On Monday at 9 a.m. Coast Live (channel 3) will feature an hour-long show on Portsmouth, and the Hill House Museum will be one of many featured on the show. At 10 a.m., they will broadcast the Portsmouth Memorial Day Parade in its entirety without commercial interruption. Please check out the attached video and tune in on Memorial Day.
Looking for Portsmouth Photos or Memorabilia
Looking for Portsmouth history collectors who have historical photos or memorabilia of Downtown, Olde Towne, Newtown, and Lincolnsville.
The Portsmouth Historical Association (Hill House Museum) is putting together a photo exhibit showcasing these areas as they transformed through history. Do you have photos or memorabilia to loan or make copies of for our Fall 2022 exhibit? If you do, please email us or call.
Email: info@thehillhousemusuem.org
Call: 757-714-3226
Happy Founder’s Day Portsmouth!!!
Portsmouth was founded as a town February 27th in 1752, on 65 acres of land on the shores of the Elizabeth River.
The Town of Portsmouth was established by the act of the General Assembly and named for Portsmouth, England, by its founder - Col. William Crawford - who dedicated the four corners of High and Court Streets for a church, a market, a courthouse, and a jail. Attached are photos of the four-corners Col. Crawford laid out at Court and High Streets.
Can you identify the buildings at the four-corners, some of which still exist, and others long gone? One thing to point out all pictures have dirt roads. (Photos circa 1890-1910)
Early Snow Pics
Brrrrr.....Check out the snow pictures we ran across in the Hill House Museum archives. Now that looks like a winter storm.
The first picture is the 200 block of North Street circa 1910. While looking at the picture the Hill House Museum is to your immediate right.
The other picture was taken during December of 1892 when the Railroad was still running down the middle of High Street. Also, take note the picture was developed at Turner Photography Studio in Portsmouth at 208 High Street.
Happy Holidays!!!
Everyone at the Hill House Museum wishes you a joyous and fun holiday and a most prosperous New Year!
Wreaths Across America
Wreaths Across America coordinates wreath-laying ceremonies at locations across the United States including Portsmouth’s Cedar Grove Cemetery. We appreciate Kitty Bryant and her family for placing a wreath on the grave of Lt. William Collins Hill, a veteran of the Spanish American War.
Shop local and stop by the Hill House for unique items
The Christmas tree has been erected and decorated with German glass ornaments. These ornaments are for sale and if you are looking for a unique gift for someone special on your list stop by on Wednesdays and Saturdays noon-3:00.
DAR visits the Hill House
Recently, the Hill House Museum hosted a private tea and tour for the Fort Nelson DAR. The group was introduced to the amazing aroma and taste of our signature tea, Five Sisters Blend. This tea is exclusive to the Museum and can be purchased only at the Hill House.
Christopher Academy visits the Hill House...
Today, ten second graders from Christopher Academy stopped by the Hill House Museum for a tour. As part of an assignment of a self-guided tour of Olde Towne, the Hill House was the main attraction. The students were introduced to a glimpse of Portsmouth’s history.
Doll returns back to the Museum
The Hill sisters were proud to be godmothers to many children throughout the years. Recently, Margaret Harvey, 93 years old, stopped by the Hill House Museum to drop off a doll given to her by one of the sisters. Blanche Hill was her godmother, and yearly during the holidays, as a child, Margaret would receive a doll, a custom each Hill sister did for their godchildren. One year, Margaret was gifted a Shirley Temple doll and has had it in her possession since she received it. Margaret felt it befitting to return her Shirley Temple doll back to the Hill House Museum. Margaret stated she is happy to have her doll back at the Hill House, a place where the Hill sisters acknowledged each godchild with a toy or doll.
Stop by on Wednesdays or Saturdays to see the doll and take a tour.
