Plan Your Visit
Accessibility
We want everyone to feel welcome at Strawbery Banke Museum. Because our 10-acre campus includes historic buildings, outdoor pathways, and spaces dating from different periods, accessibility varies throughout the site. The information below can help you know what to expect and plan your visit.
Important to Know
Several buildings have ramp access, but many of our historic houses have not been modified to meet modern ADA standards. Narrow doorways, thresholds, tight turns, and stairs may limit access for some wheelchairs and mobility devices. Most second floors are accessible only by stairs.
If you have questions about your specific mobility needs, please contact us before your visit at 603.433.1100 or info@sbmuseum.org.
Accessible Buildings & Exhibitions
The following buildings and exhibitions can be reached by ramp. Because these are historic spaces, interior access varies by building. The measurements below are provided to help visitors determine whether a space may work for their individual mobility needs.
| Building / Exhibition | Interior Access | Clearances |
|---|---|---|
| Goodwin Mansion | First floor |
|
| Rowland Gallery at the Carter Collections Center | Accessible exhibition space | Measurements coming soon. |
| Shapiro House | First floor |
|
| Yeaton House (Maritime Gallery) | First floor |
|
| William Pitt Tavern | First floor |
|
| Abbott House and Store | First floor |
|
| Shapley-Drisco-Pridham House | First floor |
|
| Penhallow-Cousins House | First floor |
|
Measurements are approximate. Accessibility may vary depending on the size and type of mobility device, individual mobility needs, and the ability to navigate historic thresholds and turns.
Questions About Your Visit?
We’re happy to help you plan ahead. Please call 603.433.1100 or email info@sbmuseum.org with any accessibility questions.
Plan Ahead
Accessibility Around the Museum
Find information about parking, restrooms, navigating the grounds, visitor support, education programs, and adaptive skating.
Getting Here
Parking & Arrival
Free parking and accessible drop-off are available near the Museum entrance.
- Three accessible spaces are available in the lot at 14 Hancock Street, including two for wheelchair vans.
- Vehicles may pull up to the Museum entrance for drop-off.
- A brick path connects the parking lot to the Lawrence J. Yerdon Visitors Center.
- The Visitors Center is ADA-compliant. Staff are happy to assist with doors.
Facilities
Restrooms
Accessible restrooms are available in the Visitors Center and Jefferson House.
- The Visitors Center has ADA-compliant men’s and women’s restrooms with changing tables.
- Jefferson House has modern men’s and women’s restrooms reached by two steps.
- A gender-inclusive ADA-compliant restroom with a changing table is accessible by ramp at Jefferson House.
- Guests seeking a private space for feeding may ask staff for assistance.
On the Grounds
Getting Around the Site
The nearly 10-acre campus is relatively flat, but historic surfaces can vary.
- Some unpaved dirt paths may be difficult to navigate.
- Weather, mobility device type, and assistance may affect ease of travel.
- Alternative entrances may be available. Please ask Visitors Center staff.
- Chairs, benches, and picnic tables are located throughout the grounds.
- Three transfer chairs are available first-come, first-served.
Visitor Support
Additional Accommodations
Staff are happy to help visitors plan for individual accessibility needs.
- Service dogs, as defined by the ADA, are welcome.
- Visitor Guides are available in English, German, French, and Spanish upon request.
- Quiet outdoor areas include the Thomas Bailey Aldrich House garden, the Shapiro House orchard, and the lawn near the Victory Garden.
- Visitors sensitive to scented products may prefer the Museum’s outdoor spaces and exhibits.
For medical or emergency assistance, contact the Visitors Center at 603.433.1100.
School & Camp Programs
Education Program Accessibility
Accessibility varies by program and building. The Education team can help plan for specific needs in advance.
Stoodley’s Tavern: A sloped concrete walkway provides ramp access to a side entrance. An accessible restroom is located on the first floor.
Workshops & Guided Tours: Some programs use buildings without ramps, but locations may be flexible.
Summer Camps: Camps use Stoodley’s Tavern as well as historic houses and exhibit spaces.
To discuss accessibility for a specific program, contact bcoppola@sbmuseum.org.
Labrie Family Skate at Puddle Dock Pond
Adaptive Skating
Strawbery Banke partners with Northeast Passage , a University of New Hampshire program that provides recreational opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
Northeast Passage is at the rink weekly with adaptive skating equipment, including sit-down recreational ice sleds and adult skate trainers, along with staff who can assist participants.
Check the weekly ice schedule for Adaptive Ice Time. Registration is available through Northeast Passage.
For information about Adaptive Ice Time, contact Crystal Skahan, Northeast Passage Education and Training Director, at crystal.skahan@unh.edu or 603.862.0070.
A recreational ice sled is also available free of charge for use during public skate sessions. To make arrangements in advance, contact Rink Manager Kayley Vavra at kayley@rinkservicesgroup.com.