Portsmouth’s Music Hall Expands With Game-Changing Purchase of New Hampshire Landmark

The Music Hall in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, recently made a major purchase of a landmark property.

The performing arts center and cultural hub of Portsmouth's arts and culture scene announced in a press release that it had bought the historic Kearsarge House.

The press release stated that the purchase "reflects The Music Hall’s enduring commitment to preserving local history while securing its ability to serve as a steward of cherished historical buildings."

Kearsarge House in Portsmouth, New Hampshire

According to Walk Portsmouth, the Kearsarge House in Portsmouth was originally built in 1866 as a two-family home but quickly "became a hotel with street-level shops."

The hotel was named "Kearsarge" in 1879 after a famous Civil War ship built in Portsmouth called the USS Kearsarge, the Walk Portsmouth website stated.

The Music Hall press release highlights that the property has been a "cornerstone of the community" for over 100 years.

President & CEO of The Music Hall Tina Sawtelle noted in the press release the importance of preserving the historic building and its "potential as part of The Music Hall’s ongoing growth and evolution.”

What's Next for the Kearsarge House in Portsmouth, New Hampshire?

For the short term, the Music Hall press release states that it plans to keep the current commercial tenants at the Kearsarge House, keep the Members Club as a permanent fixture there, and conduct an inspection of the building to determine plans for any future repairs and general preservation.

As for the long term, the Music Hall will determine how the property "might align with its operational needs and mission."

Keep your ears out for any news or changes that might come in the future.

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Are you excited about the Music Hall's purchase and making sure to preserve the historic building?

What do you hope the Music Hall does next?