COLLECTIONS
Archaeologists have conducted some of the most extensive urban archaeology investigations on the East Coast at Strawbery Banke.
This rich resource plus the museum’s collection of over 1,000,000 decorative arts objects, artifacts, documents and photographs, all with specific Portsmouth connections, make it possible to depict life in this neighborhood over the past 300+ years as accurately as possible.
The Strawbery Banke District was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975.
As a living history museum, Strawbery Banke strives to preserve the history of the place and people who lived in this neighborhood. The museum seeks to preserve wherever possible and apply the formal principles of Adaptation, Preservation, Restoration and Reconstruction when assessing rehabilitation at the museum.
Collections are based on Portsmouth and this site. To search the Collections online database, please click here.
NEW & NOTEWORTHY
2022 Historic House Season
Open daily through October 31, 2022, 10 AM - 5 PM
Tour historic houses on original sites, meet engaging costumed roleplayers, watch traditional crafts demonstrations, explore historical gardens, and experience engaging exhibits like "Water Has a Memory."
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Vintage & Vine Online Auction
September 2-25, 2022
Browse, bid on, and buy unique items and experiences in the Vintage & Vine Online Auction. Whether shopping for yourself or getting a head start on the holidays, you'll find something for everyone, including great escapes, health & fitness packages, food & beverage, and so much more.
Homeschool Programs
Registration Now Open
Explore traditional arts and crafts such as basket weaving and woodworking, learn how to write a historical fiction book, solve mysteries using documents, images, and objects, and so much more in Strawbery Banke's Homeschool Programs. Access all onsite and virtual programs for 2022-2023 with a homeschool program subscription.
Ghosts on the Banke - A Family-Friendly Halloween Event
October 28 & 29, 2022, 5:30-8 PM
Trick-or-treat safely outdoors from house to historic house. Meet wayward pirates and a mysterious fortune-teller, listen to ghostly tales, construct a giant spider web, dance to spooky musical tunes, and play games for prizes. Public ticket sales begin on Monday, September 26, 2022, at 10 AM.
Dawnland StoryFest
Saturday, November 5, 2022, 10 AM-5 PM
Dawnland StoryFest is hosted by Strawbery Banke in connection with the Museum's permanent "People of the Dawnland" exhibit. This daylong event, held in the Visitors Center, features storytelling "concerts" or performances by five experienced Indigenous storytellers as well as a keynote address. Free to attend with a suggested donation of $10.