Gingerbread Experiments Come to Life!

Gingerbread Experiments Come to Life!

by | Dec 9, 2025 | News

Title panel for “Cabot Lyford: Winds of Change” featuring Lyford’s most famous Portsmouth sculpture, My Mother the Wind, with Executive Director Emma Stratton, Exhibitions Manager Meredith Affleck, Lyford family member Julia Lane, and Guest Curator Rachel Walls (left to right).

Ode to Celia Thaxter” depicting a fictional cottage dedicated to the local poetess by Sandi Strzepek took home the Judges’ Award for Best Adult Entry and Best in Show.

The holiday season has arrived, and with it comes the Portsmouth Historical Society’s 35th Annual Gingerbread House Contest and Exhibition.

On Friday, December 5, at the Gingerbread Reception and Community Judges’ Awards, the following edible creations have emerged victorious:

Multi-Generational- Encanto by Judy Monahan, Amy Monahan, Josie Monahan, and Sandi Strzepek
Teen- Merry Grinchmas by Little Clipper Preschool and Portsmouth High School Careers in Education Students
Youth- Winter in Paris by Cole Dinulos
Business or Organization- Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater by Salvage Modern: Vintage Furniture
Adult and Best in Show- Ode to Celia Thaxter by Sandi Strzepek

This year’s panel of community judges included representatives from Portsmouth’s Arts and Cultural Commission, the City of Portsmouth, ENE Systems of New Hampshire, New Hampshire Art Association, and Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce, along with exhibition sponsors EnviroVantage and Devine Millimet. Thanks to them, the creativity and experimentation that took place in this year’s contest were well rewarded.

More gingerbread creators were celebrated with several awards determined by museum staff:
Best First-Time Entry went to Cabin in the Woods by Kimberly Huber and Nautilus Experiment by Tarci, Taylor, and Renee.
Most on Theme went to Picasso Face Study No. 1 by Mary Ellen Hoerman.

“This year’s theme, The Great Gingerbread Experiment, really came to life in extraordinary ways. Our visitors and staff are blown away by how boldly creators embraced experimentation: trying new materials, techniques, and designs they’ve never used before. We’re always thrilled to see longtime participants return, and have been equally delighted by the daring ideas from newcomers,” said Sarah Robbitts-Terry, Director of Community Engagement.

There is still time to make your voice heard in the People’s Choice Awards for Most Whimsical, Most Creative Material, Best Attention to Detail, and Best in Show. Voting concludes on December 17.

In addition to viewing the gingerbread houses, guests are encouraged to attend the many events that celebrate the festive season, including Gingerbread Tips & Tricks Tours on Friday, December 12 and 19 at 5:30 p.m.; Gingerbread House Workshops on December 13 & 20 at 10:30 a.m.; and the New Favorites Cookie Swap on Saturday, December 13 at 1 pm.

Additional thanks to event sponsors Lovebirds Donuts, Kennebunk Savings, Avery Insurance, Louis F. Clarizio, and Seacoast Lately, who helped make this sweet holiday exhibition possible. Carry on the festivities by trying the “Gingerfolk” donut at Lovebirds, which will donate a portion of the donut sales to the Historical Society throughout December.

The Gingerbread exhibition at Portsmouth Historical Society is an ideal outing for families, friends, and enthusiasts of all ages seeking to immerse themselves in the holiday spirit. The Society features a well-curated gift shop perfect for holiday shopping. The Portsmouth Historical Society is open daily through December 30 from 10 am to 5 pm with free admission.

ABOUT The PORTSMOUTH HISTORICAL SOCIETY

The Portsmouth Historical Society’s museums and programs connect the community to our past, present, and future through collections, interpretation, education, and preservation. It operates two facilities: the Welcome Center and Galleries and the John Paul Jones House. The Portsmouth Historical Society serves as a cultural hub for Portsmouth, providing visitors and the community with rotating exhibitions, dynamic programming, historic walking tours, and a museum shop of unique Portsmouth gifts and books. Located at 10 Middle Street, they are open daily from 10am-5pm, from April through December. For further information, please call 603-436-8433 or visit PortsmouthHistory.org.

