Portsmouth, NH – Mansion Talk and Tour in Honor of Benning Wentworth’s 329th Birthday on Friday, July 25 at 5:30pm.

The Wentworth-Coolidge Mansion Association is proud to host historians and former Mansion guides John and Adi Rule for their presentation “A Goodly Place: the Construction and Character of the Wentworth-Coolidge Mansion.”

Overlooking the Piscataqua River’s back channel at Little Harbor sits one of Portsmouth’s hidden gems, the Wentworth-Coolidge Mansion. Home of New Hampshire’s first Royal Governor, Benning Wentworth, the rambling forty-plus-room mansion represents one of only two colonial governor’s residences to have survived essentially unchanged since its original construction. Over its long history, the Little Harbor estate has served as a working farm, seat of government, summer home and artist retreat. From its unique architecture to the elegant gardens and historic lilacs that once graced its grounds, the mansion has faithfully reflected the eclectic tastes of three centuries of owners.

“We start in the 17th century with the first structure on the property, a fisherman’s warehouse,” Adi describes. The father and daughter team then brings their audience along the journey through time highlighting how each family expanded it to what is preserved today. “People are surprised to hear that the house is largely the same now as it was in Benning’s time, although each family left their mark.”

After the slide presentation, taking place in the Visitor Center, Adi and John will lead those wishing to see things for themselves into the mansion to continue the exploration.

This free talk and tour takes place on Friday, July 25, beginning at 5:30pm. Please RSVP online as space is limited. Visit www.wentworthcoolidge.org for details and directions.