Portsmouth Celebrates 375 Years in the Making

Portsmouth residents packed Town Hall on Thursday to witness history 375 years in the making. 

On March 7, 1638, the Portsmouth Compact was signed by 23 men, followers of Anne Hutchinson, who were being banished by the Massachusetts Bay Colony for their religious beliefs.

This document, which is older than the Declaration of Independence, provided the basis for the founding of Portsmouth over the next few months.

On Thursday, exactly 375 years later, Portsmouth residents were allowed to examine this document at Town Hall. The document is stored year-round in a vault at the State House in Providence. 

The ceremony included a lecture by Portsmouth historian Jim Garman, musical performances by the Portsmouth High School band and chorus, and closing remarks made by Esmond "Doug" Smith, chairman of the Portsmouth 375th Anniversary committee. 

Featured above are photos from the ceremony. Did you take your own photos of the Portsmouth Compact? Upload them above by clicking the green "Upload Photos and Videos" button!