People standing during a patriotic ceremony, some holding American flags, with a group of soldiers in front carrying flags, under a tent with string lights.
People attending an event, with woman in the foreground wearing a striped blue dress, holding a small American flag, smiling. Others in the background hold American flags, some wear badges, sitting close together.
A man with a beard and tattoos wearing a blue shirt, sitting outdoors at a political event, holding an American flag in his shirt pocket, with a water bottle on his lap. He is making a peace sign with his right hand, and there are people standing and sitting around him.
Group of diverse people participating in a swearing-in or oath-taking ceremony, holding small American flags and documents.

U.S. Naturalization Ceremony

Saturday, July 4, 2026, 10-11:30 AM

Strawbery Banke Museum in partnership with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is excited to celebrate Independence Day by welcoming new citizens in a naturalization ceremony on July 4. The ceremony occurs rain or shine under a large tent on Museum grounds and is free and open to the public. Additionally, visitors may also tour Strawbery Banke’s historic houses and gardens at no charge.

Citizenship connects people to civic ideals and a belief in the rights and freedom guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution. This momentous occasion spotlights the profound significance of citizenship in connecting individuals to the civic values, rights and liberties at the heart of the American identity.

Please note that parking is unavailable on site and for safety reasons, weapons, signs/banners, pets, and coolers are not permitted. Please review the FAQ’s for additional information. Thank you for your cooperation!

Frequently Asked Questions

We kindly ask for your understanding that our parking lot is limited in size and parking is not available onsite for the Naturalization Ceremony. Additional parking information can be found under ‘Logistics and Parking.’
Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

GENERAL INFORMATION:

  • The U.S. naturalization ceremony takes place on July 4 from 10:00 to 11:30 AM under a tent on Puddle Dock. It is free and open to the public.

  • We recommend bringing:

    • A refillable water bottle

    • A hat, sunscreen, or rain gear, depending on the forecast

    • A camera or phone to capture the moment (please be respectful when photographing others)

  • To help keep the event safe and welcoming for everyone, please do not bring:

    • Weapons of any kind, including firearms, knives, or sharp objects

    • Placards, signs, or banners (including flags on poles) that cannot be stowed in a small bag

    • Clothing with offensive or abusive language or symbols

    • Non-service animals

    Visitors arriving with prohibited items will be asked to return them to their vehicle before entering. Strawbery Banke Museum is not responsible for lost or stolen items left in vehicles.

    Please also review and follow the Strawbery Banke Museum Visitor Code of Conduct on the Plan A Visit page of the Museum’s website, which outlines expectations for respectful behavior while on the property.

  • Yes! Admission is free on July 4, and Strawbery Banke’s historic houses and exhibits will be open to the public following the ceremony.

  • Dogs and other pets are not permitted on the Museum grounds when the Museum is open for special events.

    Service dogs, as defined by the ADA, are welcome.

  • The ceremony is outdoors, rain or shine. Please dress for the weather and choose attire that feels respectful of the occasion—festive, thoughtful, and comfortable for a summer morning.

TICKETS AND RESERVATIONS:

  • No tickets or RSVPs are required. The Naturalization Ceremony is free and open to the public—just come and enjoy this special celebration.

LOGISTICS AND PARKING:

  • Parking for the U.S. Naturalization Ceremony is not available on site. Guests should make advanced plans to park elsewhere in downtown Portsmouth. The Hanover and Foundry Place Parking Garages, both operated by the City of Portsmouth, are nearby options. Additionally, on-street metered parking is available and parking fees are not enforced on July 4, 2026.

    A very limited number of accessible parking spaces will be available on site for vehicles with handicap placards or plates. These are first come, first served.

  • The ceremony area is tented and accessible. If you require accommodations, we encourage early arrival. Please note that accessible parking is not available on site.

CONCESSIONS & PHOTOGRAPHY

  • Water stations will be available on site. Grab-and-go concessions, including coffee, will be available for purchase at pop-up concession stations on Puddle Dock and in the Lawrence J. Yerdon Visitors Center. Guests are welcome to bring reusable water bottles.

  • Yes, respectful photography is welcome. Please be mindful of others and avoid obstructing views or disrupting the ceremony and listen to direction from Strawbery Banke staff and USCIS.

ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS:

  • Yes! Please contact:

    Cathy Hazelton
    Office Coordinator
    chazelton@sbmuseum.org
    603.433.1104

  • We’re happy to help. Email us at info@sbmuseum.org or visit the Lawrence J. Yerdon Visitors Center at 14 Hancock Street.

This event is hosted by Strawbery Banke Museum in partnership with
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, with generous support from:

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