Strawbery Banke Museum becomes first Smithsonian Affiliate in New Hampshire

PORTSMOUTH – Strawbery Banke Museum is thrilled to announce its new designation as a Smithsonian Affiliate. This prestigious recognition makes Strawbery Banke the first Smithsonian Affiliate in the State of New Hampshire, joining a network of more than 200 Affiliates in the U.S., Puerto Rico, and Panama.

As a Smithsonian Affiliate, Strawbery Banke Museum will serve as New Hampshire's connection to the Smithsonian Institution and its vast array of resources. This relationship will enable the Museum to collaborate on unique public programs and workshops, co-develop youth programs, host traveling exhibitions, borrow artifacts, and co-host public lectures by Smithsonian scholars. Additionally, Strawbery Banke will have the exclusive right to use a special Smithsonian logo and offer a two-in-one membership that provides a range of Smithsonian benefits to its members.

The Smithsonian Institution is the world's largest museum, education, and research complex, consisting of 21 museums and galleries, the National Zoological Park, and nine research facilities. The Smithsonian Affiliations program aims to create lasting relationships with museums and cultural organizations to share resources, collaborate on research, and create lifelong learning experiences designed to educate and inspire.

"Our missions align so well," said Tricia Edwards, interim director, Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service | Smithsonian Affiliations. "Understanding the complexities of our shared history and how we can come together to foster dialogue and understanding is so important to the work of the Smithsonian. Our new relationship with Strawbery Banke Museum means we can reach and spotlight more New England communities to inspire a deeper understanding not only of the region but of our world. We are delighted to have them join our network of Smithsonian Affiliates.”

"We are honored to become a Smithsonian Affiliate," said Linnea Grim, President and CEO, Thomas W. Haas Endowed Chair. "The application process was highly competitive, and this affiliation is a testament to the quality and impact of our work. We look forward to leveraging the Smithsonian's vast resources and expertise to enhance our offerings and create even more engaging experiences for our visitors."

Strawbery Banke preserves and showcases the history and culture of Portsmouth in the Puddle Dock neighborhood. The Museum features several historic buildings, the majority on their original sites, costumed roleplayers, and historic and heirloom gardens, offering visitors a unique living history experience. Through its exhibits, educational programs, and seasonal events, Strawbery Banke engages the community in the rich heritage of the region.

About Strawbery Banke Museum

Strawbery Banke Museum, in the heart of downtown Portsmouth, NH, is a 10-acre history museum interpreting over 300 years of history, from Indigenous history to the present day, through historical houses on their original foundations, heirloom gardens, traditional crafts, and costumed roleplayers who share the stories of the families who lived in the authentic waterfront neighborhood of Puddle Dock. The Museum welcomes visitors, members, schoolchildren, and volunteers for daily programs, exhibits, skating, and signature special events throughout the year. Strawbery Banke Museum is funded in part by grants from the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation; the New Hampshire State Council on the Arts & National Endowment for the Arts; the Institute of Museum and Library Services; the National Endowment for the Humanities: Democracy Demands Wisdom; the New Hampshire Land and Community Heritage Investment Program. For more information and a complete calendar of events, visit StrawberyBanke.org .

About Smithsonian Affiliations

Smithsonian Affiliations establishes and maintains the Smithsonian’s long-term relationships with museums, educational organizations, and cultural institutions in the United States, Puerto Rico, and Panama. Affiliates are collaborators on many of the Smithsonian’s strategic priorities, adding content and expertise to national initiatives to amplify the power of the stories we tell and reach broader and more diverse audiences. Through Smithsonian Affiliations, millions of people have been able to experience the Smithsonian in their communities and have access to the Smithsonian’s educational programs, inspiring exhibitions, and diverse collections. For more information regarding Smithsonian Affiliations, or to find an Affiliate near you, visit affiliations.si.edu .

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Strawbery Banke Museum becomes first Smithsonian Affiliate in New Hampshire