COVID-19 Update: A Virtual American Celebration will take place in lieu of the 4th of July celebrations at the museum.
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An American Celebration
Saturday, July 4, 2020, 10 am - 5 pm
American Lives: A Timeline of American History and An American Celebration are now combined as one event occurring on the 4th of July!
US Naturalization Ceremony (11 am - 12 pm): Celebrate America by welcoming new citizens at the US Naturalization Ceremony. A museum favorite, come feel reinvigorated by the joy and patriotism shared by those who make their own special day on their new nation’s birthday.
Old-fashioned field day games (10 am - 2 pm): Learn games played throughout the centuries as part of Strawbery Banke’s Old Fashioned Field Day. Visitors are invited to play a round of croquet, test their skill at marbles, have fun with hula hoops, and collect ribbons at 10 different games all over the museum grounds.
Guest re-enactors & historical performers (10 am - 5 pm): Dozens of costumed re-enactors and living performers present American history from 1602 to 1945 join the museum's roleplayers for interactions all day long across the museum grounds. Guest reenactors and performers at past events include:
- Strange and Farre, early North American settlers in the year 1602
- Crew of the Raven, maritime history & the lifestyle of sailors, 1620
- Salem Trayned Band, 17th Century pike and shot weaponry, 1637
- 42nd Regiment of Foot, French and Indian War soldiers, 1756
- Cowasuck Band of the Pennacook-Abenaki People, Native American culture and arts in the year 1750
- His Majesty's Tenth Regiment of Foot, Infantry unit of the British Army during the Revolution, 1775
- Dr. Jackson, Portsmouth’s physician making 18th C. Medicine, 1786
- The Federal Ladies, demonstrating women’s life in 1798
- Oney Judge Staines, describing colonial slavery from the year 1845
- Kearsarge Afterguard, Federal Civil War Navy, 1860's
- Corbin’s Battery, early Civil War mountain howitzer battery, 1861
- NE Woman Suffrage Association: Puddle Dock Chapter, portraying Woman Suffrage, 1916
- Bessie Coleman, an African American aviator from the 1920s
- Mack Fire Truck Jack and Bella show off their 1930 pumper
- Pine Tree Chapter Model As, Model A Ford autos from the 1930s
- Vintage Express, women supporting the WWII war effort
Patriotic Parade (2 pm): Children are invited to decorate their bikes, wagons, or hats from 10:00 am until the parade around the museum grounds starts at 2 pm.
Ticket information:
An American Celebration is included with regular, museum admission. Members receive free admission as well as those currently serving in the United States Military and their families (up to 5 family members). Veterans also receive free admission.
Parking information:
Parking at the Museum is reserved for HANDICAP ONLY during designated special events. All other visitors should utilize off-site parking. For a downloadable PDF map of public parking, click here.*
Additional support from Appledore Medical Group, BAE, Eastern Bank, Exeter Hospital, and Fidelity as well as annual sponsors R.M. Davis and Proulx Oil & Gas. Marshall Rental provides in-kind support.
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