Lost Neighborhoods,” an exhibition of abstract paintings by Tom Glover, Dustan Knight, Peter Cady and Barbara Adams. The works “reflect and remember the small communities that made Portsmouth the vibrant city it is today.” See LOST NEIGHBORHOODS Celebrating Portsmouth’s Past — portsmouthnh400 This exhibit is also open from November 24 to December 30 in the gallery.
Yet another festive way to step back in time is Strawbery Banke’s Candlelight Stroll. Historic houses will be adorned with handmade decorations, and costumed role players will recreate old holiday traditions. The strolls are offered on several dates between December 2 and 17 from 4 to 8 p.m. Tickets are going fast! Admission is $32 for adults, $16 for children, and free for kids under age 5. Members get a 50 – 100 percent discount. See Candlelight Stroll — Strawbery Banke Museum
For a musical treatment of Portsmouth’s history, check out “The Greatest Hits of 1623.” Joel Spears will perform solo lute renditions of popular songs of the day, with musical influences from England, France, Scotland, Africa and Native Americans. Spears will play at the Warner House on December 2 from 3 to 5 p.m. Tickets are $20 for Warner House members and $25 for non-members (the non-member price includes a free individual membership). See Events — The Warner House
The Portsmouth Senior Activity Center offers an exhibition of senior photographers’ work called “Looking Back – Reflections on the People, Culture, and Places of Portsmouth.” 18 artists are featured in the exhibition, which runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. until December 15. The senior activity center is located at 125 Cottage Street.
Lovers of art can also enjoy Portsmouth artists and Portsmouth-inspired art at the 3S Artspace at 319 Vaughan Street. Artists with works on display include Monica Dorley, Tim Gilbert, Drew DiPasquale, and Shawn Pelech. A reception for the latter two artists takes place on December 1 from 5 to 8 p.m.
For all things Portsmouth 400, visit portsmouthnh400.
Image credit: portsmouthnh400
