Strawbery Banke
NileGuide Expert Says:
Families will enjoy this casual stroll into the past as they get a real feel for Portsmouth's historic significance.Address:
Phone:
603/433-1100Description:
1958, a group of dedicated volunteers prevented the razing of the historic Puddle Dock neighborhood. Their efforts eventually led to the establishment of Strawberry Banke, one of the leading outdoor history museums in New England. Today, this attraction provides both community and architectural insight into more than three hundred years of Portsmouth life. It's 40 historic buildings with period furnishings cover 10 acres across from beautiful Prescott Park. Among the featured structures are a general store (complete with props and authentic packaging depicting early 20th century products); a boat builder and cooper (barrel maker) craft shops where you can see these artisans at work; and eighteenth century homes. Volunteer re-enactors portray prior residents of these structures, including an ancestor of one of Portsmouth's leading Jewish families. Of special interest is the Drisco House, half of which depicts life in the 1790s and half of which shows life in the 1950s, nicely demonstrating how houses grow and adapt to each era.
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