Schedule of Reunion Events for '66 Portsmouth Pre-Game
May 3-5, 2026
Self-Guided Exploration Options
For early arrivals—explore Portsmouth at your own pace with these recommended attractions.
Class of '66 Reception — Rooftop at the Envio, AC Hotel
The Portsmouth Team has selected the Rooftop at the Envio at the AC Hotel as the venue for both our reception and our Class Dinner on Sunday evening. This choice allows classmates staying at the AC Marriott Portsmouth Hotel at 299 Vaughn Street to simply check in, freshen up, and take the elevator up to the Rooftop.
Details
- Reception begins at 5:30 pm
- Location: Rooftop at the Envio, AC Hotel, 299 Vaughan Street
- No-host bar — order food and beverages from the hotel's menu at your own expense
- Cover charge: $10.00 per person (cash) to help defray room rental cost — Don Tenney will collect upon arrival
- We encourage classmates ordering alcoholic beverages to consider ordering some appetizers as well
Class of '66 Dinner — Rooftop at the Envio, AC Hotel
Dinner will take place on the same floor and adjacent to the reception area. The dining area features several tables of 4, 6, and 8. We ask that you pair up with one or two other classmates and their significant others before you finish with the reception, and when you're ready for dinner, ask the receptionist to assign your group a table. You may order food and beverages from the hotel's menu at your table. Classmates will pay for their own food and beverages. You may stay at your dinner table as long as you want. Mayor Deaglan McEachern, PEA '01, will be joining us for dinner.
Details
- Dinner begins anytime after 7:00 pm
- Same floor and adjacent to the reception
- Tables of 4, 6, and 8 — coordinate with classmates during the reception
- Order from the hotel's menu; each classmate pays for their own food and beverages
- Mayor Deaglan McEachern, PEA '01, will be joining us for dinner
Tour of Portsmouth Naval Shipyard
This tour has been rescheduled to begin at 9:00 am. Bus pickup location TBD. Bus drop-off upon our return will take place at approximately 11:30 am (drop-off location TBD).
Tour of Portsmouth Historical Society
The tour of Portsmouth Historical Society, including the John Paul Jones House, will take place from approximately 11:30 am to 2:00 pm. For your convenience and to save time, our lunch will be delivered to a private conference room at the Historical Society that we reserved for our group.
Details
- Duration: approximately 11:30 am – 2:00 pm
- Includes the John Paul Jones House
- Cover charge: approximately $45.00 per classmate (cash) to cover admission and sandwich lunch — Don Tenney will collect upon arrival
- Lunch delivered to a private conference room reserved for our group
Harbor Cruise — Cancelled
The Harbor Cruise has been cancelled due to scheduling uncertainty and weather considerations.
Tour of City Council Chambers; Meeting with the Mayor
City Hall is within reasonable walking distance from the Historical Society. We will be given a tour of the City Council Chambers starting at 3:30 pm, followed by some remarks from Mayor Deaglan McEachern, PEA '01. We will leave City Hall at around 4:15 pm. Your return to the AC Hotel from City Hall is on your own.
Details
- Duration: 3:30 – approximately 4:15 pm
- Tour of City Council Chambers followed by remarks from Mayor McEachern
Dinner on Your Own
We decided not to organize another dinner for all classmates on Monday, May 4. Instead, each classmate will be on their own to select a restaurant and make their own reservations. To help you in that process, please refer to our Portsmouth Restaurant Guide below.
Note
- Some classmates have already reserved a table at the Oar House
- Other classmates have reserved a table at the Water View Grill
- Both restaurants are included in our curated list — contact us if you'd like to join either group
Seacoast Science Center
The tour of the Science Center led by our classmate and animal expert John Lehnhardt will begin at 9:30 am and finish at around 11:00 am.
Tour Information
- Duration: 9:30 am – approximately 11:00 am
- Led by classmate and animal expert John Lehnhardt
- 4.7 miles from AC Hotel
Depart Portsmouth for Exeter
We will depart Portsmouth at around 12:45 pm to be on time for the first on-campus reunion event starting at 1:30 pm — the Knowledge Cafe, led by Eric Vogt.
Information about Portsmouth sites and activities
Get acquainted with Portsmouth, NH—a historic seaport city rich in maritime heritage, colonial architecture, and coastal charm. This video provides an overview of some of the remarkable attributes that make Portsmouth such a special destination for the first part of our reunion.
Learn about Portsmouth's history, attractions, and waterfront character in this informative overview
Portsmouth Area Map
Explore the locations of historical sites, attractions, and reunion activities throughout Portsmouth and the surrounding area.
