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Strawbery Banke Museum is a living history museum located in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, USA.

Visual Characteristics

The museum comprises 32 historic buildings on 9 acres, dating from the 17th to the 20th centuries. Structures are primarily wood-frame construction with clapboard siding, painted in various historical color palettes including muted reds, blues, and natural wood tones. The site features period gardens, including a 17th-century herb garden and a 19th-century Victorian garden.

Location & Access Logistics

Strawbery Banke Museum is situated at 14 Hancock Street, Portsmouth, NH. It is approximately 0.5km South of the downtown Market Square. Ample paid parking is available on-site. Public transport options include The COAST bus service, with stops near the museum entrance.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The site was settled in 1630, making it one of the earliest European settlements in New Hampshire. The museum preserves and interprets the history of the Puddle Dock neighborhood, showcasing the lives of its diverse inhabitants across four centuries. Buildings were acquired, moved to the site, and restored to represent different historical periods.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can explore 13 furnished historic houses, including the 1695 Eldredge House and the 1810 Sherburne House. Demonstrations of traditional crafts such as blacksmithing, spinning, and cooking are conducted. The museum offers guided tours focusing on specific historical themes and periods. The gardens are open for exploration.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available within the visitor center and select historic buildings. Shaded areas are present in the gardens and around some buildings. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally available throughout the site. Food vendors are not present on-site, but numerous restaurants are located within a short walking distance in downtown Portsmouth.

Best Time to Visit

The museum is typically open from April through December. For optimal lighting for photography of the buildings and gardens, early morning or late afternoon hours are recommended. The months of June through October offer the most pleasant weather for outdoor exploration.

Facts & Legends

The name "Strawbery Banke" originates from the wild strawberries that grew abundantly along the Piscataqua River banks when the area was first settled. A specific historical oddity is the preservation of the 1917 Shapley Schoolhouse, which was moved to the site to represent early 20th-century education.

Nearby Landmarks

• Portsmouth Harbor Cruises (0.3km West)
• Prescott Park (0.4km Northwest)
• Historic Deerfield (0.6km North)
• New Hampshire State Liquor Store (0.7km North)
• Old North Church (0.8km North)