American Independence Museum To Open Wednesday, May 3

American Independence Museum To Open Wednesday, May 3

by | Apr 20, 2023 | Events, Human Interest, Programming

On Wednesday, May 3, the American Independence Museum (AIM) will open its doors for 2023, a season in which visitors will be introduced to the museum’s new three-year inclusivity and diversity theme, We Are One. Launched earlier in 2023, We Are One represents AIM’s organizational focus on developing programs, exhibits, and tour experiences that honor many perspectives, including those often marginalized in history.

This emphasis on inclusivity, according to Curator Maddie Beihl, guides her work in developing a new exhibit at the Ladd-Gilman House (c. 1721) that will open by early summer. “We want to acknowledge the Indigenous heritage of the region and the specific impacts of Exeter’s colonial history on Pennacook and Abenaki independence,” she explained.

As part of her work, Beihl will meet with representatives of the Pennacook and Abenaki community, members of the Indigenous New Hampshire Collaborative Collective, and other community stakeholders. One topic of discussion will be the significance of the land upon which AIM is located.

“We will work together to determine the best way to acknowledge the loss of traditional Indigenous lifeways as a result of the colonial use of this site,” she said. “We will also restore a portion of AIM’s land to support native plants and wildlife of special significance to the Indigenous community.”

According to AIM Executive Director Jennifer Carr, tours at the museum this season will also begin to reveal new insights into its collection through diverse perspectives with more significant changes to come in 2024.

“This is a process that will involve many stakeholders,” she said. “We look forward to welcoming visitors from near and far to experience our interpretation of New Hampshire’s Colonial history through fresh and unexpected perspectives.”

Tour Info

In 2023, guided tours of the Ladd-Gilman House take place Wednesday through Saturday at 10:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m., with self-guided tours available anytime between 10:00 am and 3:30 pm. Guided tours of Folsom Tavern (1775) take place, Wednesday through Saturday, at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.

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’.

AIM to Explore African-American Soldiers’ Service During Revolutionary War

AIM to Explore African-American Soldiers’ Service During Revolutionary War

by | Mar 17, 2023 | Events, For Adults, Human Interest, Partnerships

On Tuesday, April 11, 7:00 p.m., at Folsom Tavern in Exeter, independent scholar and author Glenn A. Knoblock will examine the history of African-American soldiers’ service during the Revolutionary War.

Made possible by a grant from New Hampshire Humanities, the event is part of the American Independence Museum’s ongoing Tavern Talk series, which is designed “to inspire a deeper understanding of America’s diverse history.” Tavern Talks are part of the museum’s recently launched We Are One initiative, whose primary message is that “all voices and all perspectives matter.”

“We are also one people, one nation, one planet,” explained museum Executive Director Jennifer Carr. “At the American Independence Museum, we firmly believe that our strength as a nation is in our diversity. Our programs reflect that.”

At this Tavern Talk, entitled “African American Soldiers and Sailors of New Hampshire During the American Revolution,” Knoblock will explore various topics, including how and why they enlisted and their interaction with white soldiers. Other topics will range from service on the battlefields, how African Americans were perceived by the enemy and the officers under whom they served, and their treatment after the war.

“Tavern Talks are open-dialogue, moderated discussions facilitated by experts and practitioners from diverse backgrounds,” said Carr. “These are wonderful community events that we feel can inspire and enlighten people of all ages.”

“African American Soldiers and Sailors of New Hampshire During the American Revolution,” takes place on Tuesday, April 11, 7:00 p.m., at Folsom Tavern, 164 Water St., Exeter, NH. The event is free, although pre-registration is encouraged.

Event Details

painting of black soldiers in the American Revolutionary War

Date: April 11, 2023
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Folsom Tavern, 164 Water St., Exeter, NH
Cost: FREE
Capacity: 30

One of the most interesting aspects of the American Revolution is the role played by African Americans in the fight for independence. Both free African Americans and those that were enslaved were key in manning state militias and Continental Army units, as well as serving on the high seas in the Navy and on privately armed ships. Indeed, their service to the colonies was crucial in a conflict that lasted nearly seven years. Prohibited from serving in military units and largely considered “undesirable elements,” how is it that these African-American soldiers came to fight for the cause of liberty, even when their own personal liberty was not guaranteed? 