Interactive map showing Portsmouth attractions, historical sites, and reunion venues
A La Carte Portsmouth Experiences: The Portsmouth "Smorgasbord"
Explore Portsmouth at your own pace with these recommended attractions and activities. Perfect for early arrivals, extended stays, or free time between scheduled events.
Langdon House
A National Historic Landmark and exceptional Georgian mansion that George Washington "esteemed the first" in Portsmouth. Features a vast central hall, elaborate carved mantelpieces, a dining room designed by Stanford White, and a 160-foot-long rose and grape arbor.
Historical Significance
John Langdon was a three-term Governor of New Hampshire, a leader during the American Revolutionary War, a signer of the U.S. Constitution, and a friend of George Washington who visited Mr. Landon in 1789. The house was also the home of Black freedman Cyrus Bruce and was connected to Ona Judge, a former slave who escaped the bondage imposed upon her by George and Martha Washington.
Moffatt-Ladd House and Garden
John Adams called this the "grandest house in Portsmouth." Tours interpret American, New Hampshire, and Portsmouth history through five generations of free and enslaved inhabitants from the pre-Revolutionary period until 1912.
Tree of Independence
The garden features a horse chestnut tree planted in 1776 by William Whipple and Prince Whipple to celebrate the signing of the Declaration of Independence which, in 2000, was designated as New Hampshire's Millennium Landmark Tree.
USS Albacore
Built at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard and launched in 1953, this National Historic Landmark was the first Navy-designed vessel with a true underwater hull. Visitors can explore the control room, engineering spaces, and bunk rooms while learning from historic recordings of the voices of former crew members. On the grounds surrounding the submarine, you can experience the Memorial Garden at Albacore Park and Cabot Lyford's 'Black Dolphin' sculpture.
Record Breaker
In 1966, the USS Albacore set the record as the world's fastest submarine, attaining an underwater speed of nearly 40 mph (34.759 knots). Her motto was "Praenuntius Futuri" (Forerunner of the Future).
Strawbery Banke Museum
An outdoor living history museum featuring historic waterfront homes on their original sites, costumed roleplayers, traditional craft demos, and heirloom gardens. Artifacts span from Indigenous peoples (10,000-12,000 years ago) to English colonists (1623).
Notable Sites
- Governor Goodwin Mansion (1870 life)
- Shapiro House (1919 Jewish immigrant life)
- William Pitt Tavern (1777 Revolutionary War)
Portsmouth Historical Society
Offers video history of the city, rotating art gallery exhibits, gift shop, and walking tours exploring hidden treasures of New Hampshire's seacoast hub. Features unique mix of architecture, specialty shops, and bustling streets in a village-like setting.
Building History
Two Federal Style buildings from 1810: Thomas Morton's private home/grocery store and the Portsmouth Academy school. The combined buildings served as a city library until 2006, and now serves as the home of the Historical Society.
John Paul Jones House
Boarding house where Revolutionary naval war hero John Paul Jones lived from 1781-1782. Built in 1758 for sea captain Gregory Purcell, this stately three-story home is now operated as a museum by the Portsmouth Historical Society.
Naval Hero
John Paul Jones (1747-92), celebrated naval hero of the American Revolution, spent time in Portsmouth in 1777 and 1781-82. During those years, he rented a room in this house while the widow of Gregory Purcell operated it as a boarding house.
Seacoast Science Center & Odiorne State Park
Learn about marine mammals, fish, reefs, seabirds, marine mammal rescue programs, coral gene banking, and coastal habitat restoration. Expansive views of Gulf of Maine, four lighthouses, Isles of Shoals, and southern Maine coast.
Seven Natural Habitats
Includes woodlands, uplands, salt marsh, freshwater and salt ponds, sandy beach, and rocky shore. Features historic WWII Fort Dearborn fortifications, old stone walls, and cellar holes from grand estate years.
Portsmouth Naval Shipyard
Currently overhauls, repairs, and modernizes Los Angeles-class submarines. Special tours include Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum, Treaty of Portsmouth room, and possibly the former U.S. Naval Prison and Shipyard Heritage Center.
Historic Treaty Site
The Treaty of Portsmouth, which was signed in 1905 at the end of the Russo-Japanese War, was negotiated here. President Theodore Roosevelt won the Nobel Peace Prize for mediating the parties' discussions that led to the signing of the treaty.
Prescott Park
A 10-acre waterfront park featuring formal plantings around various sculptural elements including a massive anchor and two of Cabot Lyford's four sculptures in Portsmouth - "My Mother the Wind" on Four Tree Island and "Fisherman's Luck" known as the "Whale" sculpture. Created by sisters Mary and Josie Prescott, who willed it to the City in 1954 for public enjoyment.
