Strawberry Banke - A Trip to the Past

Strawberry Banke Museum, Portsmouth, NH

To honor our country's independence, Matt and I began the July 4 holiday at Strawberry Bank Museum - touring historic homes and conversing with reenactors of the country's early years.  Independence Day was the perfect day to visit the historic village because they pull out the stops including an actual naturalization ceremony, demonstrations by traditional craftsmen, and a plethora of role-players for the event.

Strawberry Banke buildings and village

Matt and I traveled through many colonial buildings and historic areas to learn more about the town of Portsmouth and this time in American History.  Some of the highlights included visiting the 1800's

Colonial Reenactors wash laundry

houses for architecture and furnishings, visiting the 1943 store for accurate pricing and merchandise, and touring the grounds of old Strawberry Banke...later to be know as Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

I highly recommend a trip to Strawberry Banke Museum.  This is the second time I've been on the July Fourth weekend, and it's a wonderful stop for anyone that loves history and learning.  It also is fantasitc for kids.  There are many hands on exhibits including chances to play with toys, sit in furniture, talk to role players, and play.

Old Buildings in Strawberry Banke

More information:

- Day to go:  The museum is seasonal (May 1-Oct. 31).  It's best visited on a fair weather day when you can wander through the many gardens and grounds.
- Cost:  General admission is $17.50 for adults and $10 for kids.  Family rate is $45.  Active military and their families are free.  One nice thing is that general admission is good for 2 consecutive days, so if you are visiting the area and get tired or need a break, you can always come back the next day.
- Parking:  Strawberry Banke has a parking lot, but on the July 4 weekend, I recommend parking at one of the many public lots in Portsmouth and walking over to the grounds.
- Food:  Multiple food carts are present on the July 4 weekend on the grounds of the museum, but these are usually not there.  Patrons are welcome to bring a picnic lunch and eat on the lawns, or step out of the museum to eat somewhere in town.  Matt and I visited the Portsmouth Brewery a few blocks away for snacks and beer.

A cool beer on a hot day

Please feel free to leave comments and questions below!