by emma | Nov 1, 2018 | Events
Building on prior successful collaborations, the American Independence Museum and Exeter Fine Crafts have developed a Colonial Crafts Workshop for youth, ages 11 to 18, on Saturday, November 17 at 1 pm.
The workshop will provide youth with the opportunity to learn about about the history of a colonial craft, followed by a 90-minute hands-on session led by Exeter Fine Crafts instructors.
On November 17, the focus will be Paper Marbling. Offered free of charge as the result of a grant awarded to Exeter Fine Crafts from the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, the workshop takes place at the museum’s Folsom Tavern, located at 164 Water Street in downtown Exeter.
Emma Bray, museum executive director, expressed excitement at the workshop.
“This is a wonderful partnership with Exeter Fine Crafts that is as fun as it is educational,” she said. “We advocate for history’s relevance, and the arts continue to serve as a wonderful vehicle for us. The result is outstanding and accessible community programming.”
Home to a world-class collection of 3,000 historic artifacts, the museum welcomes more than 5,000 visitors annually and distinguishes itself with educational school programs and events that make history fun and relevant.
Pre-registration for the workshop is required and space is limited. To register, please fill out the online form at www.independencemuseum.org. For questions about the workshop, contact Education Manager Abby Pietrantonio at [email protected] or (603) 772-2622.
About the American Independence Museum
The American Independence Museum is a history museum in Exeter, NH that features a collection of 3,000 historic artifacts that shed light on the American Revolution. Many of our programs touch on civics and the fight for independence, while we incorporate inclusivity and diversity into the experiences we create on-site and in digital formats. We feature a variety of things to do for people of all ages, including festivals, an historic tavern, guided tours and our annual American Independence Festival.
by emma | Oct 24, 2018 | Beer for History
On Thursday, November 1, Sam von Trapp will be on hand to pour some of von Trapp Brewing’s award winning beer at the American Independence Museum’s final Beer for History in 2018.
Presented by Hoefle Phoenix Gormley & Roberts, P.A. Attorneys at Law, Beer for History features music, Lexie’s Burger Bus, light snacks and some form of historic entertainment.
Emma Bray, museum executive director, said this fourth and final event in the series may be its busiest.
“There is a lot of excitement around having Vermont’s von Trapp Brewing here,” she said. “This entire series has brought in some of the area’s finest brewers, so we are thrilled they accepted our invitation to join us.”
As for what may be “on tap” at the event, von Trapp Brewing is expected to bring their Helles, Pilsner, Vienna, Oktoberfest and Dunkel, which are available year round and represent some of their most popular brews.
Now in its third year, Beer for History is beginning to attract regional attention, according to Bray.
“Every event is family friendly, unique, lively–this series is becoming a destination for some,” she said. “I think Beer for History’s success also demonstrates the vibrancy of Exeter as a cultural destination.”
Proceeds from Beer for History benefit the American Independence Museum, which features Folsom Tavern (c.1775) and Ladd-Gilman House (c.1721). Home to a world-class collection of 3,000 historic artifacts, the museum welcomes more than 5,000 visitors annually and distinguishes itself with educational school programs and events that make history fun and relevant.
Admission for Beer for History events, which take place from 6 to 8 pm, is $15 for members and $20 for non members. Children’s tickets are also available. Beer for 21+ is included in the ticket price.
About the American Independence Museum
The American Independence Museum is a history museum in Exeter, NH that features a collection of 3,000 historic artifacts that shed light on the American Revolution. Many of our programs touch on civics and the fight for independence, while we incorporate inclusivity and diversity into the experiences we create on-site and in digital formats. We feature a variety of things to do for people of all ages, including festivals, an historic tavern, guided tours and our annual American Independence Festival.
by emma | Oct 18, 2018 | Events
On Saturday, October 20, the American Independence Museum will host “Ghosts of Folsom Tavern and Winter Street Cemetery Tour,” which begins at Folsom Tavern where Colonel & Mrs. Folsom will introduce guests to their family.
“Our period re-enactors will portray the Folsoms and provide fascinating history about the tavern, including how they once hosted George Washington,” said Victoria Su of the museum.
After exploring the tavern, attendees will walk to nearby Winter Street Cemetery and meet a colonial tour guide from the museum. In this portion of the program, folks will see the Folsom’s final resting place and the graves of many of Exeter’s famous and infamous revolutionary residents.
The Folsoms were among Exeter’s earliest settlers. They arrived, in fact, with the Gilman family with whom they were related. The history of both families–and that of Exeter itself and its role in the Revolutionary War–feature prominently in the exhibits and collection at the American Independence Museum, which features Folsom Tavern (1775) and Ladd-Gilman House (1721).
Ghosts of Folsom Tavern will take place on Saturday, October 20 from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. in Folsom Tavern with Winter Street Cemetery tours every 30 minutes beginning at 4 p.m. through 5:30 p.m. Cemetery tours will last approximately 45 minutes.
The cost is $10.00 for non-members and $7 for non-member children ages, 6-18. Members are $5.00 and members’ children, ages 6-18, are $3. All children under the age of 6 are free.
Ticket prices include a visit to the museum day of the event (must visit Ladd-Gilman House before 3:30pm), activities and check in at Folsom Tavern with seasonal refreshments, and cemetery tour.
To purchase tickets online, visit www.independencemuseum.org. For more information, call (603) 772-2622, or email or [email protected].
