Baby Animals: Heritage Breeds at the Banke
April 27-May 5, 2024, 10 AM-4 PM
Rain or shine under a heated tent!
Learn about domestic livestock typical on coastal northern New England farms from the 17th century to the present day at this family-friendly and educational event. Peter Cook, Guest Curator, and expert breeders from NH, ME, MA, and NY farms share stories and answer visitors’ questions about the rare heritage breeds, their unique characteristics, special care, and importance in today's world. Petting is not allowed for the animals' and visitors' health and safety.
Enjoy demonstrations, such as weaving, and on Sundays, Dan Smith, Restoration Assistant and Museum Beekeeper, performs a honey extraction demonstration in the Lawrence J. Yerdon Visitor Center Lecture Hall from 11 AM to 2 PM. Demonstrations are included with event tickets. Pickwick's at the Banke, the Museum store is open during the event.
Plus! Strawbery Banke Museum's historic houses are open for tours starting April 27, 2024. Enhance your experience at Baby Animals: Heritage Breeds at the Banke by purchasing a Baby Animals & Museum Admission combo ticket, to tour Strawbery Banke’s historic houses, exhibits, and heirloom gardens. Remember, members receive FREE general museum admission.
New! Baby Animals & Museum Admission Combo Tickets:
Enjoy access to both Baby Animals: Heritage Breeds at the Banke main event and touring Strawbery Banke Museum’s historic houses, exhibits, and heirloom gardens.
Adults (ages 18+): $34
Senior/Student: $32
Children (ages 5-17): $22
Children (ages 1-4): $12
Children (under 1): Free
Family (2 Adults + Children): $80
Baby Animals Event Only Tickets:
Enjoy access to Baby Animals: Heritage Breeds at the Banke main event.
Nonmembers (ages 1+): $12
Children (under 1): Free
Members receive free museum admission and free or discounted admission to Baby Animals: Heritage Breeds at the Banke.
Discounts are based on membership level.
Children’s Program with Baby Animals
Presented for an hour before and after the event is open to the public, the Children's Program is led by a heritage breeder and educator and is designed to give children (geared towards ages 4-8, but all are welcome) an opportunity to meet the baby lambs, kids, chicks, and other animals up close.
Tickets for the Children’s Program include a breakfast or afternoon snack, admission for up to two accompanying parents or guardians, and all-day admission to the main event. Limited space is available for each session. Members $20. Nonmembers $25.
Morning Sessions (9-10 AM):
Saturday, April 27, 2024 - FULL
Sunday, April 28, 2024 - FULL
Saturday, May 4, 2024 - FULL
Sunday, May 5, 2024 - FULL
Afternoon Sessions (4-5 PM):
Saturday, April 27, 2024 - FULL
Sunday, April 28, 2024 - FULL
Monday, April 29, 2024
Tuesday, April 30, 2024
Wednesday, May 1, 2024 - 8 Spots Left!
Thursday, May 2, 2024
Friday, May 3, 2024 - 6 Spots Left!
Saturday, May 4, 2024 - 4 Spots Left!
Meet the animals:
Newly-hatched chicks, turkeys, and ducklings from heritage breed hatcheries
American Guinea hogs and piglets,
Timber Haven Farm
(Warwick, MA)
Clun Forest sheep and lambs,
Riverbank Farm
(Salisbury, NH)
Gloucestershire Old Spot pigs and piglets,
Gentile Family Homestead
(Fitzwilliam, NH)
Dexter cattle and calves,
Riverbank Farm
(Salisbury, NH)
Jacob sheep and lambs,
Jacob Fleece Farm
(Gray, ME)
Lincoln Longwool sheep and lambs,
Rocks and Rills Farm
(Hancock, NH)
Nigerian Dwarf Dairy goats and kids,
Tiny Hill Farm
(Milton Mills, NH)
Shetland sheep and lambs,
Echo Valley Farm
(Limerick, ME)
Soay sheep and lambs,
SheepsCreek Farm
(Piermont, NH)
Silver Fox rabbits and kits,
Elior Acres LLC
(Bradford, NH)
Frequently Asked Questions
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No. You are able to enter the event at any time during the event window.
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Most spend 45-60 minutes touring the event tent and speaking to animal educators. Some choose to spend more or less time depending on interests and schedules. Remember to hang onto your admission tag. You’re welcome to exit the grounds and reenter the same evening during the event window by presenting your admission tag.
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No. The historic houses are not open during the Baby Animals: Heritage Breeds at the Banke event and reopen for the season on May 1. You’re welcome to walk the grounds and explore the historic landscapes and gardens.
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Parking at Strawbery Banke Museum is limited and subject to availability.
If the lot is full, visitors are encouraged to try nearby off-site parking options including Portsmouth's two parking garages:
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Strawbery Banke is happy to accommodate requests for purchased tickets to be transferred to a different date within within 24 hours of the ticket purchase. The Museum will work with the ticket purchaser within the 24-hour window, as availability allows, to make the adjustments requested.
Note that Strawbery Banke is unable to accommodate requests for purchased tickets to be transferred to a different date outside of the 24-hour window.
For ticket order errors contact Sarah Regan, Member and Visitor Services Associate, at sregan@sbmuseum.org or 603.241.1644.
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Baby Animals: Heritage Breeds at the Banke tickets are non-refundable. Tickets are transferrable. Simply, give the paper ticket or forward the e-ticket to whomever will be attending the event.
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Library passes obtained from local libraries that participate in Strawbery Banke’s Library Membership program may be used to attend Baby Animals: Heritage Breeds at the Banke using the pass at the door the night of the event. Library patrons with a valid pass do not need to reserve tickets in advance on the Museum's website and should contact their library to inquire about pass availability. Patrons should bring a copy of the library pass and present it at the door to obtain complimentary admission. Please check with your local library for participation and pass availability.
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Baby Animals: Heritage Breeds at the Banke occurs rain or shine in a heated tent. It is recommended that visitors wear rainboots or waterproof footwear as there may be puddles on the walk from the Lawrence J. Yerdon Visitors Center to the event tent if it has rained.
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Strawbery Banke Museum uses Altru as a ticketing platform. The fastest way to find your tickets is to search your inbox for an email from “Strawbery Banke Museum.” Your tickets are available as a link in the email. If for some reason you did not receive your tickets via email, please contact Strawbery Banke via sregan@sbmuseum.org or 603.241.1644
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You’re welcome to print your tickets or show e-tickets on your phone.
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If you are experiencing problems ordering tickets, please contact Sarah Regan, Donor and Visitor Services Associate, at sregan@sbmuseum.org or 603.241.1644.
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Yes! The support of numerous volunteers is critical to the success of Baby Animals: Heritage Breeds at the Banke. A variety of opportunities are available for all days of the event. Children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.
For more information, contact Alex Cave, Museum Events Manager, via acave@sbmuseum.org
Baby Animals: Heritage Breeds at the Banke is presented in part by