35th Annual Gingerbread House Contest November 28-December 30
Learn more about Gingerbread!

Gingerbread Raffle

by | Nov 19, 2025 | Uncategorized

Stocking Raffle
Patriots Raffle

Every raffle ticket helps keep the Gingerbread exhibition free for all! Don’t miss your chance―the Gingerbread House Raffle closes on December 16, and the Stocking and Patriots Raffles close December 30.

Gingerbread house winners must pick up their house on Sunday, December 21st, or Monday, December 22nd, between 10am and 5pm.

Most stocking prizes can be sent by mail or email, except for the cozy hot cocoa basket.

Grab your tickets today!

Patriots vs. Dolphins Raffle

One ticket for $50, five tickets for $200.

Two club seat tickets to the Patriots vs. Dolphins game at Gillette Stadium on January 4, 2026!

Club level tickets for Gillette Stadium offer an elevated experience with padded, wider seats, private entrances, and access to climate-controlled indoor lounges that include exclusive food, drink, and bar options.

Please note that food, beverages, and parking are not complimentary and must be purchased by the winner. 

Section CL10, Row 19, Seats 12 & 13

Stocking Raffle

One ticket for $5, five tickets for $20.

Now is the Time to Experience “Cabot Lyford: Winds of Change”

Now is the Time to Experience “Cabot Lyford: Winds of Change”

by | Sep 17, 2025 | News

Cabot Lyford black and white photo

Artist Cabot Lyford (1925-2016) spent a lifetime creating works of art, including four in Portsmouth. Here he is on the Phillips Exeter Academy campus with his ever-present pipe. Image courtesy of the Lyford family. 

With just over a month until the show closes, now is the perfect time for the Seacoast community to experience “Cabot Lyford: Winds of Change.” This landmark exhibition celebrates the life and artistry of one of New England’s most iconic sculptors and features over 100 works, many of which have not been on public view in decades.

“What we’ve heard again and again from visitors is how Cabot Lyford touched their lives–whether as a teacher, a colleague, or a friend. His influence ripples through this community in ways that go far beyond the sculptures themselves,” remarked Emma Stratton, Executive Director of the Portsmouth Historical Society, reflecting on the feedback provided since the exhibition opened in April.

Lyford’s art is familiar to many in the region, including his public sculptures “My Mother the Wind” on Four Tree Island and “Fisherman’s Luck” in Prescott Park. The exhibition also highlights his lifelong advocacy through art and his role as an educator at Phillips Exeter Academy, as well as his inspiration drawn from the Maine and New Hampshire seacoast.

To provide an in-depth perspective on Lyford’s work, guest curator Rachel Walls will offer the final free Curator Tours on Friday, October 3, at 12:00 and 5:30 p.m. These tours provide unique insights into the artist’s techniques, personal anecdotes, and the historical context that influenced his creations.

Since opening, the exhibition has drawn over 2,000 visitors, reinforcing Lyford’s enduring impact on the regional arts community. The exhibition also includes “Contemporary Currents,” in collaboration with the New Hampshire Art Association, which features local artists exploring themes of advocacy and experimentation inspired by Lyford’s work.

Don’t miss your chance to experience this remarkable collection of works.. The exhibition closes on November 2, 2025. It is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with admission beginning at $5.

For more information about the exhibition and related programs, please call 603-436-8433 or visit www.portsmouthhistory.org.

ABOUT The PORTSMOUTH HISTORICAL SOCIETY

The Portsmouth Historical Society’s museums and programs connect the community to our past, present, and future through collections, interpretation, education, and preservation. It operates two facilities: the Welcome Center and Galleries and the John Paul Jones House. The Portsmouth Historical Society serves as a cultural hub for Portsmouth, providing visitors and the community with rotating exhibitions, dynamic programming, historic walking tours, and a museum shop of unique Portsmouth gifts and books. Located at 10 Middle Street, they are open daily from 10am-5pm, from April through December. For further information, please call 603-436-8433 or visit PortsmouthHistory.org.

Learn more about the exhibition

35th Annual Gingerbread House Contest 

35th Annual Gingerbread House Contest 

by | Aug 28, 2025 | Exhibitions

35th Annual Gingerbread House Contest<br /> November 28-December 30

Experiment and push the limits in our annual Gingerbread House Contest!

