The Portsmouth Historical Society is located in the former Christian Union Church at the corner of East Main Road and Union Street in Portsmouth, Rhode Island.
The Society was incorporated on June 10, 1938 in response to the enthusiasm created by Rhode Island’s 300th anniversary celebrations in 1936 at the dedication ceremony of Founders Brook in Portsmouth.
The Society is a volunteer nonprofit 501(c)3 organization managed and operated by an all-volunteer Board of Directors. Board members are elected by incumbent directors to a three-year term. Board members are allowed to serve consecutive terms.
In addition to the Christian Union Church, the Society maintains the Southermost Schoolhouse built in 1725 and the Old Town Hall of Portsmouth, built in 1846. All three buildings are located on the grounds of the Portsmouth Historical Society at the corner of East Main and Union. The Society is open seasonally and by appointment.