Exploring History in the Puddle Dock Neighborhood at Strawbery Banke Museum
Welcome to Strawbery Banke Museum, where history comes to life in the historic waterfront neighborhood of Puddle Dock in downtown Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Nestled along the Piscataqua River, this living history museum allows visitors to explore the evolution of community, commerce, and culture over centuries.
Strawbery Banke is designated on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. Additionally, the Museum is recognized by USA Today’s Readers’ Choice as the Number 6 Best Open Air Museum in the U.S., hailed by Yankee Magazine’s Best of New England, and continues to win TripAdvisor’s Award of Excellence ranking Strawbery Banke as the top museum in New Hampshire.
Immersive Experience at This Museum:
Travel throughout time as you wander through the preserved neighborhood, touring historic buildings on original sites, including elegant mansions, working-class homes, a colonial tavern that welcomed Patriots and Loyalists, and a 1940s corner store.
Spread across nearly 10 acres, the historic landscape at Strawbery Banke features a dozen gardens, five set to period designs, with heirloom flowers and vegetables, bringing the experience of outdoor life for the families who have lived in this neighborhood for centuries.
Interactive Exhibits at the Strawbery Banke Museum:
Engage your senses with hands-on activities and immersive exhibits that bring history to life. Whether you’re trying your hand at weaving or other traditional crafts, learning about historic recipes from the Museum’s culinary historians, or converting with a costumed roleplayer portraying a past resident of the neighborhood, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Strawbery Banke Museum Group Amenities:
Let Strawbery Banke staff help you create a memorable experience for your organization, club, or tour group. Our dedicated staff will work with you to customize your visit, assisting with self-guided tour planning, dining options, and special accommodations to ensure a seamless and enjoyable trip for all participants.
Conveniently located in the heart of historic Portsmouth, Strawbery Banke Museum is easily accessible by car and bus. Strawbery Banke can accommodate coach bus parking in the Museum lot (reservation required). Additionally, the Lawrence J. Yerdon Visitor Center is equipped with amenities to enhance your experience, including restrooms, a gift shop, and an information desk.
Group rates and discounts are available for parties of 15 or more, making it easy to plan an affordable and unforgettable outing for your organization. Reservations at least two weeks in advance are strongly encouraged.
Contact Jon Brown, Director of Visitors Services via 603.433.1110 or jbrown@sbmuseum.org to begin the group reservation process and for more Museum ideas or tips, be sure to Download the Full Leisure Group Travel Museum Guide for FREE
