Upcoming events.
Homes and Hearth Tours
This 90-minute guided tour invites you to join us in the heart of our homes, where families gathered and grew together over centuries of Portsmouth’s Puddle Dock history.
Berry Basket Adult and Child Workshop
Join our friendly and knowledgeable Museum Instructors to learn the steps of basket-making from scratch. This is a beginner class so all skill levels are welcome. A child (age 10+) and accompanying adult will learn about the tools and materials used in basket making, work with our instructors and each other to acquire the basic skills to make a basket.
Homes and Hearth Tours
This 90-minute guided tour invites you to join us in the heart of our homes, where families gathered and grew together over centuries of Portsmouth’s Puddle Dock history.
Springfest
Celebrate spring at Strawbery Banke with heritage-breed baby animals, heirloom gardens, and live demonstrations like oxen at work, sheep shearing, and a honey extraction. Discover the connection between animals, horticulture, and New England’s history, plus enjoy hands-on activities and take home a piece of history from the plant sale!
Homeschool Day: Traditional Trades
Venture back to the early days of the USA and discover how people made everyday items by hand. Register for the interactive guided tour Work It Out, learn about imports and exports, life as a sailor, put together a simple post & beam model, and discover how an apothecary made medicines.
Flag Day Commemoration
Join Strawbery Banke and Haven School alumni for an annual Flag Day commemoration. The public is invited to gather at the Museum on Marcy Street near Prescott Park, opposite the Liberty Pole. Enjoy a Color Guard salute, the National Anthem, and remarks from Museum and Portsmouth officials.
Tuesdays on the Terrace — Ocean Ave Band
The Ocean Ave. Band features seasoned musicians who have performed for presidents and shared the stage with top industry names. Vocalist Lisa Mills has sung at Carnegie Hall and the White House, while bassist/guitarist Don Wessels has played over 3,000 gigs, opening for legends like Hall & Oates. Berklee-trained guitarist Nicco Centofanti is a prolific performer, session musician, and educator with multiple albums to his name.
Portsmouth Pride Festival and Marketplace
Strawbery Banke looks forward to hosting New Hampshire Outright and Portsmouth Pride 2025 on Saturday, June 21, 2025, on the grounds of Puddle Dock. Join for shopping from 100+ vendors, live music, enjoy the beer tent (21+ only), and more!
History in Play Summer Camp (ages 9-11)
Learn about different eras of the past by living them. Campers will dress in costumes and use reproduction toys and tools in a historical setting to discover what life was like for children in different centuries.
Historical Fiction Writing Summer Camp (ages 12-16)
Learn the art of creative writing through the lens of history. Working with a professional author, students will hone their writing skills, use real historical primary and secondary sources, and develop their imaginations.
Stories Alive: Journeys and Discoveries Summer Camp (ages 6-8)
Venture into the past using books as the time machine! Each day of this program begins with a lively picture book about an amazing individual or historical event, which sets the scene for expeditions through Strawbery Banke’s gardens, houses, and grounds.
Tuesdays on the Terrace — Katie Dobbins & Chris Noyes
Award-winning singer-songwriter Katie Dobbins captivates audiences with her heartfelt lyrics, singable melodies, and powerful yet soft vocals. Accompanied by multi-instrumentalist Chris Noyes, who adds rhythmic bass and harmonies, she blends raw emotion with storytelling. Their recent collaborations include Grateful, a dreamy ballad, and Giants, an empowering anthem.
Tuesdays on the Terrace — Twangtown Paramours
The Twangtown Paramours, an award-winning soulful folk duo from Nashville, have earned acclaim as three-time Kerrville finalists and winners of Texas’s Wildflower Contest. Lead singer MaryBeth Zamer once sang backup for Eva Cassidy, while guitarist and songwriter Mike Lewis penned a #1 platinum hit in Korea. Their latest album, released in January 2025, topped the Folk Alliance International Chart and achieved record-breaking airplay.
