12 Living History Museums That Recreate Specific American Eras

6. Strawbery Banke - Four Centuries of Portsmouth History

Strawbery Banke Museum in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, offers visitors an unprecedented opportunity to explore four centuries of American urban development through a carefully preserved neighborhood that has been continuously inhabited since the 1600s. This remarkable museum features over 40 historic houses spanning from the 17th to the 20th centuries, each restored and interpreted to represent different periods in Portsmouth's evolution from a colonial seaport to a modern American city. Unlike museums that focus on a single time period, Strawbery Banke's unique approach allows visitors to witness how the same neighborhood changed over time, observing how architectural styles, family structures, economic activities, and social relationships evolved in response to major historical events and cultural transformations. Costumed interpreters portray residents from different eras, including colonial merchants, Revolutionary War patriots, 19th-century immigrants, and 20th-century working families, each bringing their own perspectives and experiences to the neighborhood's ongoing story. The museum's interpretation is particularly strong in demonstrating how major historical events—such as the American Revolution, the Industrial Revolution, waves of immigration, and two world wars—affected ordinary families and communities, showing how national trends played out in the daily lives of Portsmouth residents. Visitors can explore colonial-era gardens, observe traditional crafts being practiced in period workshops, and learn about the diverse ethnic communities that contributed to Portsmouth's development, creating a comprehensive understanding of how American cities evolved over time while maintaining their unique local character and traditions.