Albacore Park to break ground on new visitor center

PORTSMOUTH — Albacore Park, a National Historic Landmark Site and museum in Portsmouth, is expanding its visitor center.

Thanks to generous funding provided by the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, the Linn Foundation, and an anonymous donor, they are working on a building expansion that will double the size of Albacore Park’s visitor center.

A new, 1,500-square-foot extension to the existing building will be constructed to provide a new exhibit space for an enhanced visitor experience. The site’s existing building will also be renovated to provide additional space for exhibits, gift shop, programming, events and administrative areas.

Along with the building expansion is a new organizational name and mission. Now known as the Portsmouth Submarine & Maritime Association (PSMA), the organization has expanded its scope to tell the stories of Portsmouth’s Maritime heritage along the Piscataqua River. The new building will include exhibit space to not only tell these stories but also to continue to honor the legacy and importance of the USS Albacore (AGSS-569) experimental submarine and the United States submarine service.

The construction team of Careno Construction began work in early May. The plans for this new addition are provided by PortOne Architects who provide comprehensive architectural services in the New England region.

“We have been waiting a long time for this development," said Executive Director Patricia Violette-Adams. "Finally, we will have the space to increase our interpretation of submarine history as well as placing more emphasis on the rich Maritime history of our region.”

The new museum gallery will have revolving exhibits and new technology to enhance the visitor experience.

“This expansion represents the years of hard work and dedication by the Board of Directors, Executive Director, staff and the numerous community colleagues and volunteers,” said PSMA’s Board President Ken Latchaw.

This project has been on the drawing board since 2019, and completion is expected in late fall.

“Our interpretation has been focused in one area, and I am so pleased we will be able to share more Maritime stories of those who sailed on the Piscataqua River,” said Building Committee Chairman Philip Munck.

Albacore Park is still accepting donations for this expansion to help with new exhibit displays and the final costs associated with the construction project.

The ground-breaking ceremony is open to the public, and light refreshments will be served. Albacore Park is asking for RSVPs for the event. Please call 603-436-3680 or email executivedirector@ussalbacore.org.