U.S. Naturalization Ceremony
Strawbery Banke, in partnership with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), proudly celebrates Independence Day by welcoming new citizens during a Naturalization Ceremony on July 4. The public is invited to attend and explore Strawbery Banke’s historic houses and landscapes for free!
History Alive Summer Camp (ages 6-8)
Perfect for youngsters who enjoy using their imaginations and participating in dress-up and pretend play, History Alive encourages kids to compare and contrast life in different eras of the past.
Nature’s Healers Summer Camp (ages 9-11)
Explore the natural world to discover how plants helped to heal common ailments of the past. Campers will investigate different plants each day through science experiments, cooking with herbs, and creating herbal remedies.
Jr. Roleplayers Summer Camp (ages 12-16)
Times change but adolescents have always played a part in history. Teens of today can make the past come to life by becoming a historic roleplayer and using the Museum’s houses and grounds as their stage.
Bosuns and Boatbuilders Summer Camp (ages 7-9)
Join professional boatbuilders at The Boatshop at Strawbery Banke and the crew at the Gundalow Company for an exciting week of building and exploring.
Tuesdays on the Terrace — Cold Chocolate
Cold Chocolate is a Boston-based Americana duo blending folk, funk, and bluegrass with tight harmonies and expert musicianship. Featuring Ethan Robbins on guitar and mandolin and Ariel Bernstein on percussion and banjo, they captivate audiences with high-energy performances and original songwriting. They’ve shared the stage with acts like Leftover Salmon and David Grisman and tour regularly across the country.
Piscataqua Riverfest
Join the Gundalow Company for Piscataqua Riverfest, a celebration of the rich maritime heritage of the Piscataqua Region, in partnership with Strawbery Banke. Enjoy a traditional boat show, Gundalow sails and dockside tours, maritime demonstrations, hands-on activities, and local nonprofit exhibits.
Jr. Roleplayers Summer Camp (ages 12-16)
Times change but adolescents have always played a part in history. Teens of today can make the past come to life by becoming a historic roleplayer and using the Museum’s houses and grounds as their stage.
Puddle Dock Pirates Summer Camp (ages 6-8)
It’s time to set sail on a maritime journey through the past. Meet some famous pirates and privateers of Portsmouth, and try out some of the different jobs of sailors aboard ships.
Victorian Ventures Summer Camp (ages 9-11)
Kids are invited to step into the hustle and bustle of the Victorian Age – a time of developing technology, changing culture, and increased leisure time. Throughout the week, campers will be introduced to hands-on activities to learn about the dramatic changes that occurred as America became an industrialized society.
Tuesdays on the Terrace — Kids' Night feat. Mr. Aaron & Sages Entertainment
Kids’ Night feat. Mr. Aaron & Sages Entertainment offers a vibrant fusion of magic, balloons, bubbles, foam, and STEAM education, creating an unforgettable experience for families.
Sailors and Shipwright Summer Camp (ages 10-12)
Campers will team up with the professional boatbuilders at The Boatshop at Strawbery Banke for a hands-on week of crafting a wooden model sailboat.
Green Thumbs Summer Camp (ages 6-8)
Spend the week exploring Strawbery Banke’s gardens and landscapes to learn about life long ago. Campers will discover how plants have been used for food, create herbal medicine to stay healthy and use flowers to create beautiful art.
Young Curators Summer Camp (ages 12-16)
Examine real historical artifacts up close and learn to uncover the historical tales that they have to tell. Campers will work with professional curators to put together a museum exhibition that will share their discoveries with Strawbery Banke’s visitors.
History in Play Summer Camp (ages 9-11)
Learn about different eras of the past by living them. Campers will dress in costumes and use reproduction toys and tools in a historical setting to discover what life was like for children in different centuries.
Tuesdays on the Terrace — Caitlin Piper
Caitlin Piper is a talented singer-songwriter, vocalist, and educator based in coastal New Hampshire, known for her soulful original songs that explore themes of love, family, and life on the Seacoast. With her engaging stage presence, powerful vocals, and distinctive blend of pop-jazz and acoustic-singer-songwriter styles, she has quickly gained recognition in the local music scene, captivating audiences with her heartfelt and relatable performances.
