Discover the Famous and Infamous Residents of Exeter’s Winter Street Cemetery with the American Independence Museum

Discover the Famous and Infamous Residents of Exeter’s Winter Street Cemetery with the American Independence Museum

by | Oct 12, 2022 | Events, For Adults, Human Interest

On Saturday, October 22, the American Independence Museum will host Ghosts of Winter Street Cemetery, a popular family-friendly event that takes visitors on a tour through Exeter’s history.

“Our colonial guide meets you at Winter Street Cemetery and walks you through it while showing you the graves of some of Exeter’s most famous and infamous revolutionary residents,” said the museum’s Sarah Jaworski.

Primarily used from the 1740’s to 1870’s, Winter Street Cemetery is the final resting place of many prominent members of Exeter, including governors, pioneering business women, Revolutionary and Civil War veterans, politicians and others.

Ghosts of Winter Street Cemetery takes place every 30 minutes, 4:00 p.m. through 5:30 p.m., at Winter Street Cemetery on Saturday, October 22. There is a 3 p.m. tour designed especially for families with elementary school aged children, who are invited to wear their Halloween costume while discovering stories of the past.

All tours will last approximately 45 minutes with guests encouraged to bring flashlights for the last two tours. The cost is $10 for non-members and $7 for non-member children, ages 6-18. Members are $5 and members’ children, ages 6-18, are $3. All children under 6 are free. To purchase tickets, click here.

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’.

Earth Eagle Returns to Beer for History

Earth Eagle Returns to Beer for History

by | Oct 11, 2022 | Beer for History, For Adults, Human Interest

Held on the grounds of the American Independence Museum at Folsom Tavern (c. 1775) in Exeter, Beer for History provides history lovers and beer aficionados with the opportunity to sample brews from across New Hampshire. Scheduled to next take place on Thursday, October 20 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Earth Eagle Brewings is the next featured brewer.

“They have been here several times, so we are excited they can visit with us again,” noted Museum Executive Director Jennifer Carr.

Established in Portsmouth in 2012, Earth Eagle Brewings also features Earth Eagle North in Somersworth, a location that is now their primary brewing facility. At Beer for History, Earth Eagle Brewings will bring several varieties of beer, highlighted by their best-seller, New England Gangsta’, a West Coast style IPA with Pacific NW hops.

Other beers for which Earth Eagle Brewings has become well-known include Armadillo Danger (a single-hopped American pale featuring Amarillo hops), Piscataqua (an American corn lager), Circling Birds (a double-dry hopped DIPA), and Birds from Mars (a tropical IPA).

“If you love craft beer and beautifully restored historic taverns, you’ll love Beer for History,” added Carr, who said musician Artty Francoeur will also perform. “He plays the harmonica and guitar, and he sings, too, so he is a wonderful addition to the evening’s festivities.”

Presented by Donahue Tucker & Ciandella, Beer for History is family-friendly and features the Foy Family Children’s Library within Folsom Tavern. A space filled with curated books for kids that focus on 18th century life and a reading nook with comfortable seating, the Library additionally features a dress-up area with Revolutionary-era clothing, play kitchen, games, and more.

Beer for History with Earth Eagle Brewings takes place on Thursday, October 20 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the American Independence Museum’s Folsom Tavern, 164 Water St., Exeter, NH. In addition to unique brews, Beer for History features colonial-inspired games, music, and light snacks. Tickets are $10 for members and $15 for non-members, while youth (under 21) are free.

Other remaining events in the series include UNH Brewing Science Laboratory (based in Durham) on November 3. To purchase tickets, or learn more about Beer for History, click here.

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’.

American Independence Museum to open Foy Family Children’s Library in 2020

American Independence Museum to open Foy Family Children’s Library in 2020

by | Feb 15, 2020 | Partnerships

The site of many American Independence Museum programs, Folsom Tavern (c. 1775) will undergo a transformation in 2020 with the creation of the Foy Family Children’s Library.

Featuring curated books, seating for children, activity table and more, the Foy Family Children’s Library is made possible by a gift from Jeff and Melissa Foy of East Kingston.

According to Jeff Foy, who has supported the museum for years as co-owner of Foy Insurance, the gift ensures “there will be a permanent place for kids at the museum.”

“My wife Melissa was an elementary school librarian before retiring and I have always loved history, so we saw a chance to combine both our passions and make a lasting impact here,” he said. “We are thrilled to be part of the museum and this project.”

In addition to a dedicated space for a children’s library, the gift will enable the museum to upgrade its entire Children’s Room, which will include high-quality games, clothes, toys and more.

“This library and space is part of a larger initiative to transform our campus into an inviting space for local community members and visitors to Exeter,” said Emma Stratton, museum Executive Director. “We are very thankful for this gift.”

Noting work will begin sometime in February or March, the Foy Family Children’s Library is expected to be complete and open for the start of the American Independence Museum’s 2020 season on May 1. 

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.

American Independence Museum to open Foy Family Children’s Library in 2020

by | Feb 11, 2020 | Partnerships

The site of many American Independence Museum programs, Folsom Tavern (c. 1775) will undergo a transformation in 2020 with the creation of the Foy Family Children’s Library.

Featuring curated books, seating for children, activity table and more, the Foy Family Children’s Library is made possible by a gift from Jeff and Melissa Foy of East Kingston.

According to Jeff Foy, who has supported the museum for years as co-owner of Foy Insurance, the gift ensures “there will be a permanent place for kids at the museum.”

“My wife Melissa was an elementary school librarian before retiring and I have always loved history, so we saw a chance to combine both our passions and make a lasting impact here,” he said. “We are thrilled to be part of the museum and this project.”

In addition to a dedicated space for a children’s library, the gift will enable the museum to upgrade its entire Children’s Room, which will include high-quality games, clothes, toys and more.

“This library and space is part of a larger initiative to transform our campus into an inviting space for local community members and visitors to Exeter,” said Emma Stratton, museum Executive Director. “We are very thankful for this gift.”

Noting work will begin sometime in February or March, the Foy Family Children’s Library is expected to be complete and open for the start of the American Independence Museum’s 2020 season on May 1. 

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.

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