Model depicting the existing 18th-century elements of NH's First State House.
TMS Architects.

New Hampshire's First State House was built in 1758 in Portsmouth as the seat of New Hampshire’s colonial government.

New Hampshire is in the unusual position of holding rediscovered remnants of its first state house, remnants that survived almost two centuries of alteration and deterioration, but could still convey significant developments in New Hampshire and New England history and speak to current generations.

New Hampshire’s First State House Project has been a planning project to explore the value of the resource as a historical artifact and as a catalyst to heritage tourism in New Hampshire, and to determine the best use or uses of the resource based on a series of targeted studies and public comment. Supported by an Economic Development Initiative grant from the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the project has been overseen by the New Hampshire Division of Historical Resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

New Hampshire's First State House Project: Summary Sheet

New Hampshire's First State House: Timeline

Project Progress
Conditions Assessment Report, images, architect's digital models, Interpretation Assessment Report, Economic Assessment Report, Final Report

Public Meetings

April 16, 2012 Roundtable: Meeting Agenda Meeting Minutes