Surviving the Past Summer Camp (ages 10-12)
Antibiotics, indoor plumbing, running water… How did people manage without the technological and medical advances of today? During the week, campers will examine some of the struggles that people faced at different eras in history from death and disease to slavery, fires, and natural disasters.
Historic Sampler Summer Camp (ages 6-8)
Discover whether the “good old days” were as good as they seem by experiencing children's daily life in five eras of American history.
Jr. Roleplayers Summer Camp (ages 12-16)
Times change but adolescents have always played a part in history. Teens of today can make the past come to life by becoming a historic roleplayer and using the Museum’s houses and grounds as their stage.
Tuesdays on the Terrace — North River Music
North River Music is an Americana band with strong harmonies and expressive musicianship. From Crosby Stills and Nash, The Eagles and Dylan to traditional American standards with their own roots/bluegrass sound, a North River set is fun to listen to with something for everyone.
Jr. Roleplayers Summer Camp (ages 12-16)
Times change but adolescents have always played a part in history. Teens of today can make the past come to life by becoming a historic roleplayer and using the Museum’s houses and grounds as their stage.
History Alive Summer Camp (ages 6-8)
Perfect for youngsters who enjoy using their imaginations and participating in dress-up and pretend play, History Alive encourages kids to compare and contrast life in different eras of the past.
Choose Your Own History Adventure Summer Camp (ages 9-11)
Go on a time-traveling adventure where you decide what happens next. Become part of your own story as it unfolds throughout the week.
Tuesdays on the Terrace — High Strung Strummers
The High Strung Strummers is a high energy duo that specializes in the performance of old-time southern and midwestern fiddle music as well as the performance of Anglo- American ballads.
Time Travelers: Life on the WWII Homefront Summer Camp (ages 9-11)
Spend the week on the homefront during World War II, and consider how life changed for kids in the 1940s.
Bosuns and Boatbuilders Summer Camp (ages 7-9)
Join professional boatbuilders at The Boatshop at Strawbery Banke and the crew at the Gundalow Company for an exciting week of building and exploring.
Victorian DIY Summer Camp (ages 6-8)
Travel back to the 1800s to discover how the world was rapidly changing through factories and technology. Campers will participate in scientific experiments, make 19th-century toys, create Victorian art with nature, and join a garden party.
Tuesdays on the Terrace — Raquel & The Wildflowers
Weaving tales of life's adventures through heart pounding rhythms and powerful lyrics, Raquel & The Wildflowers will take you on a journey where the dust settles and the cowboys & cowgirls dance.
New England BIPOC Fest
The fifth annual New England BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) Festival returns to Strawbery Banke. Organized by Cultivate, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, this festival furthers the mission of fostering conversations and collective action around equity and social justice. Experience a dynamic celebration of food, art, and music that showcases the rich and diverse histories of New England’s BIPOC communities.
History in Play Summer Camp (ages 9-11)
Learn about different eras of the past by living them. Campers will dress in costumes and use reproduction toys and tools in a historical setting to discover what life was like for children in different centuries.
History Alive Summer Camp (ages 6-8)
Perfect for youngsters who enjoy using their imaginations and participating in dress-up and pretend play, History Alive encourages kids to compare and contrast life in different eras of the past.
Tuesdays on the Terrace — Kids’ Night feat. The Clemenzi Crusaders & Sages Entertainment
Kids’ Night feat. The Clemenzi Crusaders & Sages Entertainment offers a vibrant fusion of magic, balloons, bubbles, foam, and STEAM education, creating an unforgettable experience for families.
Tuesdays on the Terrace — Liz and Dan Faiella
Liz and Dan Faiella bring to life the traditional music of their roots, with crisp vocals, mesmerizing fingerstyle guitar, lyrical fiddling, and exhilarating rhythmic drive.
Vintage & Vine — A Wine Festival in Historic Style
Sip curated wines and indulge in delicious bites from top chefs, caterers, and restaurants as you explore the Museum’s historic grounds and gardens. Curated wine selections pay homage to maritime details, historic houses, and more, adding a layer of historical richness to the tasting experience.
