During the mid to late 20th century, Portsmouth, NH, underwent vast changes to the structure and urbanity of the city. Family homes were lifted and removed from their foundations and relocated to make for highways and commercial buildings. Communities, including the primarily-Italian North End, were torn down to make room for offices, restaurants, parking, hotels, and condos.

In these photographs, taken by Marion A. Hanson and donated by Beverly McCann, one can see the process of some of the houses on Maplewood Ave being removed to make room for Interstate 95; the houses on Vaughn Street ready to be either taken down or relocated; the construction of the Sheraton Hotel and the Hanover Street Garage.

This collection was processed with the assistance of intern Aleah Estey, 2026.