Strawbery Banke Museum

About

A national historic surprise.

Story

Strawbery Banke Museum, in the heart of historic downtown Portsmouth, New Hampshire, is a 10-acre outdoor history museum dedicated to bringing 300+ years of American history to life. The Museum is a place for children, adults, multigenerational families and groups to gather to explore heritage gardens, historic buildings, crafts, preservation programs, hands-on activities, stories told by costumed role-players and the changing exhibits that offer hours of fun and discovery. The Museum’s restored buildings and open space invite visitors to immerse themselves in the past. The Museum welcomes 95,000 visitors, members, schoolchildren and volunteers who love New Hampshire history for daily programs, exhibits, skating and signature special events throughout the year.

Mission

Strawbery Banke is about connecting with the past. Visitors to Strawbery Banke have the opportunity to experience and imagine how people lived and worked in this typical American neighborhood throughout four centuries of history. Through its restored houses, its featured exhibits, its historic landscapes and gardens, and its interpretive programs, Strawbery Banke tells the stories of the many generations who settled in the Portsmouth, NH, community from the late l7th to the mid-20th century.

Significantly, this site was rescued from the poorly conceived urban renewal policies of the 1950s by conscientious, far sighted citizens. Always maintaining its grass roots origins, there has been no single benefactor underwriting its existence. Strawbery Banke has relied upon and continues to rely upon the generous support of numerous individuals who believe in the importance of preserving a site that so accurately depicts the history of immigrants transforming themselves into a community of American citizens.

Strawbery Banke tells these stories today by preserving an actual community where visitors can connect with the past; serving as a resource for educators, community; and providing a gathering space for the present day Portsmouth community.

We invite you to come find YOUR place in the unfolding story of America. We look forward to your visit to Strawbery Banke!