If you’re staying in Kittery, Maine, you don’t have to travel far to step into centuries of New England history. Just across the Piscataqua River in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Strawbery Banke Museum offers an immersive look at more than 350 years of local history through historic houses, gardens, exhibitions, and stories from the people who lived in the Puddle Dock neighborhood.
Whether you enjoy history, architecture, gardens, or family-friendly attractions, this guide explains what to see at Strawbery Banke Museum, how much time to allow, what admission costs, and how to get there from Kittery.
What Is Strawbery Banke Museum?
Strawbery Banke Museum is a living-history museum in the heart of Portsmouth's historic district. Rather than presenting history solely through traditional gallery displays, the museum uses preserved historic buildings, gardens, exhibits, demonstrations, and stories to help visitors understand how people lived in Portsmouth over several centuries.
The museum's Puddle Dock neighborhood tells stories that span more than 350 years. Visitors can move between historic houses and outdoor spaces while learning about different generations and communities that shaped the area.
That variety is one of the reasons Strawbery Banke is worth including in a Portsmouth, NH, itinerary. A visit can appeal to history enthusiasts, families, architecture lovers, and travelers simply looking for something different to do near Kittery.
Instead of spending your entire visit inside one museum building, you'll explore a neighborhood of historic structures and landscapes at your own pace.
What to See at Strawbery Banke Museum
One of the best things about visiting Strawbery Banke Museum is the variety of experiences available across the property. The museum combines historic houses, gardens, landscapes, demonstrations, and exhibitions, so there is more to explore than a single collection of artifacts.
Explore Historic Houses and Buildings
Historic houses are at the center of the Strawbery Banke experience. Each building provides a different perspective on the people and communities that lived in Portsmouth.
The museum's Tuesday guided tours currently highlight four historic properties: Goodwin Mansion, Shapiro House, Pitt Tavern, and Abbott House & Store. Together, they represent different periods and experiences, from the Revolutionary era to the 1940s.
These buildings help visitors understand history through everyday details such as architecture, furnishings, work, family life, and community connections.
If you prefer exploring independently, general admission allows visitors to explore the historic houses, gardens, exhibitions, and grounds at their own pace.
Walk Through the Gardens and Outdoor Spaces
Strawbery Banke isn't only about historic buildings. Gardens and outdoor landscapes are an important part of the experience.
As you walk between houses, you'll encounter gardens and open areas that help recreate the appearance and atmosphere of different historical periods. The outdoor setting also gives visitors a chance to slow down between indoor exhibits.
Because the grounds can include brick, gravel, grass, and uneven surfaces, the museum recommends wearing comfortable shoes and dressing appropriately for the weather.
Explore the Museum's Exhibits
The museum's exhibitions add another layer to the visit by focusing on people, communities, preservation, and Portsmouth's broader history.
Current featured exhibits include People of the Dawnland, which explores Abenaki and Wabanaki peoples; Voices from World War II, which shares local stories and oral histories; and Port of Portsmouth: War, Trade, & Travel, which focuses on the region's maritime history.
The Walsh House Interactive Exhibit offers another immersive experience, using touchable reproduction objects to help visitors understand the world of a sea captain and his family around 1800.
In 2026, the museum also introduced The Cousins Apartment, an immersive installation exploring Black family life in Portsmouth's Puddle Dock neighborhood during the 1930s and 1940s.
These exhibits make the museum more than a destination focused solely on colonial history.
How Much Time Do You Need at Strawbery Banke?
For most visitors, planning around 1½ to 2 hours provides enough time to explore the historic houses, gardens, exhibitions, and grounds. The museum notes that many visitors spend approximately this amount of time exploring.
However, you may want to allow additional time if you enjoy reading exhibit information, visiting multiple historic houses, taking a guided tour, or exploring with children.
One useful feature is that general admission is valid for two consecutive operating days. That means you don't necessarily have to see everything in one visit.
Strawbery Banke Museum Hours and Admission
Strawbery Banke's operating schedule changes seasonally, so checking the official schedule before your trip is recommended.
For the 2026 regular season, the museum lists general visiting hours of 10 AM to 4 PM Wednesday through Monday, with extended weekend hours until 5 PM during July and August. Tuesdays are reserved for guided tours rather than self-guided general admission.