November 28–December 30

Open Daily 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Free Admission

Events
Voting & Awards
Raffle Houses

Holiday Hours

Christmas Eve open 10 am–2 pm
Christmas Day Closed
December 26-30 open 10 am– 4 pm

Theme for 2025: The Great Gingerbread Experiment

Step into a world where gingerbread meets imagination! For 2025, we’re looking for bold, unexpected creations in The Great Gingerbread Experiment. Come and see bakers, builders, and dreamers of all ages stretch the boundaries of confectionery as they present sculptures, scenes, and sweet surprises that defy the traditional roof and walls.

You’ll see all types of experiments: new kinds of structure, using an edible material you’d never think to put on a gingerbread house, or knocking down the gingerbread walls altogether, we have filled the gallery to with innovative designs come to life. Embrace creativity and join us for a season of playful experimentation in gingerbread like never before.

Programs and Events

Gingerbread opening reception and Judge's Award presentation on Friday, December 5, 5:30-7:30 pm. Free and open to the public
Gingerbread Reception and Awards Party
Friday, December 5, 5:30–7:30 pm
Gingerbread House Workshop Saturday, November 8 11 am and 1 pm
Gingerbread House Workshop
Saturdays, December 13 & 20, 10:30 am
Cookie Swap, Experiment with a new favorite recipe<br /> Saturday, December 13<br /> 1–3 pm<br /> 10 Middle Street
Cookie Swap
Saturday, December 13 at 1pm
Gingerbread Smash
Saturday, January 3, 1 pm
Extended Gingerbread Hours:

Saturday, December 6 open until 9 pm for Shop & Stroll
Friday, December 12 open until 8 pm
Friday, December 19 open until 8 pm

Tips and Tricks Tours: December 12 & 19, 5:30–6:30 pm
Holiday Hours:

Christmas Eve open 10 am–2 pm
Christmas Day Closed
December 26-30 open 10 am– 4 pm

Holiday Hours on a gold badge

Gingerbread House Raffle

Win a gingerbread creation to take home as a holiday centerpiece! Raffle tickets are $5, and winners will be notified on December 16.

All winners have been alerted and houses will be picked up between Sunday, December 21 and Monday, December 22, between 10:00 am and 5:00 pm.

Red two-story Gingerbread House with many details

Stocking Raffle

Enter to win curated gift baskets perfect for the holiday season. Stockings include:

❄ Skating passes
❄ Dinner and a show
❄ Ice Castles adventures
❄ Founder’s tour at Wiggle Bridge Distillery

Enter the Stocking Raffle Online

Community Judge’s Awards

It’s always such a difficult job to judge the Gingerbread Contest. Let’s give our judges a round of applause for their hard work!

 

Youth Category

Our youngest builders can count on their creative minds to come up with experimental styles and ways to construct gingerbread.

Our youth winner, Cole Dinulos, reached new heights with his Eiffel Tower in Winter in Paris.

Runners up, The Children’s Garden Preschool, asked the important question, what happens If You Give a Moose a Gingerbread House?

Teen Category

This year’s teen category showed what can be done when you work together, with many group entries. 

Merry Grinchmas from Little Clipper Preschool and PHS Careers in Education Students!

The sibling duo of Alyza & Vaughan Vaillancourt took home the honorable mention for Clara’s Escape.

Multigenerational Category

Three generations came together to bake, decorate, and assemble this stunning Encanto, made by Judy Monahan, Amy Monahan, Josie Monahan Case & Sandi Strzepek.

Working across generations led our bakers to discover new techniques and work together to build stunning gingerbread creations!

The Johnson Family created a massive Simple Christmas Cabin that left an impression on the judges.

Business Category

These gingerbread entries celebrate the many wonderful local businesses and non-profits we have in the Seacoast area.

The instantly recognizable Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater took home first prize, built by the brilliant minds behind Salvage Modern: Vintage Furniture.

This bright and colorful Sugarland by Libby Giordano for Make-A-Wish NH sure made an impression on our judges.

Adult Runner Up

Linda Roth experimented with isomalt for the first time in her ribbon-receiving Elsa’s Frozen Palace.

