Father and Son Team Up to Bring History to Life at Strawbery Banke Museum

PORTSMOUTH— As part of the ongoing restoration of the Penhallow-Cousins House, Kevin Hart, owner of Hart Plumbing and Heating, and his son Hunter came together on Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025 to install a century-old hot water system, donating their time, expertise, and a little family teamwork to preserve a piece of Portsmouth history.  The Penhallow-Cousins House is a historic home on Strawbery Banke Museum’s campus that will soon tell the story of a Black family who lived there during the 1930s and 1940s.  

The c.1910 hot water system, which includes two heaters for natural gas and kerosene, was donated and installed by Hart Plumbing and Heating. Its installation in the Penhallow-Cousins House not only preserves early 20th-century home technology but also creates a tangible connection between generations and craftspeople. For Kevin and Hunter, the project was a chance to bond while contributing to a meaningful community effort, a story as much about family as it is about history.

“Hart Plumbing and Heating has been a valued partner of Strawbery Banke for many years,” said Rodney Rowland, director of Environmental Sustainability. “When the Museum hoped to acquire a twentieth century hot water heater, it was a no-brainer to ask for their help with this project.”

“We found the hot water heater in a basement on Miller Ave in Portsmouth last year and it was in storage at our shop,” said Kevin Hart, owner of Hart Plumbing and Heating. “When we were approached about this project, I thought it would be a great opportunity for my son Hunter and myself to work together on installing it. It’s not very often that a father and son get to work together and I take pride in that.” 

The exhibit in the Penhallow-Cousins House, formerly known as the Penhallow House, will honor the lives of Kenneth and Eleanor Cousins and their daughter, Geraldine “Jeri” Cousins Palmer, a community leader and founding member of the Seacoast African American Cultural Center. The exhibit in the Cousins’ apartment  is set to open to the public on April 24, 2026, featuring personal artifacts, period furnishings, and immersive exhibits that bring the family’s story to life.

“Watching Kevin and Hunter work together is a reminder that history isn’t just about objects or buildings—it’s about people, relationships, and the stories we pass down,” said Linnea Grim, president and CEO, Thomas W. Haas Endowed Chair. “Their generosity and care add a personal, human touch to the restoration and make the Penhallow-Cousins House even more special for visitors.”

“The reason I wanted to donate my son’s and my time for the installation is that I respect what Strawbery Banke does, " continued Hart. “I admire how the Museum brings the old back to life so that people can see how things worked compared to today.” 

Strawbery Banke Museum continues to collaborate with the Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire, the Seacoast African American Cultural Center, the Cousins’ descendants, and other community partners to ensure the house authentically reflects the lives and legacy of the Cousins family. The Harts’ installation is a tangible example of how the Museum’s work brings history into the present, connecting people, stories, and communities.

For more information about the Penhallow-Cousins House and Strawbery Banke Museum, visit www.strawberybanke.org/penhallow.