Current general admission prices are:
Adults: $23 online or $25 at the door
Seniors or students: $21 online or $23 at the door
Children ages 5–17: $10.50 online or $12.50 at the door
Children under 5: Free
Family admission: $60.50 online or $62.50 at the door
Online admission currently includes a $2 savings compared with the at-the-door price. General admission is valid for two consecutive days.
Special events, guided tours, workshops, and other programs can have separate pricing, so check the museum's event calendar if you're visiting for a particular program.
Getting to Strawbery Banke Museum From Kittery, Maine
Strawbery Banke Museum is located at 14 Hancock Street in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, in the city's historic district.
Driving From Kittery Inn & Suites
By car, the approximate journey from Kittery Inn & Suites to Strawbery Banke Museum is 6 minutes under typical conditions.
Because traffic can change throughout the day, particularly during busy summer weekends, allow some extra time rather than planning your arrival down to the minute.
The museum has limited on-site parking, and spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Nearby public parking options include the Foundry Place Garage, Hanover Street Garage, and Pierce Island.
Taking Public Transit
Visitors traveling without a car can also consider public transportation. The approximate journey from Kittery Inn & Suites is 23 minutes, although the actual time can vary depending on the route, connections, and current schedules.
If you're relying on public transit, check the latest schedule before leaving the hotel and allow some flexibility around your museum arrival time.
Tips for Visiting Strawbery Banke Museum
A little planning can make your visit more comfortable. Keep these tips in mind:
Wear comfortable shoes. You'll be walking across historic grounds that can include brick, gravel, grass, and uneven surfaces.
Check the schedule before visiting. Tuesdays currently operate differently because guided tours replace regular self-guided admission.
Consider buying admission online. The museum currently offers a $2 online discount on general admission.
Allow extra time for parking. On-site parking is limited, especially when Portsmouth is busy.
Dress for the weather. Strawbery Banke combines indoor and outdoor experiences.
Check for special events. Seasonal programs and events may have different ticket requirements.
Consider a guided tour. Tuesday tours offer a more structured way to learn about several historic homes and the people connected to them.
Don't rush through the grounds. Part of the experience is walking between buildings and seeing how the historic neighborhood fits together.
Is Strawbery Banke Museum Good for Families?
Strawbery Banke can be a good choice for families looking for a historical attraction that isn't limited to traditional museum galleries.
Children can experience historic homes, gardens, outdoor spaces, interactive exhibits, and demonstrations while adults can explore the deeper historical context behind them.
The museum also hosts family-oriented programs and seasonal events throughout the year. Its current programming includes educational activities and special events designed to make history accessible to different age groups.
Make Strawbery Banke Part of Your Portsmouth Day Trip
One advantage of visiting Strawbery Banke from Kittery is that you don't have to treat the museum as an isolated destination. Because it sits in Portsmouth's historic district, you can combine your visit with time exploring downtown Portsmouth, local restaurants, waterfront areas, shops, and other historic attractions.
A simple approach is to visit Strawbery Banke earlier in the day, then continue into downtown Portsmouth for lunch and additional sightseeing. Alternatively, you can explore Portsmouth first and visit the museum later, depending on its operating hours and your schedule.
This also makes Strawbery Banke a useful addition to a longer Southern Maine and New Hampshire Seacoast getaway rather than an attraction that requires a separate day trip.
Stay at Kittery Inn & Suites Near Strawbery Banke Museum
If you're planning to explore both Kittery and Portsmouth, staying at Kittery Inn & Suites puts you close to both sides of the Seacoast.
The property is located in Kittery, Maine, about 1.5 miles (a 5-minute drive) from downtown Portsmouth, with convenient access to I-95 and Route 1. The hotel offers guest rooms, cabins, and studio suites, along with amenities such as an outdoor saltwater pool, breakfast, high-speed internet, in-room coffee and tea, refrigerators, and microwaves.
Plan Your Visit From Kittery
Strawbery Banke Museum offers a different way to experience the history of the Portsmouth area, combining preserved buildings, gardens, exhibitions, and stories from generations of residents.
Whether you're interested in historic architecture, local culture, family-friendly attractions, or simply looking for another place to explore during your stay, Strawbery Banke can fit naturally into a Kittery and Portsmouth itinerary.
Before you go, check the museum's current hours, admission information, parking details, and event schedule. Then plan your visit, leave some time for exploring the surrounding Portsmouth area, and make the most of your stay at Kittery Inn & Suites.