Baby Animals: Heritage Breeds at the Banke, showcases a variety of more than a dozen heirloom breeds of Barnyard Baby Animals (and their moms) that would have been familiar to earlier generations. The event is a family-friendly opportunity to learn more about domestic livestock typical on coastal northern New England farms from the 17th century to the present day.

Breeders join this special event from NH, ME, MA, & NY farms. They are experts in heritage animals including lambs, kids, calves, piglets, bunnies, chicks, and ducklings.

The breeders answer visitors’ questions, explaining the developmental needs of the babies, the various aspects of husbandry that are required to raise them, and why they have chosen to preserve these sometimes-endangered domestic animals for future generations. Many farms are family projects enthusiastically supported by multiple generations of caretakers.

Note: The emphasis is Baby Animals: Heritage Breeds at the Banke is on educational information. All of the animals are rare, heritage breeds, many of which are on the verge of extinction. For the health and safety of both the animals and visitors petting is not allowed.

Baby Animals: Heritage Breeds at the Banke
Saturday, April 22–Sunday, April 30, 2023, 10-4 PM
Rain or shine under a heated tent.

Member ticket sales begin on Wednesday, March 15, 2023, at 10 AM. Join Now! Public ticket sales begin on Monday, March 20, 2023, at 10 AM.

Tickets: 

• Members (ages 1+): $5 or free depending on membership level. Join Now!
• Nonmembers (ages 1+): $10
• Children under 1: free, ticket required

Children’s Program with Baby Animals: Heritage Breeds at the Banke
Sunday, April 22– Sunday, April 30, 2023
Morning session: 9-10 AM
NEW! Afternoon session: 4-5 PM

Presented for an hour before and after the event is open to the public, the Children’s Program is led by a heritage breeder and education and is designed to give children ages 4-8 an opportunity to meet the baby lambs, kids, chicks, and other animals up close. Tickets for the Children’s Program include a breakfast or afternoon snack, admission for up to two accompanying parents or guardians, and all-day admission to the main event. Limited space is available for each session. Members $20. Nonmembers $25.

Baby Animals: Heritage Breeds
Strawbery Banke Museum
Portsmouth, NH
Saturday, April 22 – Sunday, April, 30, 2023, 10 AM – 4 PM