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.