Piscataqua Savings Bank is the proud supporter of over 100 Seacoast area nonprofits. We’re highlighting a few of the nonprofits doing incredible, critical work in our Seacoast community with our Seacoast Spotlight Series. Next up in our spotlight is Port City Makerspace.
Tucked into the creative heart of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Port City Makerspace invites makers, tinkerers, hobbyists, and creators of all kinds to bring their ideas to life. As a nonprofit organization, its mission is to provide a shared space where people of all ages and skill levels can access tools, knowledge, and support to turn imagination into reality. Whether you’re a hobbyist, a professional, or simply curious to explore something new, the Makerspace welcomes everyone with open arms.
A Place Built on Community
Founded in 2012 by a group of local creatives with a shared passion for making, Port City Makerspace was created to fill a gap in the Portsmouth community. The vision was simple: a space where people could come together to craft, build, and learn, regardless of background or experience. Over the years, the Makerspace has grown into a hub for hands-on learning, fostering connections, inclusivity, and a culture of collaboration.
The heart of Port City Makerspace is its members. Students, professionals, retirees, artists, engineers, and more all bring different experiences to the table, creating a community that values collaboration and shared learning. It’s a place where people naturally support one another, and where creativity is encouraged through connection.
Creative Spaces
One of the most exciting aspects of Port City Makerspace is the variety of workspaces available. From woodworking and metalworking to electronics, textiles, and pottery, there is something for everyone. Members also have access to bike and auto repair stations, 3D printers, laser cutters, and so much more.
This wide range of tools and disciplines encourages exploration. A member might spend one day printing a custom design on a 3D printer, the next day cutting wood for a holiday gift, or learning to shape clay in the pottery studio. The Makerspace removes barriers to creativity, offering the tools, guidance, and community support needed to bring any idea to life.
Learning by Doing
Education is at the heart of the Makerspace mission. Classes and workshops are offered for all skill levels, from beginner to advanced. These programs teach not only technical skills but also foster problem-solving, innovation, and teamwork.
The learning experience extends far beyond individual projects. Collaboration is encouraged, and members often help one another troubleshoot challenges or refine techniques. This culture of shared knowledge transforms a simple workshop into a thriving community hub.
Making the Holidays Special
As the holiday season approaches, Port City Makerspace becomes the perfect place to channel creativity into meaningful, handmade gifts. Wooden toys, pottery mugs, custom jewelry, and other one-of-a-kind creations can all come to life within its walls.
Beyond the gifts themselves, the process of creating, exchanging ideas, learning new skills, and connecting with others reflects what this season is all about. Holiday workshops and classes offer a chance to make something meaningful for loved ones while meeting others who share a passion for hands-on creativity.
Why Port City Makerspace Matters
In a world where creativity often requires expensive equipment or dedicated space, Port City Makerspace levels the playing field by providing both access and community. One member summed it up perfectly: they didn’t have room at home for a table saw and jointer, but at the Makerspace, their project became possible.
What makes the experience even more rewarding is the collaborative spirit. Members regularly teach one another new tools and techniques, share advice, and work together across disciplines. In one instance, a member looking to design custom wheels for an RC car received hands-on help from another member experienced in 3D printing. This kind of creative exchange is what the Makerspace thrives on.
At its core, Port City Makerspace is about more than tools or projects, it’s about connection. It’s about a community of makers supporting one another, sharing knowledge, and finding joy in the act of creating. Whether you’re looking to build something with your hands, explore a new medium, or simply become part of a welcoming community, Port City Makerspace provides the space and tools to turn ideas into reality.
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