“We are honored to participate in the renovations to the Ladd-Gilman House,” said Massachusetts Society of Colonial Wars Treasurer and Grant Committee Chairman Bill Mann. “This project is certainly worthy of a small gift to help with period-correct building maintenance, and also of our appreciation.”
Regarding why they made this investment in AIM, Mann cited “overlapping and deeply interconnected interests” despite each organization focusing on different historic periods. “New Hampshire was a part of Massachusetts when the Ladd-Gilman House was built,” he said. “We have limited funds to pursue our mission of preserving colonial history, but an historic 18th-century structure like the Ladd-Gilman House stands out as an important example of our shared heritage.”
These initial repairs at the Ladd-Gilman House are part of a larger restoration project that will take several years to complete. “We have yet to formally launch the project, but we plan to do so in the coming months,” said Dr. Robert Levey, AIM Interim Executive Director. “We truly appreciate the support of The Society of Colonial Wars in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, which puts a spotlight on this incredible structure.”
The Ladd-Gilman House was built in 1721 by Nathaniel Ladd. Originally built of brick before being covered in clapboard in the 18th century, the house is one of the oldest brick structures in the state. Daniel Gilman acquired the house in 1747, expanding it with a timber frame addition in 1752 and renovating the interior.
The house became the State Treasury during the Revolutionary War, with both Nicholas and John Taylor Gilman serving as state treasurers. The house was also the birthplace of Nicholas Gilman, Jr., a signatory of the United States Constitution and U.S. Senator.
Home to 3,000 historic artifacts, including an original copy of the Dunlap Broadside (Declaration of Independence), AIM develops programs, events, and exhibits that engage people of all ages in the ongoing struggle for freedom and self-governance. AIM is sponsored in part by The Society Of The Cincinnati In The State Of New Hampshire, Service Credit Union, New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, and William W. Treat Foundation.
About American Independence Museum
Located in Exeter, NH, the American Independence Museum features a rare collection of historic artifacts that shed light on the Revolutionary War. Examples of popular items in our exhibits include a dragoon pistol, brown bess musket, and 18th century powder horn. Many of our programs offer insight into civic duties, civic engagement and civic responsibility, while we also feature a variety of things to do in NH, such as camps for kids, festivals, summer festival, reenactments, and homeschool programs. Perfect for a day trip or weekend trips, we believe in inclusivity and inclusive history and the spirit behind the phrase, ‘we the people’.