Strawbery Banke Museum Heritage House Program Receives $10,000 from Eastern Bank Foundation

Portsmouth, New Hampshire (January 7, 2016) The Heritage House Program (HHP) at Strawbery Banke Museum, comprising twelve buildings identified for restoration and adaptive reuse, has received a $10,000 grant from the Eastern Bank Charitable Foundation.

Lawrence J. Yerdon, President and CEO of Strawbery Banke said, “Thanks to Eastern Bank and others who have made significant contributions to the Heritage House Program, Strawbery Banke will be able to sustain the momentum achieved this year towards the completion of the HHP goals. The HHP business model continues to be a successful and mutually rewarding strategy because it leverages investments to stabilize and preserve the historic structures, while generating rental revenues that fund long-term maintenance of the historic buildings and many of the museum’s educational programs.”

In making the presentation while visiting the Yeaton-Walsh House now under restoration, Stephen H. Witt, Senior Vice President, NH Team Leader for Eastern Bank commented, “Strawbery Banke Museum is an important and valuable asset to the community Eastern Bank serves. We are proud to support the Heritage House Program that helps the museum be financially sustainable and through its tenants, brings light and life back to the neighborhood.”

Over the past two years the museum has achieved targeted goals for the restoration of the Thales Yeaton House, now complete, and the Yeaton Walsh House. One major property, the Penhallow House, is left to restore under the Heritage House Program. The restoration of the Penhallow House on Washington Street will allow for the creation of two rental units plus an exhibition space replicating the office of Judge Penhallow, who was known as an advocate and ally of those seeking manumission and is therefore an important African-American history site.

About Strawbery Banke Museum

Strawbery Banke Museum, in the heart of historic downtown Portsmouth, New Hampshire, is a 10-acre outdoor history museum dedicated to bringing 300+ years of American history to life. The Museum is a place for children, adults, multigenerational families and groups to gather to explore heritage gardens, historic buildings, crafts, preservation programs, hands-on activities, stories told by costumed role-players and the changing exhibits that offer hours of fun and discovery. The Museum’s restored buildings and open space invite visitors to immerse themselves in the past. The Museum welcomes 95,000 visitors, members, schoolchildren and volunteers who love New Hampshire history for daily programs, exhibits, skating and signature special events throughout the year. For a complete calendar of events, please visit www.strawberybanke.org

About Eastern Bank

Founded in 1818 and based in Boston, Eastern Bank is the largest and oldest mutual bank in the country, with $9.9 billion in assets and nearly 100 branches serving communities in eastern Massachusetts and southern and coastal New Hampshire. Eastern Bank offers banking, investments and insurance all under one roof, and prides itself on working harder to understand its customers’ needs so it can deliver these services in a committed and personal way. Eastern Bank, which includes Eastern Bank Wealth Management and Eastern Insurance, is a recognized leader in corporate social responsibility and for its advocacy on behalf of a number of social justice causes. For more information, visit: www.easternbank.com, www.facebook.com/easternbank or www.twitter.com/easternbank.

CAPTION: Stephen H. Witt, Senior Vice President, NH Team Leader for Eastern Bank (left) presents a $10,000 check to Lawrence J. Yerdon, President and CEO of Strawbery Banke for the museum’s Heritage House Program, that includes the preservation and renovation of the Yeaton Walsh House, behind them.