In this Tavern Talk, Glenn Knoblock examines the history of African-American soldiers’ service during the war, including how and why they enlisted, their interaction with white soldiers, service on the battlefields, how they were perceived by the enemy and the officers under whom they served, and their treatment after the war.

Pregister Here

About Glenn Knoblock

Glenn A. Knoblock is an independent scholar and author of over twenty books. Knoblock has served as the main military contributor to Harvard and Oxford University’s landmark African American Biography Project, and he has also written for the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History. His work documents a wide variety of subjects in New Hampshire and New England history, including African American history, historic cemeteries and grave markers, and transportation related topics, including covered bridges and the Kancamagus Highway. He holds a BA in History from Bowling Green State University.

New_Hampshire_Humanities_Logo_in_Color_for_Web (2)

This program is made possible by a grant from New Hampshire Humanities. Learn more at www.nhhumanities.org.

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’.

American Independence Museum Launches “We Are One”

American Independence Museum Launches “We Are One”

by | Mar 9, 2023 | Human Interest, Programming

Reflecting its organizational emphasis on inclusivity and diversity, the American Independence Museum (AIM) has launched We Are One, a concept that will serve as its guiding principle for the next three years.

“As we prepare for the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026, We Are One will help guide how we develop programs, events, and exhibits, and how we engage with visitors,” said Jennifer Carr, executive director.

Alena Shellenbean, AIM events and marketing manager, said the very formation of the United States serves as a testament to the rationale behind We Are One. “When the Declaration of Independence was written, a lot of people thought it would fail because each colony, each would-be state, was so different,” she said. “The concern was that they might not agree on anything, let alone how to be a country.”

In the early years of the Republic, an etching printed on flyers—the 18th century version of a logo—was developed to help signify the founders’ hope for a new United States. Revealing each of the original 13 colonies as a circle interlocked with one another, the image serves as the basis for AIM’s We Are One logo.

“We have many voices, many perspectives, and they all matter, which I think our logo captures,” remarked Carr. “As we move toward the 250th anniversary of the founding of our nation, We Are One reminds us what is possible when we unite during times of division.”

Carr said this concept inspired the 2nd NH Regiment during the American Revolution. “They used this symbol on their regimental flag,” she said.

According to Carr, We Are One will find expression in four initiatives, which include Bring History to Life, Educate Children & Youth, Engage Older Adults, and Build Community. “Our programs, events, and exhibits all fall within one of these initiatives, which explain quite clearly our intentions,” explained Carr. “We believe these initiatives will resonate with people of all ages and from diverse backgrounds.”

In looking ahead, Shellenbean said she hopes that “our differences as a nation” could be looked upon as a strength rather than a weakness. “We’ve always been a country full of people with big ideas, sometimes wildly different ideas, which I think makes us stronger,” she said. “We Are One is an idea that can hold us together and make our differences into a strength.”

Massachusetts Society of the Cincinnati Makes Investment in Inclusive History at the American Independence Museum

Massachusetts Society of the Cincinnati Makes Investment in Inclusive History at the American Independence Museum

by | Feb 8, 2023 | Exhibits, Human Interest, Partnerships

In 2023, the American Independence Museum will embark on an ambitious project that will result in permanent new exhibits that present diverse and unexpected perspectives of the Revolutionary War and Colonial life. The project is made possible by a grant from the Massachusetts Society of the Cincinnati, which has made substantial investments in the Museum over the years.

“We are incredibly grateful for the support of Massachusetts Society of the Cincinnati, as their continued support and friendship enables us to continue to meet our mission,” said Museum Executive Director Jennifer Carr.

American Independence Museum Staff looking at Indigenous artifacts in collection
American Independence Museum Staff looking at Indigenous artifacts in collection
The Museum’s mission is intricately connected with that of the Massachusetts Society of the Cincinnati, which is one of 14 chapters of The Society of the Cincinnati. The nation’s oldest patriotic organization, The Society was founded in 1783 by officers of the Continental Army and their French counterparts who served together in the American Revolution. Its mission is to promote knowledge and appreciation of the achievement of American independence and foster fellowship among its members.

