by emma | Aug 2, 2018 | Beer for History
When it comes to good craft beer and history, the American Independence Museum in Exeter has the market cornered with its third Beer for History series, which kicks off on September 20 with Neighborhood Beer Co.
Sponsored by Hoefle Phoenix Gormley & Roberts, P.A. Attorneys at Law since its inception in 2016, Beer for History will feature a different brewer at each subsequent event. Earth Eagle Brewings is the featured brewer on October 4 with Throwback Brewery and von Trapp Brewing from Stowe, VT on October 18 and November 1, respectively.
According to museum Executive Director Emma Bray, each brewer in the series is well known and regarded for its “well-crafted brews.”
“Beer for History is known for bringing in high-quality brewers,” she said. “This event is perfect for folks who simply love a good beer. It’s also fun for history lovers, as we’ve worked unique history programming into the event in creative and fun ways.”
In addition to craft beer, each event will include Colonial Tavern Games, Colonial Trivia, and/or Escape Room as well as music and light snacks. Lexie’s Burger Bus will be on hand selling local food at all events except October 4, as the museum will announce a partnership with another local food truck for that event soon.
This year, Throwback Brewery and von Trapp Brewing join Beer for History for the first time, which excites Bray.
“Throwback and von Trapp both have unique histories themselves, so it is fun to connect our history with their history through this event,” she said.
All Beer for History events take place at the museum’s historic Folsom Tavern from 6pm to 8pm. Built in 1775, Folsom Tavern has served as backdrop to several noteworthy events in its long history, including a visit by George Washington in 1789.
“Have a beer where George Washington ate–not many museums can say that,” added Bray.
Tickets for each event are $15 for members and $20 for non-members. Series tickets are $50 and $70 for members and nonmembers, respectively, while children (under 21) are $3. Ticket prices include beer (21+), entertainment, light snacks and more.
To purchase tickets, or learn more about Beer for History, visit www.independencemuseum.org.
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by emma | Jul 31, 2018 | Partnerships
When Emma Bray, executive director of the American Independence Museum, first arrived in Exeter in March of 2017, one of the first people she met in town was Florence Ruffner of Ruffner Real Estate.
“It was clear she not only knew this area well, but loved it and especially the museum,” said Bray. “I realized right then that she is an important part of Exeter.”
Recently, Ruffner Real Estate contributed $1,500 to support the museum’s American Independence Festival, which saw more than 4,000 people visit downtown Exeter on Saturday, July 14. For Ruffner, the sponsorship reflects her love of the museum and what is one of the largest events in the area.
“I love to see people here at the festival, taking in the sights and sounds of a town I truly love,” she said. “Exeter is a town with a wonderful art and music scene, culture, shopping and restaurants…I want people to come visit us and discover why this town is so special and unique.”
For Bray, Ruffner’s vision of a vibrant, culturally rich Exeter aligns with that of the museum.
“The museum is just as concerned about the town as it is its own operations,” she said. “In order for us to thrive, the town must thrive, too, and vice-versa…We need to work together as businesses to maximize Exeter’s potential.”
Ruffner, whose office is just across the street from the museum’s Ladd-Gilman House (c.1721) and Folsom Tavern (c.1775), said she is enthused at Bray’s leadership and vision.
“I appreciate Emma and her ability to see the potential of this town and act on it,” she said. “This town has such an incredible, rich history and an even brighter future. It’s important we seize opportunities.”
One opportunity is a rich arts and culture scene, which she said the museum is helping to encourage with collaborations with numerous agencies, including TEAM (Town.Exeter.Arts.Music).
“We need vibrancy in this town in multiple ways, and so enhancing our local arts and culture scene is important to our town’s future,” Ruffner said. “With a beautiful space right in downtown Exeter, the museum is part of that, which I completely support.”
Bray added, “I am so thankful for Florence and what she has done for the museum through the years and in my time here,” she said. “She is a wonderful part of our museum.”
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. Located at One Governor’s Lane in Exeter, the museum is open 10am to 4 pm, Tuesday through Saturday.
by emma | Jul 26, 2018 | Partnerships
Exeter, NH—July 24, 2018—Recently, Foy Insurance made an investment of $1,500 to support the American Independence Museum, a financial contribution whose roots extend back nearly 400 years for Co-Owner Jeff Foy.
“I am a direct descendant of Anthony Colby, who was one of the first settlers of Amesbury, Massachusetts where his home, the Macy-Colby house built around 1650, still stands today,” he said. “For so many years growing up, I heard the stories from my grandparents and great-grandparents.”
