Moffatt-Ladd House & Garden

Moffatt-Ladd House & Garden A 1763 Georgian mansion and National Historic Landmark. Home the Moffatt-Ladd family and William Whipple, a signer of the DOI. Open May-October, Thurs-Tues 10-4

The museum is open for tours June 1 - mid October, every day of the week except Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 11am to 4pm. Tours are available every 45 minutes. Tours can accommodate groups of about 8. Please call ahead for large groups, at least a week in advance. our last tour leaves at 3:15.

Thank you to everyone who joined us last weekend for the Tree of Independence Festival! We were thrilled to welcome so m...
06/17/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us last weekend for the Tree of Independence Festival! We were thrilled to welcome so many visitors as we celebrated the tree that represents Portsmouth’s revolutionary history. 🇺🇸

We hope you left with a deeper understanding of the important roles that the Moffatt-Ladd House and New Hampshire played in the story of American independence. Events like this help bring history to life, and we’re grateful to everyone who spent the day exploring, learning, and celebrating with us.

A special thank you to our staff, dames, presenters, and community partners whose hard work made this festival possible. We couldn’t have done it without you!

🎤 In case you missed this event, our next one is Big Watch: US@ 250 event is on July 3 from 1-3PM! Register for free on our website www.moffattladd.org

06/16/2026

The Seacoast's General William Whipple in today's Portsmouth Herald! Also at the Seacoastonline.com link in the comments. Moffatt-Ladd House & Garden Portsmouth Athenaeum

Have you checked out our latest exhibit in the Warehouse? Designed by our Director, Nan Bulger, “Enduring Witness to His...
06/16/2026

Have you checked out our latest exhibit in the Warehouse?

Designed by our Director, Nan Bulger, “Enduring Witness to History” tells the story of the Moffatt-Ladd House and Portsmouth from the late 18th-century to the present day. Through engaging panels, the exhibit explores generations of the Moffatt family, including family members who served in the Revolutionary and Civil Wars.

The exhibit also features an interactive AI experience that brings history to life. Hear Katherine Moffatt and William Whipple share their stories in their own voices.

Stop by and discover how one family’s story reflects the broader history of Portsmouth and the nation.

Join us this Saturday from 10AM to 3PM for a day of history, celebration, and family-friendly fun!Help us commemorate th...
06/11/2026

Join us this Saturday from 10AM to 3PM for a day of history, celebration, and family-friendly fun!

Help us commemorate the 250th birthday of the famous horse chestnut tree planted by Declaration of Independence signer William Whipple and his enslaved servant, Prince. Explore Revolutionary-era Portsmouth with a guided tour of the historic home, then stroll through the gardens to browse specialty merchandise.

Enjoy festive foods from thestatestreetsaloon and charcuteriechic.ma throughout the day, while kids play games and make crafts. From 11:30AM to 1:45PM, visit the Warehouse for presentations by keynote speakers discussing William Whipple and New Hampshire’s other signers of the Declaration of Independence. At noon, don’t miss a live tree-climbing demonstration, and meet local author Kevin Martin and get your copy of “Big Trees of Northern New England” signed.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast, nature lover, or looking for a family outing this weekend, there’s something for everyone at this special event!

Festival admission is free. House tours require admission purchase, either online at www.moffattladd.org or in person.

Celebrate 250 years of American independence at Portsmouth’s Tree of Independence Festival on June 13! 🌳Join the museum ...
06/05/2026

Celebrate 250 years of American independence at Portsmouth’s Tree of Independence Festival on June 13! 🌳

Join the museum as we commemorate the historic horse chestnut tree planted in 1776 by Declaration of Independence signer William Whipple, along with his enslaved servant Prince, upon their return home from Philadelphia.

🎟️ Admission to the festival and garden is FREE! House tours require a ticket and may be purchased online at www.moffattladd.org/visit or in person.

Enjoy a day full of food, lectures, shopping, and family friendly activities. Food will be available from charcuteriechic.ma and local author Kevin Martin will be signing copies of “Big Trees of Northern New England” at noon. Guests can also purchase limited-edition keepsakes crafted from wood from the historic tree. Don’t forget to enter our raffle for the chance to win Moffatt-Ladd themed items!

🎙️Featured presentations include:
- 11:30AM — Allan Kerr on William & Prince Whipple
- 12:15 — Tree care & preservation discussion with David Steadman, plus a live tree-climbing demonstration
- 1:15 — Kelly Tivnan on New Hampshire’s other Declaration Signers

Come explore history, celebrate a remarkable landmark, and honor the people & stories connected to one of Portsmouth’s most enduring symbols.

We’re officially OPEN for the 2026 season! 🎉Step inside one of Portsmouth’s most remarkable historic homes and explore o...
06/03/2026

We’re officially OPEN for the 2026 season! 🎉

Step inside one of Portsmouth’s most remarkable historic homes and explore over 250 years of history at the Moffatt-Ladd House & Garden Museum.

🏛️Self-Guided Tours
Saturdays & Sundays | 10AM-4PM
Last admission at 3:30

🎙️Guided Tours
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday | Every hour on the hour
10AM-4PM
Last guided tour begins at 3PM

🎟️ Tickets can be purchased online at www.moffattladd.org or on-site during your visit.

Stroll through our historic gardens, discover fascinating stories, and experience Portsmouth history firsthand.

Tag a friend you’d love to explore with, and make plans to visit this season! 👇

This Memorial Day, we honor the veterans connected to our house and remember the lives and sacrifices behind the history...
05/25/2026

This Memorial Day, we honor the veterans connected to our house and remember the lives and sacrifices behind the history we preserve every day.

From the Revolutionary War to the Civil War, these individuals were part of the story of both our nation and this home. As you swipe through, take a moment to reflect on their lives, service, and legacies.

Wishing everyone a meaningful and peaceful Memorial Day weekend. 🇺🇸

We can’t wait to welcome you back next weekend! Planning a visit this season? Now is the perfect time to reserve your to...
05/24/2026

We can’t wait to welcome you back next weekend!

Planning a visit this season? Now is the perfect time to reserve your tour and experience history firsthand in one of our timeless spaces. We look forward to seeing you soon!

🔗 Book at the link in our bio.

Opening day is just a week away!Beginning May 30, visitors can once again explore the Moffatt-Ladd House through guided ...
05/23/2026

Opening day is just a week away!

Beginning May 30, visitors can once again explore the Moffatt-Ladd House through guided and self-guided tours all season long.

Step inside one of Portsmouth’s most historic homes, discover the stories of the families who lived here, and experience the beauty of our gardens in bloom. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning for another season, we can’t wait to welcome you back.

🔗 Plan your visit today at www.moffattladd.org/visit

Address

154 Market Street
Portsmouth, NH
03801

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 4pm
Tuesday 10am - 4pm
Thursday 10am - 4pm
Friday 10am - 4pm
Saturday 10am - 4pm
Sunday 10am - 4pm

Website

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