PORTSMOUTH — The Portsmouth Historical Society is nearing completion of a six-year strategic growth plan that has brought major infrastructure upgrades, improved accessibility and renewed focus on membership growth, leaders announced at the organization’s recent annual meeting.

About 50 members attended the meeting Dec. 11 at the former Christian Union Church at the corner of East Main Road and Union Street, now home to the society’s museum and meeting space. The nonprofit, founded in 1938, reported significant progress on long-term projects designed to modernize its facilities and operations.

Board president Craig Clark thanked current and outgoing board members for their service and reflected on the scope of the strategic plan, which was already underway when he became chair three years ago.

Among the completed projects are the installation of a central heating, ventilation and air conditioning system; replacement of the south roof and the Southermost School building roof; construction of an ADA-compliant restroom; upgraded lighting; and a new septic system. The society has also launched a new website and digitized its extensive archival collection.

Most recently, a Lifeway Mobility lift and related exterior improvements were installed at the rear of the building, providing visitors with mobility challenges access to the museum’s second floor.

Treasurer Steve Johnson presented the society’s financial report, citing careful management of member contributions, capital improvement funds and grant dollars. Much of the recent grant funding was designated for the lift project, he said.

Becky Sattel, vice president of the Society’s board, highlighted recent acquisitions added to the collection by the society’s curator and noted that more than a dozen public programs were held during the year, even as construction periodically limited museum access. She also announced that the 2025 Portsmouth Historical Society Scholarship was awarded to Portsmouth resident Marc Alcolea Vila, a freshman at Rice University.

With most physical improvements now complete, Clark said the final phase of the strategic plan focuses on revitalizing and expanding the society’s membership program.

Marketing consultant Michele Gallagher outlined a new campaign, “Play Your Part in Preserving Portsmouth’s History,” aimed at increasing individual and family memberships and building partnerships with local businesses. 

Wanted: more members

Membership has fallen below 200 in recent years, down from a peak of nearly 800, Clark said. The society hopes to return to that level by December 2026, with an aspirational goal of reaching 1,000 members.

As part of the campaign, posters and stickers are being distributed to Portsmouth businesses and made available at the museum. Expanded membership support would allow the society to increase museum hours and offer more educational programming, Gallagher said.

The society is also preparing for Rhode Island’s commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. A 2026 calendar of lectures and educational programs will be published on the organization’s website.

The meeting concluded with a reception featuring food and wine donated by Greenvale Vineyards, a Portsmouth-based winery.

For more information about the Portsmouth Historical Society, visit https://portsmouthhistorical.org.