Homes and Hearth Tours
This 90-minute guided tour invites you to join us in the heart of our homes, where families gathered and grew together over centuries of Portsmouth’s Puddle Dock history.
Homes and Hearth Tours
This 90-minute guided tour invites you to join us in the heart of our homes, where families gathered and grew together over centuries of Portsmouth’s Puddle Dock history.
Spring Clean Up Day
Join staff on Saturday, April 12, from 9 AM to 12:30 PM, and help prepare the Museum for the upcoming season! This is a great opportunity to lend a hand, connect with fellow volunteers, and learn more about the Museum’s garden volunteer program.
Homes and Hearth Tours
This 90-minute guided tour invites you to join us in the heart of our homes, where families gathered and grew together over centuries of Portsmouth’s Puddle Dock history.
Easter Basket Workshop for Adults
Join our friendly and knowledgeable Museum Instructors to learn the steps of basket-making from scratch. This is a beginner class so all skill levels are welcome. Participants will learn about the tools and materials used in basket making, work with our instructors and each other to acquire the basic skills to make a basket.
Homes and Hearth Tours
This 90-minute guided tour invites you to join us in the heart of our homes, where families gathered and grew together over centuries of Portsmouth’s Puddle Dock history.
Living on Turtle Island: Abenaki Heritage Past and Present Homeschool Program
Discover New Hampshire’s Indigenous heritage by exploring Abenaki culture! Try storytelling, learn how to care for New England’s natural resources, build a wigwam, make delicious pemmican, and play a traditional guessing game.
Garden Basket Workshop for Adults
Join our friendly and knowledgeable Museum Instructors to learn the steps of basket-making from scratch. This is a beginner class so all skill levels are welcome. Participants will learn about the tools and materials used in basket making, work with our instructors and each other to acquire the basic skills to make a basket.
Spinning and Weaving Homeschool Workshop
Discover how cloth was made before the introduction of factories. Students learn how a loom operates and get the chance to weave cloth trying out different designs.
Berry Basket Workshop for Adults
Join our friendly and knowledgeable Museum Instructors to learn the steps of basket-making from scratch. This is a beginner class so all skill levels are welcome. Participants will learn about the tools and materials used in basket making, work with our instructors and each other to acquire the basic skills to make a basket
History Explorers: Journey Into Colonial Life Homeschool Program
Hear an amusing story of a colonial boy’s day in Williamsburg, VA. Experience his life as you participate in kitchen chores in front of an open hearth, make old-fashioned tooth powder, dress up and simulate a stagecoach ride, and play an 18th-century school game.
Spinning and Weaving Homeschool Workshop
Discover how cloth was made before the introduction of factories. Students learn how a loom operates and get the chance to weave cloth trying out different designs.
Winter Wizarding School Vacation Camp Session 2
The magical experience of Wizarding School returns to Strawbery Banke Museum for fun during February break! Enjoy a week filled with a sorting ceremony, house challenges, and the race for the house cup.
Each day is filled with hands-on lessons, focusing on historical skills with a hint of magic, featuring classes like “Protection from Peril,” potion crafting, herb lore, and the care of curious creatures. By the end of the week, participants leave with their own wand, extraordinary creations, and lasting memories.
Victorian Basket Adult and Child Workshop
Join our friendly and knowledgeable Museum Instructors to learn the steps of basket-making from scratch. This is a beginner class so all skill levels are welcome. A child (age 10+) and accompanying adult will learn about the tools and materials used in basket making, work with our instructors and each other to acquire the basic skills to make a basket.
Winter Wizarding School Vacation Camp Session 1
The magical experience of Wizarding School returns to Strawbery Banke Museum for fun during February break! Enjoy a week filled with a sorting ceremony, house challenges, and the race for the house cup.
