Exploring History in the Puddle Dock Neighborhood at Strawbery Banke Museum
Strawbery Banke Museum brings over 350 years of history to life in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, within a historic waterfront neighborhood. The Museum shares the stories of everyday life, spanning from the history of Indigenous peoples—highlighted by artifacts dating back around 12,000 years—to the present day.
As one of the oldest neighborhoods in the United States, Strawbery Banke is unique among outdoor history museums. Visitors have the rare opportunity to tour historic buildings situated on their original sites, including a stately mansion, working-class homes, a colonial-era tavern, a 1940s corner store, and more. Some buildings are fully furnished to reflect different eras, while others serve as exhibit spaces, all open to the public from spring through fall, as well as during special events.
Strawberry Banke Museum
The Museum’s nearly 10-acre campus also features heirloom gardens and historical landscapes that reflect centuries of change. Stroll through a Victorian-era formal garden, explore a colonial kitchen garden, or visit a WWII-era Victory Garden—each cultivated with care and historical accuracy. These outdoor spaces offer insight into how people interacted with the land across generations.
Strawbery Banke is more than a place to see history—it’s a place to experience it. Costumed roleplayers bring the past to life, sharing the personal stories of families who lived in the Puddle Dock neighborhood over the centuries.
Strawbery Banke Museum Signature Events
Strawbery Banke also hosts a variety of signature events throughout the year. Springfest: A Celebration of Gardens and Baby Animals brings joy to the season’s start, while Vintage & Vine offers an unforgettable evening of wine, food, and history. In December, Candlelight Stroll lights up the grounds with holiday cheer and timeless traditions. During the winter, the Museum’s Labrie Family Skate at Puddle Dock Pond offers a magical outdoor skating experience—voted New Hampshire’s best rink four years running (2020–2023) by readers of the New Hampshire Union Leader.
As New Hampshire’s first Smithsonian Affiliate, Strawbery Banke proudly stands as a key cultural destination. Nationally recognized as the #7 “Best Open Air Museum in the U.S.” by the USA Today Readers’ Choice Awards, it is also ranked the #1 “Portsmouth Historic Site” and #2 “Top Attraction” on Trip Advisor.
For more information, including details on planning your visit and upcoming special events, please visit Strawbery Banke.org or Contact Veronica Lester – 603-766-2496 – vlester@sbmuseum.org
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