The waterfront neighborhood of Puddle Dock supplied the workforce to build commerical and naval vessels at boatyards on the Piscataqua River, (including America’s oldest Navy Yard, the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard). Trade goods from around the world were brought to Portsmouth docks and Puddle Dock shops by the masters of sailing ships.  Eighteenth century letters and captains’ artifacts reveal the Portsmouth roots of the Continental Navy (including John Paul Jones residence in Portsmouth in 1782); while sailors’ accounts from aboard the USS Kearsarge provided insight into the American Civil War.

The Sawtelle Collection, memorializing local philanthropists Joseph and Jean Sawtelle, anchors the exhibit in the Montrone Family Exhibition Gallery.  Joe Sawtelle spent a lifetime exploring, collecting, researching and teaching the maritime history of Portsmouth. An anonymous benefactor recently donated a selection of Sawtelle ship models depicting the flourishing ship-building tradition in Portsmouth to Strawbery Banke.  Models, including the Raleigh (the centerpiece of the official Seal of the State of New Hampshire), Witch of the Wave, the Nightingale, and USS Kearsarge, give life to the sheer size and complexity of life aboard ship.  Stoneware jugs from 1700s and 1800s shops offer insight on how goods like rum and molasses finally made it to domestic homes after a long journey.  Navigational tools, including a Portsmouth-made quadrant, compass and sextant that set sail with Portsmouth ships, tell us how captains guided their vessels around the world and home again.  Personal items, including a gold engraved mourning ring owned by Captain James Hickey, reveal imported social customs.  Fine art portraits of Portsmouth-related ships, such as the Sarah Parker Rice, named by Gov. Ichabod Goodwin for his wife, echo themes found elsewhere throughout the museum.