Each day is filled with hands-on lessons, focusing on historical skills with a hint of magic, featuring classes like “Protection from Peril,” potion crafting, herb lore, and the care of curious creatures. By the end of the week, participants leave with their own wand, extraordinary creations, and lasting memories.
Historic Hearth Cooking Homeschool Workshop
Cozy up by the hearth for a morning of cooking. Using 18th-century reproduction equipment, students will help prepare a seasonal meal using recipes of the past. Though we welcome first-time hearth cooks, students who have participated in other hearth cooking programs at Strawbery Banke will appreciate learning skills not typically taught in 60-90-minute workshops.
Heart Basket Workshop for Adults
Join our friendly and knowledgeable Museum Instructors to learn the steps of basket-making from scratch. This is a beginner class so all skill levels are welcome. Participants will learn about the tools and materials used in basket making, work with our instructors and each other to acquire the basic skills to make a basket.
Seacoast Skating with the Stars
Directed by Douglas Webster, Ice Dance International & Labrie Family Skate at Puddle Dock Pond Artistic Director, local “stars” are paired with IDI pros in a skate-off for audience votes. As in “Dancing with the Stars,” esteemed judges give marks on skill and expression.
Intro to Textile Weaving Workshop for Adults
oin our Strawbery Banke weavers to learn how to prepare a loom and create your own fabric. Strawbery Banke’s weavers will walk you through the basic steps on the Museum’s 4-shaft Harrisville floor looms. Engage your creativity choosing colors and patterns to craft 2 yards of fabric that can later become hand towels, placemats, table runners, totes or pillows.
Writing History: A Virtual Program for Young Authors
Learn the art of creative writing through the lens of history. Working with a professional author, homeschoolers hone their writing skills, use real historical primary and secondary sources, and develop imaginations.
Berry Basket Workshop for Adults
Join our friendly and knowledgeable Museum Instructors to learn the steps of basket-making from scratch. This is a beginner class so all skill levels are welcome. Participants will learn about the tools and materials used in basket making, work with our instructors and each other to acquire the basic skills to make a basket
Writing History: A Virtual Program for Young Authors
Learn the art of creative writing through the lens of history. Working with a professional author, homeschoolers hone their writing skills, use real historical primary and secondary sources, and develop imaginations.
Intro to Drop Spinning Workshop
Discover the art of spinning yarn! This beginner-friendly class introduces the fundamental techniques of yarn spinning using a simple tool called a drop spindle. It's an ideal entry point into the fiber arts world, requiring minimal tools and space.
Art of Basket Weaving Homeschool Workshop
Learn the traditional craft of basket making from Strawbery Banke Museum’s knowledgeable instructors. Participants will put their hands to work creating a Victorian basket to take home.
Writing History: A Virtual Program for Young Authors
Learn the art of creative writing through the lens of history. Working with a professional author, homeschoolers hone their writing skills, use real historical primary and secondary sources, and develop imaginations.
Bread Basket Workshop for Adults
Join our friendly and knowledgeable Museum Instructors to learn the steps of basket-making from scratch. This is a beginner class so all skill levels are welcome. Participants will learn about the tools and materials used in basket making, work with our instructors and each other to acquire the basic skills to make a basket.
Art of Basket Weaving Homeschool Workshop
Learn the traditional craft of basket making from Strawbery Banke Museum’s knowledgeable instructors. Participants will put their hands to work creating a Victorian basket to take home.
Writing History: A Virtual Program for Young Authors
Learn the art of creative writing through the lens of history. Working with a professional author, homeschoolers hone their writing skills, use real historical primary and secondary sources, and develop imaginations.
Intro to Drop Spinning Workshop
Discover the art of spinning yarn! This beginner-friendly class introduces the fundamental techniques of yarn spinning using a simple tool called a drop spindle. It's an ideal entry point into the fiber arts world, requiring minimal tools and space.
Candlelight Stroll
Step back in time and tour decorated historic houses and wander through the historic streets of Strawbery Banke, illuminated by the soft glow of candlelight and string lights. Experience the ambiance of centuries past, with live music, costumed roleplayers, and the festive spirit of the holiday season.