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John Paul Jones House: A Glimpse into Portsmouth's Past

Step back in time at the John Paul Jones House, a Portsmouth landmark showcasing local history and the life of a naval hero.

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The John Paul Jones House in Portsmouth, NH, is a historic house museum dating back to 1758. It served as a boarding house where Revolutionary War hero John Paul Jones resided in the 1780s while overseeing ship construction. Today, it showcases Portsmouth's history and decorative arts.

A brief summary to Portsmouth Historical Society's John Paul Jones House

Local tips

  • Check the Portsmouth Historical Society's website for current opening hours and special events before visiting.
  • Consider purchasing a dual-site admission ticket to also visit the Portsmouth Historical Society's Discover Portsmouth Center.
  • Explore the surrounding historic district of Portsmouth, with its charming streets, shops, and restaurants.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The John Paul Jones House is located in downtown Portsmouth and is easily accessible on foot from Market Square and most nearby hotels. From Market Square, walk south on Daniel Street, turn left onto Market Street, then turn right onto Middle Street. The house will be on your left.

  • Public Transport

    The Portsmouth Transportation Center is the main hub for bus services. From the Transportation Center, you can walk to the John Paul Jones House: Head south on Daniel Street, turn left onto Market Street, continue to Middle Street, and turn right. The house is on your left. COAST bus routes also serve the area. Check the COAST website for schedules and fares.

  • Driving

    From I-95, take Exit 7 for Market Street towards Portsmouth. Merge onto Market Street and continue straight. Turn right onto Middle Street. The John Paul Jones House will be on your left. Parking: Parking is available at the Foundry Place Garage ($1/hour, $20 max daily) or the Hanover Garage ($2/hour, $40 max daily). Metered street parking is also available, but limited. Metered parking costs $2.00 per hour for the first three hours and $5.00 per hour after that.

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Discover more about Portsmouth Historical Society's John Paul Jones House

The John Paul Jones House, located at 43 Middle Street in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, offers a captivating journey into the city's rich history. Built in 1758, the Georgian-style house originally belonged to Captain Gregory Purcell, a mariner and merchant. Following his death, his widow Sarah took in boarders, including John Paul Jones, the celebrated naval hero of the American Revolution. Jones resided here during two periods, using the house as a base while he supervised the construction of naval vessels in Portsmouth. The Portsmouth Historical Society has operated the house as a museum since 1920, preserving and showcasing collections related to the history of the Piscataqua region. Visitors can explore exhibits featuring locally produced furniture, decorative arts, portraits, glass, ceramics, documents, textiles, and kitchen implements. These collections offer insights into the daily life of New Hampshire residents throughout the centuries. The museum also features exhibits about the signing of the Portsmouth Peace Treaty of 1905. The house itself is a notable example of Georgian architecture, featuring a gambrel roof and a well-preserved interior. The John Paul Jones House provides a tangible link to the American Revolution and Portsmouth's maritime heritage.

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