𝐒𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐭: 𝐀 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐆𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐁𝐚𝐛𝐲 𝐀𝐧𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐬
May 10-11, 2025, 10 AM-4 PM
Extreme weather dates: May 17-18, 2025, 10 AM-4 PM
Celebrate spring at Strawbery Banke with heritage-breed baby animals, heirloom gardens, and historic landscapes! Meet lambs, calves, and other baby animals—and their moms—while discovering their vital roles in farming history. Explore the connection between animals, horticulture, and the lives of New Englanders past and present.
Enjoy live demonstrations, including oxen at work, traditional sheep shearing, sheepdog trials, and honey extraction. Families can join in hands-on activities like gardening and seed-saving, creating lasting memories together.
Discover how the Museum prepares its nationally recognized gardens for summer through guided tours and demonstrations. Don’t miss the chance to bring a piece of history home from the plant sale, featuring the very plants showcased in the historic gardens!
Tickets:
- Adults (18+): $24
- Children (ages 3-17): $12
- Children (under 3): free, ticket required
- Family (2 adults + children under 17): $60
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐁𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐬:
Get up close with rare heritage breeds that played a vital role in New England’s agricultural past. These animals, and the incredible people who care for them, bring history to life. For the safety of the animals, petting is not permitted—but selfies and photos are encouraged!
• Heritage Breed Poultry - Sourced from Heritage Hatcheries
• Holstein Oxen at Work - Howard Welch, Hidden Stream Farm
• Icelandic Sheep - Brian Cassidy, Crommet Creek Farm
• Jacob Sheep - Amanda St. Peter, Jacob Fleece Farm
• Nigerian Dwarf Goats - Larissa Mullen, Tiny Hill Farm
• Oberhasli Goats - Claire Eckert, See To It Farm
• Sheepdog Trials - Barbara Eriksson, Blue Rock Dog Training
• Sheep Shearing - Alex Meissner, Chinook Trail Farm
• Silver Fox Rabbits, Ella Morgan, What Farm
𝐒𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐬:
We're thrilled to welcome an amazing lineup of artisans, experts, and organizations to Springfest.
• The Animal Science Program at Dover High School and Career Technical Center
• Anne Jennison, Indigenous Storyteller
• Barred Woods LLC
• Cheese Louise
• Darn Good Yarn
• Diane Jones, Children’s Author
• G. Willikers! Books and Toys
• Perch + Petal by Bell Farm
• Piscataqua Garden Club
• Pollinator Pathways of NH
• Portsmouth Garden Club
• Portsmouth Soap Company
• Ruth Smith, UNH Master Gardener
• Seacoast Science Center
• The Spice and Tea Exchange
• UNH Flax Spinner
•Wells Reserve at Laudholm
You may also like the following events from Strawbery Banke Museum:
Also check out other
Workshops in Portsmouth,
Arts events in Portsmouth.