“Our museum and our collection is owned by the New Hampshire Society of the Cincinnati, which was founded in our very own Folsom Tavern in 1783,” explained Carr. “It’s wonderful and unique that we have such a terrific partnership with another chapter.”

In 2023, though, this partnership will significantly deepen in a project she described as “transformational.” “This grant will fund substantial research into our collection and help us expand it through the acquisition of new items,” she said.

The goal of the grant-funded project is to create exhibits that highlight underrepresented voices in Revolutionary history, including those of women, Indigenous Americans, free Black population, enslaved persons, and soldiers. It is not just the end product(s) of the grant that excite Carr, but also its methodology.

“The grant enables us to hire a professional researcher to help lead the project,” she explained. “This researcher will be from an underrepresented group, which we feel is appropriate given our intent to create more inclusive stories and exhibits in the museum.”
According to Carr, the Museum’s focus on inclusive storytelling has already begun. As examples, she cited some of the Indigenous artifacts in exhibits already on display in the museum uncovered during an archaeological dig in 2019. These items range from a 2,700 year-old projectile point (arrowhead) to stone flakes created as a result of knapping (the product of producing stone weapons) and pieces of Indigenous pottery.

“Many of these items are ‘pre-contact’ and allow us to acknowledge the Indigenous presence on the land and share their history with visitors from across the world,” said Carr.

Regarding next steps in the project, Carr said they plan to hire an external researcher sometime by mid March. Her hope is that the project can begin in earnest by April. “We are excited to take this big step forward and thankful to have the continued support of the Massachusetts Society of the Cincinnati behind us every step of the way,” she said.

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’.

New Staff Highlight 2023 at American Independence Museum

New Staff Highlight 2023 at American Independence Museum

by | Jan 16, 2023 | For Adults, Human Interest

Founded in 1991, the American Independence Museum in Exeter has become known for its expertise in Revolutionary history education and historic preservation, core strengths enhanced by the recent addition of Rebeccah Seely as Facilities Manager. “I am honored to join the Museum’s exceptional team and excited for the opportunity to contribute to the continued preservation of this American treasure,” said Seely.

Home to a world-class collection of 3,000 historic artifacts, the American Independence Museum features the Ladd-Gilman House (c. 1721) and Folsom Tavern (c. 1775).

Yellow Colonial House with the American flag hanging out front.

Ladd Gilman House

Folsom Tavern

Folsom Tavern

Built in 1721, the Ladd-Gilman House is a National Historic Landmark property that was home to Nicholas Gilman, Jr., a signer of the Constitution. The home also served as Governor’s mansion when Nicholas’ brother, John Taylor Gilman, was Governor of New Hampshire. Their father—Nicholas Gilman, Sr.—served as the state’s first Treasurer.

Folsom Tavern was built in 1775 by Samuel Folsom and visited by George Washington in 1789. The tavern was also the site of the formation of the New Hampshire chapter of the Society of the Cincinnati in 1783. The nation’s oldest patriotic organization, the Society was founded by officers of the Continental Army and their French counterparts who served together in the American Revolution.

As for what drew her to the American Independence Museum, Seely said her interest in Revolutionary history was stoked at an early age. “I grew up in Annapolis, Maryland, which was a significant 18th century town during the American Revolution where George Washington resigned his Commission and Lafayette visited frequently,” she explained. “I also went to a school built on the property shared with the home of John Carroll of Carrollton, a signer of the Declaration of Independence.”

Previous to joining the American Independence Museum, Seely’s prior preservation experience included managing the complete restoration of her 1868 Victorian Italianate house in Metuchen, New Jersey. “In the early 20th century, it was home to New England author Mary Wilkins Freeman, and it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2019,” she said.

While a resident of Metuchen, Seely served on the Metuchen Historic Preservation Committee for 10 years. Working with county grants, the Committee identified historically significant neighborhoods and successfully nominated the town’s first Historic District to the National Register.

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’.

Book Now Book Now Skip to content