WORLD WAR II VICTORY GARDEN
The Victory Garden next door to the Marden-Abbott House and Store recreates the c. 1944 garden of the Pecunies family, who resided on the site during WWII. Victory gardens provided an important, locally-supplied, alternative source of fresh food while the country supported rationing measures designed to free up labor and transportation for military needs. At the height of their success, Victory Gardens accounted for nearly half of all fresh produce grown in the country during the War. The plant selections in this garden were drawn from oral histories, period seed catalogs and wartime government publications.
The Victory Garden explores the idea of preserving fresh-grown vegetables, as well, providing suggestions on home canning and seed-saving.
In addition to raising vegetables, families in the Puddle Dock neighborhood also raised chickens, ducks and geese for eggs and meat. In 2015, Strawbery Bane built a reproduction chicken coop based on 1950s photographs, next to the Victory Garden. For more on the chicken coop and other barnyard animals at Strawbery Banke, click here.
Downloadable Garden Map (PDF)
Exhibit panel (PDF)
1940’s Victory Garden educational film
NEW & NOTEWORTHY
Historic House Season
Explore 300+ years of history. Tour historic houses on original sites, meet engaging costumed roleplayers, watch traditional crafts demonstrations, and explore heirloom gardens. Open daily from May 1 through October 31.
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Liberty Fare Dining
Now Open!
Liberty Fare Dining's extraordinary dining experience is a whimsical nautical treat for all. Inspired by local maritime history, visitors are invited to step aboard. Enjoy a menu that varies with the season and delightful ice cream treats and bakery goods.
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Portsmouth Possessions: Objects that Shaped the City Exhibit
Opening June 1, 2023
In celebration of the City of Portsmouth, New Hampshire's 400th anniversary, Strawbery Banke presents "Portsmouth Possessions: Objects that Shaped the City," a new exhibit for the 2023 season. Collections on view include objects featured in the book "A History of Portsmouth NH in 101 Objects," as well as textiles, furniture, portraits, samplers, and objects relating to local industries.
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Tuesdays on the Terrace Summer Concert Series
June 20-August 29, 2023, 5:30-7 PM
Enjoy acoustic music amid the summer splendor of Puddle Dock with Strawbery Banke's popular annual concert series. Each Tuesday evening, a variety of local musicians perform on the open-air stage.
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