Discover - well US!

Greetings Gossip Lovers

There's nothing spookier than a big empty building. Alas whatever ethereal claimed this space as home is likely packing as we speak, as the Portsmouth Historical Society, (PHS) is fluffing chairs, filling walls and setting up shop for another season of its Discover Portsmouth Center, (DPC), which opens this very weekend.

The DPC - should you not know - is the one-stop, put-your-feet-up, information and more for area arts and cultural concerns, located in the old Portsmouth City Library.

For those who haven't seen the old library stripped of its former face, here's a peek pre production so to speak. (Alas, no ghosties apparent).

But first, to the right is a picture of Marguerite Mathews, Pontine Theatre's co artistic director and President of PHS, taking shots from tiny little paper people who have aimed their Lilliputian rifles at her. Don't worry. She's an actress. Dodging little people's bullets is second nature.

Marguerite is in the former library main room, now were guests are greeted, information dispensed and cool history books and goodies are sold.

Next up Marguerite,seated in the room where DPC presents a short introductory video to visitors. It's the room BEHIND the main lobby and former check-out desk.

The next photo is of the middle room, second floor. Remember? This one had the tall books on the back wall. The front racks held hobby and craft literature; row two, movies and theater. Ahh memories.

The room with the ladder is the new home of the Seacoast African American Cultural Center. It's the former children's room. SAACC starts moving in this month.

Finally, below, a shot from the second floor. Just love it.

The upper level is open to area artists for exhibition. The lower level (remember, references, magazines, newspapers, research), houses Discover's annual exhibits. This year it will offer one on gondolas and others on 1950s and '70s Seacoast-related art.

Present, future, past - past-participle. Wonderful, wonderful Portsmouth.


Yours in appreciation of where we're at.

Gossip Lady