The Wentworth-Coolidge Mansion is the former home of New Hampshire's first royal governor, Benning Wentworth, who served in office from 1741 to 1767. The rambling 40-room mansion which overlooks Little Harbor, is one of the most outstanding homes remaining of the colonial era. Its stateliness and impressive interior and furnishings reflect aristocratic life in Portsmouth in the 1700s.

The Mansion reflects five distinct periods of architecture. The extraordinary skill of New Hampshire's eighteenth century craftsmen is exhibited in the intricate hand-carved mantelpiece. The council chamber and the spy closet reveal details about daily life and government during the colonial period. Purple lilacs, descendants of the first European stock imported by Wentworth, decorate the grounds.

Guests can visit the Coolidge Visitor Center, located on the grounds. The grounds and the Visitor Center are available to rent for events and meetings. Picnicking on the grounds is welcomed; however, pets are prohibited. Restrooms are available in the carriage house.

The Wentworth-Coolidge Mansion is open for guided tours June 27 through September 2, 2007, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Tours are given Wednesday - Saturday at 10:00 & 11:30am, and 12:45, 2:00, & 3:00pm; Sundays at 1:00, 2:30 and 3:45pm. Starting September 7, the Mansion will be open for tours on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 12:00, 1:30 & 3:00pm through October 7. Please feel free to call 603-436-6607 in advance of your visit to confirm hours.

Admission is $7 for adults; $3 for children ages 6-17; children ages 5 and under and NH residents age 65 and over are admitted free. Special times and admission charges may be arranged for groups of ten or more.

The Coolidge Center for the Arts Gallery is open May 20 through September 30, 2007. Admission to the Coolidge Gallery is free. The Gallery is open Wednesdays through Saturdays, 10:00am-4:00pm, Sundays 1:00-5:00pm, or by appointment with the Gallery Director, Dody Kolb.