Portsmouth Athenaeum

Building on a recent collections conservation report, Portsmouth Athenaeum will develop a comprehensive preservation needs assessment and maintenance plan based on current professional standards, which will enable staff to assume a proactive, holistic stewardship of their buildings and collections. Portsmouth Athenaeum is the primary steward of the history of Portsmouth, NH, with broad and deep collections documenting the city and region's political, economic, and cultural development from the 17th century. This project is an essential first step toward preserving the heritage of the city and region for the benefit of all residents and visitors, and creating a sustainable stewardship model that can guide other local historical organizations in their preservation efforts. Results of this project will guide and inform the next phase of achieving optimal, coordinated and environmentally sustainable preservation of their holdings.