This interest in history was also encouraged by his schooling.
“I had great history teachers growing up in all levels of school at Sanborn in Kingston, New Hampshire and at UNH,” he added.
For Emma Bray, executive director at the museum, Foy’s enthusiasm and support is important on many levels.
“It gets other people excited about and interested in history and what we are doing here,” she said.
Foy agrees and added, “The museum embodies so many of the things I care about–our national and local history, supporting local enterprises, being part of the fabric of Exeter, making sure young people learn about history…We feel that we succeed when Exeter and the Exeter area is prosperous so we do as much as we can to support it.”
Home to a world-class collection of 3,000 historic artifacts, the museum welcomes more than 5,000 visitors annually and offers a diverse array of programs and events for all ages.
For Foy, history is not just a subject that interests him on a personal level, though, as he noted it is also reflected in his professional narrative.
“Foy Insurance and its predecessors insurance agencies called Elwell Insurance and then Elwell-Collishaw Insurance have been operating in Exeter for 125 years,” he said. “My family is the third family to own it.”
In referencing Foy’s personal and professional story, Bray said it helps to illustrate one very important key concept.
“History is not just something from our deep past,” she said. “It is happening today.”
History can also be predictive of the future.
“I have always looked to the past to predict and prepare for the future,” said Foy.
by emma | Jan 6, 2017 | Uncategorized
After nearly 4 years as Executive Director of the American Independence Museum in Exeter, Julie Hall Williams will be leaving in February to join The Trustees of Reservations (The Trustees), the 10th largest nonprofit in Massachusetts as Director of Annual Giving and Major Giving.
For Williams, leaving the Museum is decidedly bittersweet. “I have loved being here at the American Independence Museum and working to put us on the map as a cultural destination in the region,” she said. “I have previously worked at The Trustees of Reservations and I am excited to be intricately involved in projects that will enliven museums, beaches, trails and historic places that see almost 2 million individuals annually.”
Noting a transition and search team has already been formed by the Board of Governors, President Sue Desjardins applauded Williams for her service. She cited 2016 as “irrefutable proof” that the Museum is “clearly on the right path and moving forward with positive momentum.”
“Under Julie’s leadership, we broke a record with more than 5,000 visitors in each of the past two years and we doubled our donations through corporate and leadership giving,” she said.
Desjardins noted that under Julie’s leadership the Museum has also added a successful Ambassadors program, enhanced its facilities and collections, and expanded its programs and events, which include the American Independence Festival in July. Other milestones in the past four years have included completing the Museum’s first long range strategic business plan, expanding its web/social media presence, improving its physical plant and landscape, and comprehensively cataloguing the entire Museum collection (6,000+ pieces).
In looking ahead for the Museum, Desjardins said the key is “to keep that trajectory going upward.”
“We have detailed plans that include several large projects ready for execution in education, exhibits, programs, and events—all aimed at enhancing our standing and impact,” she said. “Our ultimate goal is that visitors leave inspired with a heightened appreciation of our Nation’s fight for independence and a renewed sense of the importance of civic engagement today.”
As for her immediate future, Williams expressed excitement at returning to The Trustees and new challenges, including lead fundraising initiatives for more than $3M in annual operating support. Founded in 1891 and celebrating its 125th Anniversary in 2016, The Trustees is the first land preservation nonprofit of its kind in the world and the Commonwealth’s largest conservation and preservation organization.
“I live locally and will continue to be a Museum member,” added Williams. “I’m still committed to the Museum.”
Expressing enthusiasm for the upcoming year at the Museum, Desjardins said the governing board’s goal is to have a new Executive Director in place by May 1, which is the beginning of the Museum’s 2017 season. In seeking to attract the best candidates possible, she said they have ‘cast a wide net’ by advertising for the position on a number of different platforms.
“Because Julie has left us in very good stead and because the Museum has a solid foundation of supporters, we are looking forward to smooth transition,” she added.
Among thousands of items, the American Independence Museum’s collection includes an original copy of the Declaration of Independence and handwritten letters by George Washington. Comprised of the Ladd-Gilman House (c.1721) and Folsom Tavern (c.1775) on more than one acre of landscaped property, the Museum hosts public educational programs and lectures, colonial artisan demonstrations, guided tours, and special events.
To learn more about the Museum, including its summer programs, visit www.independencemuseum.org.
