Revolutionary Portsmouth

Strawbery Banke Museum celebrates Flag Day June 14 with a free annual public event. This year, Strawbery Banke and Portsmouth Historical Society are collaborating on "Revolutionary Portsmouth" programming and Flag Day tells the story of the role of the Portsmouth Liberty Pole (erected in 1766 -- the first in the nation) and the original flag created by the Continental Congress and adopted on June 14, 1777 -- the same day Captain John Paul Jones took command of the Portsmouth-built "Ranger" which was the first to have the flag recognized by a foreign nation. This short, colorful, family-friendly program is followed immediately by the Ken Burns Big Watch program and "Spirit of Service" facilitated discussion.

This program is a partnership between Association of Historical Societies in NH, Portsmouth Historical Society, and Strawbery Banke Museum.

This event is made possible by New Hampshire Humanities, in partnership with NHPBS, with additional support provided by Cogswell Benevolent Trust. By the People: Conversations Beyond 250 is a series of community driven programs created by humanities councils in collaboration with local partners. The initiative was developed by the Federation of State Humanities Councils and the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage.