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Abstract
Using Strawbery Bank as a case study, this thesis examines the benefits of rehabilitation of unprofitable spaces in house museums in order to create rentable housing units. These units will help preserve these historic buildings by providing revenue for the maintenance of the property while providing new housing and preventing possible gentrification. The thesis examines Portsmouth’s developmental history that led to the decline of Strawbery Banke, its founding neighborhood. Then, moves to the establishment of the Strawbery Banke Museum because of Urban Renewal, and finally leads to the Heritage House Program. The final chapter examines the pros and cons of the Heritage House Program and how it can be implemented in other house museums in order to preserve the home and generate revenue.