jen - American Independence Museum

Mini-Camps explore being “Reflective Patriots”

by jen | Jun 24, 2022 | Events, For Kids, Living History

Welcoming campers back, the American Independence Museum is pleased to offer Thursday Mini-Camps for children ages 6-10.

Mini-Camp sessions will run Thursday July 14, 21, and 28 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the grounds of the museum’s historic Folsom Tavern. During each session, campers will immerse themselves in hands-on 18th century life, uncovering the stories of the people who helped build our nation and how they can continue to be a part of America’s unfolding story.

Each mini-camp will focus on one of the following themes: freedom, compromise, and we the people. Campers will look at what freedom meant to different people living in colonial America, how these perspectives got involved in the fight, and how compromise between groups was reached in order to found the United States of America. Over the course of the summer, participants will get to dress in historic 18th-century clothing, try their hand at colonial crafts, see what revolutionary camp life was like, and create their own “printing press.”

Campers will uncover the stories of individuals who have the power to make change and keep America strong.

“We are so excited to offer summer programming that is fun and engaging where campers won’t even realize they are participating in civics lessons. Our campers will come away from the experience feeling empowered and excited to be active members of their communities,” said Program Manager Sarah Jaworski.

To register for Thursday Mini-Camps or learn more about the museum, visit independencemuseum.org.

About the 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’.

RiverWoods Exeter renews partnership with AIM

by jen | Jun 8, 2022 | Events, Family Friendly, Festival, Living History, Partnerships

RiverWoods Exeter, a nationally-accredited charitable not-for-profit continuing care retirement community, will sponsor the 32nd American Independence Festival on Saturday, July 16. Presented by the American Independence Museum, the festival features a Traditional Artisans Village, historic reenactors, activities, and the opportunity to view one of 26 remaining copies of an original print of the Declaration of Independence.

Regarding the sponsorship, Interim Executive Director Jennifer Carr referred to RiverWoods Exeter as “an integral part of this annual festival.” “They have been part of this festival for years, so it’s wonderful to have them contribute again to a celebration of our nation’s history and the Exeter community,” she said.

Referring to the festival as “one of the most unique and truly special summer celebrations offered on the Seacoast,” Deb Riddell, Executive Director of RiverWoods Exeter, said they are “thrilled” to again support it. She said supporting the festival stems from RiverWoods Exeter’s founders, two Seacoast area women who wove a commitment to the local community into the fabric of their founding principles

“RiverWoods Exeter is not just a business located within the borders of the town,” she explained. “We are a neighborhood of nearly 600 engaged citizens, many of whom are active in the local community and care deeply about the Town of Exeter. They volunteer locally in many capacities, and feel a sense of civic duty and pride about our town.”

According to Carr, inspiring civic duty is one of the primary objectives of the museum itself. “We want visitors of any age to walk away from the festival, or any event or program here, and consider more deeply their responsibility as citizens,” she said. “A democracy works better when its citizens are engaged.”

To learn more about the 32nd annual American Independence Festival, visit https://www.independencemuseum.org/AIMstaging/american-independence-festival/.

About the 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’.

A Fond Farewell to AIM Executive Director

by jen | May 20, 2022 | Governance

After five years of inspirational leadership, American Independence Museum Executive Director Emma Stratton will be leaving as of Friday, May 20, to pursue a new professional opportunity.

Under her directorship, the American Independence Museum grew tremendously. The museum expanded their public programming and digital presence, especially on social media, during her time as Executive Director. Her leadership was the driving force behind improvements to the museum’s historic properties and a major groundworks project to create a community-oriented museum campus.

In a direct address to the museum community, Stratton said, “I want to thank you all for your tremendous support over my five years at the museum. You have helped us grow in unimaginable ways, despite the challenges COVID presented.”

While the museum board begins the search for the next Executive Director, Collections Manager & Curator Jen Carr will serve as Acting Executive Director.

“As we look toward the future and the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, we are eager to build on Emma’s legacy by expanding our mission to share New Hampshire’s revolutionary past. We are excited for what lies ahead!” noted Carr.

The museum will continue to share information as the search progresses.

Learn more about the American Independence Museum, visit www.independencemuseum.org.

About the 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’.

Traveling Trunk Looking for a Lift in 2022/23 School Year

by jen | May 11, 2022 | For Kids, Free, Partnerships

Logging 18,350 miles and educating 520 secondary students throughout the U.S. in 2021, the Traveling Trunk program has been an educational staple at the American Independence Museum since 2016. Registration for the program for the 2022/23 school year opened on May 1.

Shipped throughout the U.S., the trunk contains 70+ high quality reproduction items that range from clothing to replica personal care items and games. Hands-on learning, noted Program Manager Sarah Jaworski, is the intent behind the program, which is offered at no charge to schools.

“Teachers are provided with suggestions and ideas on activities to go along with the curriculum,” she said.

While aimed toward students in the 3rd through 5th grade, the program’s curriculum is flexible and can be customized for all grade levels. Developed with initial seed funding from the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, the program relies on corporate funding to pay for associated shipping costs and replacement of replica educational items.

The only caveat with the upcoming school year, however, is the museum is currently looking for corporate support. “Shipping is the biggest expense along with the extra time needed to prepare a trunk to travel,” said Museum Executive Director Emma Stratton, who estimated the program’s annual costs at $5,000.

As for the benefits of sponsoring the trunk—either monthly or for an entire school year—Stratton said the program is unique in that it provides insight into New Hampshire’s colonial history. “This is a chance for students to learn more about not just New Hampshire, but Exeter’s status and role during the years leading up to and after the Revolutionary War.”

To learn more about the Traveling Trunk, including sponsorship opportunities, email Jaworski at [email protected], or visit independencemuseum.org.

About the 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’.

2022 Season Begins Wednesday, May 4

by jen | Apr 27, 2022 | Events, Exhibits, Programming, Tours

For the first time since May of 2019, the American Independence Museum will reopen its doors in May in anticipation of a full operating season.

The museum campus comprises the Ladd-Gilman House (c. 1721), which was home to the longest serving New Hampshire Governor, John Taylor Gilman, and the Folsom Tavern (c. 1775). The museum is home to a world class collection of 3,000 historic artifacts including a copy of the Dunlap Broadside, the first official printing of the Declaration of Independence.

The museum will be open Wednesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Guided tours will be offered on the hour. The Folsom Tavern will only be open for guided tours. This property can be visited at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. when the museum is open. Tours of the Ladd-Gilman House will begin at 10 a.m., 12, 2, and 3 p.m. Visitors interested in a self guided tour of the Ladd-Gilman House are encouraged to do so at any point during the museum’s open hours.

During the offseason, museum staff developed new interpretations to create a more interactive self-guided tour experience. In addition to incorporating new aspects of New Hampshire’s Revolutionary Era history, guests can now scan QR codes and watch pre-recorded museum content that thematically connects to different spaces in the Ladd-Gilman House.

A new exhibit will highlight how the core values of the American Revolution carry on into the modern day. “The impact of the American Revolution is seen throughout time and in unexpected places. Our latest exhibit explores events inspired by the Revolution and encourages guests to find its legacy in the twenty-first century,” described Museum Curator Jennifer Carr.

The Children’s Room in the Folsom Tavern was adapted during the off-season to provide a more immersive and hands-on experience for young museum visitors. Highlights include 18th-century replica children’s clothing, colonial games, a historic play kitchen, and a cozy reading nook.
“This space offers families a child-friendly space to explore and discover,” said Sarah Jaworksi, Program Manager.

To learn more about the 2022 open season, visit www.independencemuseum.org/visit

About the 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’.