Attraction Guide: Strawbery Banke Museum, Portsmouth, United States

Strawbery Banke Museum Guide

Step Back in Time: Experience Colonial Life at Strawbery Banke Guide

Welcome to Strawbery Banke Museum, a living history museum in the heart of Portsmouth, New Hampshire! This isn't your typical museum with dusty artifacts behind glass. Here, you'll wander through a meticulously preserved neighborhood spanning four centuries, interacting with costumed roleplayers who bring the past to life. Prepare to be transported back in time as you explore historic houses, workshops, and gardens, each telling a unique story of the people who shaped this vibrant coastal community. Strawbery Banke's history is as rich and layered as the soil it stands on. Originally settled by Europeans in the 17th century, the area was first known as Strawbery Banke, named for the wild strawberries that grew along the Piscataqua River. Over the centuries, the neighborhood evolved, witnessing the rise and fall of maritime industries, the American Revolution, and the waves of immigration that shaped Portsmouth's identity. By the mid-20th century, the area had fallen into disrepair, but a group of dedicated preservationists stepped in to save it from demolition, transforming it into the living museum we see today. A visit to Strawbery Banke is an immersive experience. You can chat with historical interpreters demonstrating traditional crafts like coopering, blacksmithing, and printing. Explore the interiors of meticulously furnished homes, each representing a different period in history. Participate in hands-on activities like colonial games or cooking demonstrations. Don't miss the opportunity to stroll through the beautiful gardens, showcasing heirloom vegetables and flowers. While there isn't a specific culinary tradition tied solely to Strawbery Banke, the museum often hosts cooking demonstrations and events featuring historical recipes and local ingredients, offering a taste of the past.