WHO ARE WE
OUR STORY
In 2012, three friends created a community workshop to collaborate on projects, acquire shared equipment, and collectively nurture their creativity. They soon realized artists and makers across the Seacoast had the same unmet need.
Driven by a vision to support all creative pursuits, the Port City Makerspace was established as a welcoming community for anyone eager to learn or enhance their skills. In 2014, PCMS filed as an official nonprofit to offer a shared workspace and hub for collaboration.
Today, the Makerspace is open to anyone, regardless of experience, and promotes an inclusive, learning-focused environment. Our nine workshops are equipped to foster education, growth, and creativity for all.
PCMS BY THE NUMBERS
250+ Members
9 Community Workshops
73 Classes Covering 21 Subjects
LETTER FROM OUR CHAIR
On behalf of the Board and the entire Port City Makerspace community, I want to express our thanks for a successful 2024! Whether you’re a maker, volunteer, donor, or organizational partner, your support helped the Makerspace continue to be a welcoming, creative space where people come together to learn, build, and innovate.
This past year has been full of big moments and exciting growth. We built two new shops – adding even more tools and resources for our members. We taught a record-breaking number of classes across 21 subjects. And to top it all off, our Winter Market was a huge success, bringing local makers and the community together to celebrate creativity around the holidays.
None of this would have been possible without you!
A special thanks goes out to our amazing volunteers who dedicated their time, skills, and passion to making all of this happen. Whether you helped construct a new shop, taught a class, organized an event, or lent a hand behind the scenes, your efforts made a real impact. Port City Makerspace thrives because of people who give their time and efforts to strengthen this community and support our fellow makers.
Looking ahead, we’ve got even more in store. With your continued support, we’ll keep expanding, improving, and creating new opportunities for artists and makers to explore their passions.
Port City Makerspace isn’t justa series of workshops —it’s a community, and we’re so grateful to have you with us. We look forward to continue making and creating in 2025.
Together,
Gabe Markley
PCMS Board Chair
NEW SHOPS
The Machine Shop
In June, we opened our new Machine Shop!
The Machine Shop is a game-changing space for engineers, artists, and anyone that needs to work with metal. These tools cut and shape metal with ease!
After sharing space with our Metal Shop for the past decade, our volunteers came together to fund, construct, and open a dedicated Machine Shop. Now, the Machine and Metal shops have doubled in size, allowing for more equipment and tools for each craft.
The Pottery Studio
This February, we celebrated our new Pottery Studio!
Featuring three high-quality wheels, a slab roller, and two powerful kilns, the studio offers endless possibilities for artists of all skill levels exploring ceramics.
This incredible new space would not have been possible without the generosity and dedication of over 75 donors and 30 hardworking volunteers. The studio is already a hub of creativity, with pieces being shaped, fired, and brought to life.
MAKER CREATIONS
OUR PARTNERSHIPS
In 2025, Port City Makerspace strengthened its community impact through valuable partnerships. Collaborations with organizations like Players Ring and Seacoast Pedal It Forward fostered creativity and accessibility. Joint programming with nonprofits like Lydia’s House of Hope provided residents with hands-on learning opportunities that empowered through creativity.
Strong sponsorships from local funding institutions also helped expand our resources, sustain operations, and grow educational programs.
Seacoast Pedal It Forward (SPIF)
This year, SPIF took broken, otherwise discarded, bikes and repaired them for people in our community. In the PCMS Bike Shop, SPIF repaired and donated over 200 bikes to local schools, families, and individuals as they promote physical and mental health, provide transportation, and bring diverse communities together.
The SPIF partnership continues in 2025!
OUR PAST CHAIR
Tricia Mansfield: A maker transforming PCMS
PCMS extends its sincere thanks to Tricia Mansfield for her creativity, passion, and dedication to the Makerspace!
Her 5 years on the Board of Directors, and 2 years as Chair, strengthened our community, expanded educational opportunities, and grew resources for our makers.
Thank you, Tricia, for all that you have done for makers.
We look forward to seeing your next painting or Cricut design at the Makerspace!
FINANCIALS
The Port City Makerspace continued to maintain strong financial health in 2024.
Our total revenue grew by 4% reaching $260,146.
Expenses grew year-over-year as PCMS invested in expansion by adding a part-time staff position and building two new shops: Machine and Pottery.
SUPPORTERS
As a 501(c)(3), Port City Makerspace thrives thanks to the incredible generosity of individuals, members, local companies, and community partners.
Contributions come in many forms, including funding, equipment, raw materials, and countless volunteer hours.
These donations help PCMS maintain workshops, expand resources, and support the creative ambitions of our diverse community.
CLASSES AT PCMS
In 2024, PCMS offered hands-on classes for all skill levels, across 21 subjects.
Hosted in our Auto, Bike, CNC, Textiles, Electronics, Machine, Metal, Pottery, and Wood Workshops, participants gain confidence and practical skills through real projects.
From woodworking and metalworking to pottery and electronics, our expert-led classes focus on craftsmanship, creativity, and safety.
Whether you’re tuning up a bike,welding metal, or sewing a custom piece, our workshops provide the tools and guidance needed to succeed.
Start learning, building, and creating with us by signing up for a class!
BECOME A MEMBER
Port City Maker $50/month
Gain access to the Makerspace’s nine Community Workshops and tools during our 60 weekly hours of operation.
Maker’s Guild $80/month
Gain 24/7 to the Makerspace’s nine Community Workshops and tools.
Family Member Add-Ons:
If there are multiple members in a household, PCMS offers bundles to save money on membership.
Family Member Add-On (Adult): $35/month
Family Member Add-On (Child): $15/month