Best in Show Honorable Mention

The Throne of the Ghost of Christmas Yet To Come by Olivia Patsfield of Royal Cookies LLC made everyone take a closer look at the delicate (and edible) lacework.

Adult and Best in Show Winner

Judges were awed by the detail and skill used in this multi-award winner.

“Ode to Celia Thaxter” by Sandi Strzepek was this baker’s first attempt at working with gum paste (and won’t be her last). Each side of this build is full of fantastic details that must be seen in person.

Staff Picks

Each year, we love to award first-time entrants who have embraced this holiday tradition.

Best First-Time Adult

Kimberly Huber’s Cabin in the Woods is a perfect cozy retreat for this time of year.

Best First-Time Multigenerational

These mad scientists definitely tried something new in The Nautilus Experiment by Traci, Taylor, and Renee.

People’s Choice Winners

We had nearly 2,000 votes cast this year, and the People added more awards to several houses.

Most Creative Use of Materials

Necco wafters, licorice, and more led the The Johnson Family’s Simple Christmas Cabin to win Most Creative Use of Materials.

Most Whimsical

This topsy-turvy stack of colorful gingerbread houses piled high won the award for most whimsical. Congratulations to Sugarland by Libby Giordano for Make-A-Wish NH.

People’s Choice Most Attention to Detail and Best In Show

It’s been undeniable that, “Ode to Celia Thaxter” by Sandi Strzepek, caught so many eyes over the course of the month. Each side of this charming cottage has something new to behold!

Help Support Preservation in Portsmouth with a Cookie Plaque

Help support Portsmouth Historical Society and the Portsmouth Advocates’ efforts to preserve our historic architecture. Just like the plaques in our Historic House Plaque Program, you can buy a cookie plaque for your gingerbread creation! Just $5 for members, and $10 for non-members.

If you live in an historic home, check out the Plaque Program. You can start the process of commissioning a plaque and research the history of your house!

Thank you to our sweet sponsors:

Lovebirds Donuts
Kennebunk Savings Logo

Avery Insurance

Devine Millimet

Louis F. Clarizio, DDS PA

Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce

Seacoast Lately

35th Annual Gingerbread House Contest 

2025 Gingerbread Registration

by | Aug 22, 2025 | Uncategorized

2025 Gingerbread House Contest Rules

Please review the rules and important dates before registering below.

Click here to download a pdf copy of the Rules
  • Maximum base size is 15” by 15”. You may NOT attach multiple bases together.
  • Entries larger than 15” by 15” will not be accepted.
  • Edible materials ONLY! This includes the “glue” that holds pieces together and support on the inside! Exception: you can include plug-in string lights or fairy lights, but no batteries!
  • Sturdy base required! Your house will be picked up and moved multiple times during gallery set-up.
  • By entering the contest, entrants authorize Portsmouth Historical Society to use their images and images of completed work in promotional materials.

Important Dates

Thursday, November 20 Registration deadline

Saturday, November 22, 11am – 5pm

Sunday, November 23, 11am – 5pm

 House Drop-off: All houses must be dropped off at 10 Middle Street during these days and times.
Friday, November 28 Exhibition opens to the public! We will be open 7 days a week from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, and until 7:00 pm every Friday in December.
Friday, December 5, 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm Opening Reception, presentation of Community Judges’ award ribbons
Tuesday, December 30 Exhibition Last Day

Entry Categories

Participants are required to submit entries under one of these categories. Note: If youth and teens are working together without an adult, please choose the Teen category.

  • Business/Non-Profit/Organization
  • Adult(s) (Age 18 and older)
  • Multi-Generational (Adults and youths or teens working together)
  • Teen or Teen Group (Age 13–17, working without an adult)
  • Youth or Youth Group (Age 12 and under working without an adult)

Notes

  • Entrants will be asked to give their entry a title on drop-off.
  • Gingerbread kits are allowed, provided they use only edible materials.
  • Plug-in string lights allowed. Battery-operated lights strongly discouraged as the batteries die quickly.
  • Your entry doesn’t have to be a “house.” We’ve seen boats, cars, books, barns, trees, etc. Anything goes as long as it’s made of edible materials!