Strawbery Banke Museum brings more than 350 years of history alive in a historic waterfront neighborhood in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. As a living history museum, Strawbery Banke shares the everyday stories of the people who lived and worked in this community over time, from Indigenous history to the present day. With historic houses on their original sites, costumed roleplayers, traditional craft demonstrations, and heirloom gardens, the museum offers visitors an authentic, immersive experience of the past. Strawbery Banke Museum’s mission is to promote understanding of the lives of individuals and the value of community through encounters with history and ongoing preservation. The museum preserves historic buildings, landscapes, and artifacts, conducts research that places local history in a broader context, and shares its findings through exhibitions, tours, publications, and educational programs. Visitors can explore the museum through self-guided and specialty guided tours, engaging with historic homes, hands-on activities, and changing exhibits. Year-round, Strawbery Banke offers a variety of programs, including summer camps, homeschool classes, workshops, and community events. Signature annual events bring history to life, including: Springfest: A Celebration of Gardens and Baby Animals (May 10–11, 2025) – A new signature event showcasing historic gardens, heritage-breed animals, and the evolving relationship between people and the land. Ghosts on the Banke: A Family-Friendly Halloween (October 17–18 & 24–25, 2025) – A beloved Portsmouth tradition where the historic neighborhood transforms with jack-o’-lanterns, trick-or-treating, and ghostly tales. Candlelight Stroll (December 5–7, 12–14, 19–21, 2025) – A magical holiday experience featuring glowing lanterns, costumed roleplayers, live music, and festive décor. Strawbery Banke Museum is a place for delight, discovery, and learning—where history and people come together. Whether exploring the past through hands-on activities, engaging with costumed roleplayers, or celebrating traditions at seasonal events, visitors of all ages will find meaningful connections to history. For more information, visit strawberybanke.org.