Garden Highlights
Liberty Gardens, beds of annuals, formal plantings, bed of hostas along shaded Mechanic Street edge. "My Mother the Wind" sculpture by Cabot Lyford at Four Tree Island waterfront (free reservation required).
New Castle, New Hampshire
Lovely self-guided car tour of New Hampshire's only town made entirely of islands which are connected to each other by bridges. Being the easternmost and the smallest town by area in the State of New Hampshire, New Castle features picturesque homes and historic sites.
New Castle Sites to Visit
- Fort Constitution State Historic Site - Details
- Fort Stark State Historic Site - Details
- New Castle Historical Society - Old Library Museum, 120 Main Street - Details
- Portsmouth Harbor Light (Fort Point Light) - Not open for tours - Info
- Wentworth-by-the-Sea Hotel (built 1874) - Site of 1905 Russo-Japanese Peace Treaty negotiations - Visit
- New Castle Common - 31-acre recreation area on the Atlantic Ocean
- U.S. Coast Guard Station
Portsmouth Athenaeum
The 200-year old Federal-style library contains more than 40,000 books, but this Portsmouth gem has so much more to offer: Custom House records for the port of Portsmouth during the Revolutionary War, a 1478 Bible, a first-edition paper-bound copy of James Joyce's Ulysses, a model of the ship America (built in Portsmouth for the Royal Navy in 1749), the oldest surviving measured drawing of an American ship (the Elizabeth launched from a Piscataqua River tributary in 1752), plus antique furniture, ship models, bronze statues, and gilt-framed portraits of historical figures.
Historical Treasures
The library looks as it did in the early 1800s when sea captains came to read the daily shipping news and when local leaders and citizens gathered to discuss the affairs of the day. The Cabinet of Curiosities displays a whale's eye and the axe used in the infamous Smuttynose Island Murder. The building includes the Randall Gallery, Shaw Research Library, and the Joseph Sawtelle Reading Room; each are open to tour or settle in and enjoy an historic book.
Cabot Lyford's Sculptures (Prescott Park)
Discover two remarkable granite sculptures by renowned artist Cabot Lyford at Prescott Park. These powerful works of art have become iconic landmarks of Portsmouth's waterfront, capturing the essence of the region's maritime heritage.
Sculptures at Prescott Park
"Whale" - Perhaps Lyford's most iconic Portsmouth work, this magnificent black granite whale sculpture has become a beloved landmark at Prescott Park. The massive form captures the power and beauty of these ocean giants that once filled the waters off Portsmouth's coast.
"My Mother the Wind" - This evocative black granite sculpture graces the waterfront at Four Tree Island in Prescott Park. The piece captures the essence of maritime Portsmouth, where wind and water have shaped the city's character for centuries. (Free reservation required to access Four Tree Island)
About Cabot Lyford: A renowned New Hampshire sculptor whose powerful granite works have become integral to Portsmouth's cultural landscape. His mastery of stone carving brings life to the region's maritime heritage.
Cabot Lyford's Sculptures (Other Locations)
Explore additional remarkable granite sculptures by renowned artist Cabot Lyford scattered throughout Portsmouth. These powerful works showcase his mastery of stone carving and have become cherished landmarks in the community.
Sculpture Locations
"Black Dolphin" - Submariners Memorial Garden, Albacore Park. This striking black granite sculpture honors submariners and stands as a powerful tribute at the Albacore Park memorial garden. The dolphin's sleek form emerges from the dark stone, symbolizing the strength and grace of those who serve beneath the waves.
"Eagle" - Great Bay Community College Campus. Unlike Lyford's other Portsmouth sculptures carved from black granite, "Eagle" is uniquely crafted from white granite. Located on the former Pease Air Force base site, this majestic bird may have been commissioned to honor the base's military heritage.
Note: These sculptures are part of Cabot Lyford's larger body of work celebrating Portsmouth's maritime and military heritage.
Planning Your Visits
Many of these sites require advance reservations, especially for group tours. Please contact venues directly to confirm hours, pricing, and availability for your visit dates. Some locations have special requirements such as U.S. citizenship or physical mobility restrictions.
Transportation
Most sites are within easy walking or short driving distance from the AC Hotel Portsmouth. Parking information is provided for each location. Consider coordinating with classmates to share rides and make visits more enjoyable.
Lodging
Stay in comfort and style at Portsmouth's premier hotel, perfectly positioned for your reunion weekend.