Home to a world-class collection of 3,000 historic artifacts, the American Independence Museum welcomes more than 5,000 visitors annually and distinguishes itself with educational school programs and events that make history fun and relevant.
by emma | Oct 9, 2018 | Events
On Thursday, October 18, Throwback Brewery will be the featured brewer at the American Independence Museum’s next Beer for History, the third in a four-event series.
Noting this is the first time Throwback Brewery has been part of Beer for History, museum Executive Director Emma Bray said this particular event is of special significance. Beer for History takes place at Folsom Tavern, which was built in 1775 by Colonel Samuel Folsom and known as Widow Folsom’s Tavern when his widow and daughters ran it from 1790 to 1805.
“It was very unusual to have a tavern back then run entirely by women, but that was Folsom Tavern,” said Bray, who expressed admiration at the fact Throwback Brewery is female-owned and operated.
“Throwback Brewery is one of the only breweries in the world owned and operated by women, so it is great to have them here at our event with this interesting historic connection,” she added.
For beer aficionados, this next Beer for History is not to be missed, as Nicole Carrier of Throwback Brewery said they are bringing three kinds of beer, including their popular Chai Porter.
“We are also bringing Beer From Here, a Pale Ale we are making using the hops we harvest from our hop yard here as well as some other local hops,” she said. “It will feature 100% local malt as well.”
They will also bring Heidi Go Seek, a Munich-Style Oktoberfest, which she described as a “gorgeous, mahogany-colored lagered beer.”
“It is light, crisp, and toasty,” she said. “It walks the perfect balance of bready Munich & Vienna malts and spicy hops.”
Presented by Hoefle Phoenix Gormley & Roberts, P.A. Attorneys at Law, Beer for History features music, Lexie’s Burger Bus, light snacks and some form of historic entertainment.
Proceeds from Beer for History benefit the American Independence Museum, which is home to Folsom Tavern and the Ladd-Gilman House (c.1721).
Admission for Beer for History events, which take place from 6 to 8 pm, is $15 for members and $20 for non members. Beer for 21+ is included in the ticket price.
von Trapp Brewing is the featured brewer for November 1, which is the final Beer for History. Tickets may be purchased at the door or online at www.independencemuseum.org.
by emma | Oct 3, 2018 | Partnerships
While ‘leverage’ is a key concept in the for-profit sector, it also explains how the American Independence Museum in Exeter develops corporate partnerships.
“We try to create opportunities to engage our sponsors in ways that benefit them both internally and externally,” said museum Executive Director Emma Bray. “It is why we call them ‘partnerships’ now rather than ‘sponsorships.’ It is not about asking for money. It is about working together for a common shared vision.”
For Bray, this shared vision is a vibrant, dynamic Exeter.
“This community is growing–from the work by TEAM to promote arts and culture to other organizations working for a brighter future, this is an exciting time for Exeter,” she said.
For Ruffner Real Estate’s Florence Ruffner, who has served on the museum’s board and financially supported the museum for years, a vibrant Exeter benefits everyone.
“I love this town and think we have a hidden gem here,” she said. “I believe this is a wonderful place to work and live. I think the museum is an important part of our continued growth.”
Karin Behrens-Bouvier, financial advisor with Edward Jones in Exeter, said she elected to support the museum because of her love of history.
“I was drawn to start my business here because of Exeter’s historical significance,” she said. “Supporting the museum seems like a great way to demonstrate my appreciation for its history.”
Jeff Foy of Foy Insurance said he appreciates the diversity of programming developed by the museum in recent years.
“It gets people into town to discover for themselves why all of us really love this town,” he said.
According to Bray, engaged corporate partners serve as the museum’s strongest “sales force.”
“It is one thing for us to advocate for our mission, but to have our partners do it for us is incredible,” she said.
This engagement with corporate partners sometimes creates entirely new programs.
“We are beginning to work with RiverWoods Exeter to create a volunteer program for their residents,” said Bray. “This is an outstanding opportunity for them and for us as an organization.”
Other partnerships help push programs over the proverbial top, which is the case with the museum’s Traveling Trunk program. Educating more than 500 kids in schools in the past academic school year alone, the program was initially funded by the NH Charitable Foundation and has since been supported by Service Credit Union.
“This Traveling Trunk program has been in Florida, New Jersey and places throughout the Northeast,” said Bray. “This experiential education program would not exist without our partners and Service Credit Union’s continued support.”
Entering its second year of partnership with the museum as a supporter of Revolutionary Story Time!, Exeter Hospital also supported the American Independence Festival this past July.
“Exeter Hospital has been great, as we have found a way to work together in programs and events that enhance the fabric of our community,” said Bray.
Other partners, like Bob Mitchell, not only invest financial resources through their businesses to support the museum, but substantial time.
“Bob is instrumental in our festival in July,” said Bray. “His vision literally helped to create our Traditional Artisans Village, which is now supported by the New Hampshire State Council on the Arts.”
The museum also offers a successful Lecture Series, which provides afternoon Lunch & Learns and evening Tavern Talks. The series has been presented by People’s United Bank for the past two years.
“They often attend our lectures and speak at them,” she said. “It is wonderful to create opportunities for our partners to speak directly with our members and visitors.”
As a result of a partnership with Chinburg Properties, the museum now offers free admission for veterans, active military and their families.
“Partnerships enhance our accessibility, program infrastructure and financial stability,” said Bray. “In return, we attract more people into town who in turn make investments of their own into the town’s economy…There is a business case for why museums can serve as a hub for a town–and I think we have that here in Exeter with support from our partners and donors.”
Home to a world-class collection of 3,000 historic artifacts, the museum welcomes more than 5,000 visitors annually and distinguishes itself with educational school programs and events that make history fun and relevant.
