Portsmouth's 375 Anniversary Events Highlight Week

Portsmouth will celebrate its 375th anniversary with a special ceremony this Thursday at noon at Town Hall. 

This ceremony is open to the public and the original, 375 year-old compact is expected to be on display, according to The Sakonnet Times.

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

This document provided the basis for the founding of Portsmouth over the next few months.

Two events are planned for Thursday, March 7, to commemorate this historical occasion:

A Portsmouth Compact Ceremony at the Town Hall from noon to 1 p.m. 

An evening lecture at 6:30 p.m. at the Portsmouth Free Library by local historian Jim Garman on the founding of Portsmouth.

This event is also free, but seating is limited and tickets will be required. They are available for free at the Portsmouth Free Library. A second lecture is also planned for March 13, according to The Providence Journal.