AC Hotel by Marriott Portsmouth
★★★★ European Elegance & Modern Luxury
📍 Hotel Address & Location
299 Vaughan Street
Portsmouth, NH 03801
Waterfront District - 5-minute walk to Market Square
Experience sophisticated European-inspired design with stunning waterfront views in the heart of historic Portsmouth. This modern luxury hotel offers a refined atmosphere with minimalist elegance is perfect for Exeter alums and their significant others who appreciate contemporary style and harbor proximity. The AC Hotel combines sleek design with premium amenities, creating an ideal base for your reunion activities in Portsmouth.
Dining & Social
- AC Kitchen breakfast
- AC Lounge with tapas
- Rooftop terrace
- Evening social hours
Premium Amenities
- Harbor view rooms
- European-style breakfast
- Fitness center
- Business center
Services & Convenience
- Valet parking
- Meeting spaces
- 24-hour front desk
- Concierge services
Modern Comforts
- High-speed WiFi
- Smart room technology
- Premium bedding
- Marriott Bonvoy points
The Class of '66 has reserved a block of rooms at Portsmouth's premier hotel, the AC Portsmouth Marriott Hotel, which is conveniently located for your all reunion activities. This block of 45 rooms will be available for '66 classmates at the deeply discounted rate of $199.00 per night (plus tax and fees) until February 1st, 2026. After that date, non-discounted rooms at this hotel will probably be available for our classmates, but they will be priced at prevailing market rates.
Reserve Your Hotel Room
Many classmates are arriving early to enjoy the Portsmouth Pre-Game events. To reserve a room for Friday night, May 2, and/or Saturday night, May 3, click here.
To reserve a room for Sunday night, May 4, and/or Monday night, May 5, click here.
These are the hotel's self-registration links. This is the only way to reserve one of our discounted rooms. The hotel's reservations desk cannot access our discounted rooms. After you click on a link, you can select from any of the special room features offered by the hotel and then use your credit card to finalize your room reservation.
Portsmouth Restaurant Guide
A curated selection of Portsmouth's finest dining establishments, recommended by your classmates for reunion gatherings.
| Restaurant | Rec By | Meals | Cuisine | Price | Hours | Address |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The River House | P | L, D | Seafood | $$ | First come, first serve after April 1st | 53 Bow Street — ~4 blocks from AC Hotel. Same management as Water View Grill. Good to excellent seafood. |
| Water View Grill | P | L, D | Seafood | $$ | Takes reservations | 37 Bow Street — ~4 blocks from AC Hotel. A group of us will be dining here on May 4th (reservation already made). |
| The Oar House | P | L, D | Waterfront American | $$ | Daily: Opens at 11:30 AM | 55 Ceres Street — ~4 blocks from AC Hotel, literally "around the corner" from Water View Grill. Another group will be dining here on May 4th (reservation already made). |
| Cava | P | D | Spanish Tapas | $$$ | See website | 10 Commercial Alley — ~0.5 miles (10-minute walk) from AC Hotel |
| Row 34 | P | L, D | Oyster Bar & Seafood | $$$ | Mon–Thu: 4 PM – 9 PM; Fri–Sat: 11:30 AM – 10 PM; Sun: 11:30 AM – 9 PM | 5 Portwalk Place — ~4 blocks from AC Hotel. Excellent seafood with raw bar, locally sourced. Definitely expensive, but a dining experience. |
| The Library Restaurant | P | D | Upscale Steakhouse & Seafood | $$$ | Sun–Thu: 4 PM – 9 PM; Fri–Sat: 4 PM – 10 PM | 401 State Street — ~0.4 miles, 10-minute walk from AC Hotel. Dan Clement has dined there. Superb ambiance. Elegant and expensive. |
| Ristorante Massimo | P | D | Fine Dining Italian | $$–$$$ | Sun, Tue–Thu: 5 PM – 9:30 PM; Fri–Sat: 5 PM – 10 PM | 59 Penhallow Street — ~0.5 miles, 12-minute walk from AC Hotel. Highly recommended. If you are in the mood for high-class Italian, this might be the place. |
| 110 Grill | P | L, D | American | $–$$ | See website | 103 Hanover Street — across the street from Row 34, ~4 blocks from AC Hotel |
Key
Restaurants recommended by: P = Portsmouth Team. Hours are approximate—please check websites before visiting.
Join Us for This Historic Celebration
Be part of this landmark 60th reunion gathering. Join your classmates and their significant others as we celebrate six decades of friendship, achievements, challenges, and the enduring bonds we forged during our time together at the Academy.