In honor of Constitution Week, Sept. 17 – Sept. 24, the American Independence Museum (AIM) will host a free special program on Wednesday, September 18 for the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and museum members.

Led by an AIM docent, the program will reveal insights into the life of Nicholas Gilman, Exeter resident and signer of the U.S. Constitution, “We will also explore the impact of New Hampshire on the Constitution itself,” said interim Executive Director Jen Carr.

For Renay Allen, vice regent of the Exeter Chapter of the DAR, the opportunity to learn more about the Gilman family and the Constitution is “exciting.” “It’s amazing the kind of history we have right here in Exeter,” she said. “I’m thankful AIM has developed this program for us and their members.”

The day’s festivities begin at 10:00 a.m. for AIM members followed by a presentation at 12 noon for DAR members. “We’ll discuss things you won’t find in our general tours,” added Carr.

Both groups will also have the chance to explore AIM’s new digital exhibits, which are located throughout the Ladd-Gilman House (1721). These exhibits are accessed by devices that feature QR codes. When scanned, these QR codes (virtually) send visitors to digital exhibits that reveal insights into various parts of the Ladd-Gilman House and Folsom Tavern (1775).

“These devices open up parts of the museum that may be challenging for some to access,” explained Carr. “These digital exhibits are an important part of our ongoing efforts to increase access to our collections.”

Home to 3,000 historic artifacts, including an original copy of the Dunlap Broadside (Declaration of Independence), AIM develops programs, events, and exhibits that engage people of all ages in the ongoing struggle for freedom and self-governance. AIM is sponsored in part by The Society Of The Cincinnati In The State Of New Hampshire, Service Credit Union, New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, and William W. Treat Foundation.

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’.

Former President of the AIM Board of Governors, Ozzie Ayscue recently donated $4,000 to hardwire AIM’s two historic structures for Wi-Fi, which is necessary for the digital exhibits to function. His initial $10,000 donation enabled AIM to purchase the digital exhibit technology.

“As soon as I heard about this, I just thought it was going to create so many possibilities,” said Ayscue. “The system brings this museum’s spectacular assets to life. Anyone can be engaged to ponder the big questions of the American Revolution and dig further into their areas of personal interest.”

Created and distributed by 42 Kites, the digital exhibit technology is accessed by devices that feature QR codes. When scanned, these QR codes (virtually) send visitors to digital exhibits that, in the case of AIM, will provide visitors with access to all parts of the museum’s historic structures, Ladd-Gilman House (1721) and Folsom Tavern (1775).

“These devices help make the historically inaccessible second-floor spaces in both AIM structures more reachable for everyone,” she explained. “These devices are a part of our commitment to removing barriers to our museum and increasing accessibility…Ozzie’s gift will allow us to take the final steps to becoming a museum without walls.”

The digital exhibits will also allow AIM members and those from outside the region (and state) remotely access some exhibits. However, a majority of digital exhibits will only be available (to explore) on site.

According to Ayscue, his gifts underscore his belief that AIM will continue to build on its mission of inclusivity, embodied in its multi-year We Are One campaign. Launched in 2023, We Are One informs AIM programs, events, and exhibits. Its premise is that all voices and all perspectives matter, an ideal made implicit with the signing of the United States Constitution on September 17, 1787.

“We want everyone to be able to join the discussion,” he added.

Home to 3,000 historic artifacts, including an original copy of the Dunlap Broadside (Declaration of Independence), AIM develops programs, events, and exhibits that engage people of all ages in the ongoing struggle for freedom and self-governance. AIM is sponsored in part by The Society Of The Cincinnati In The State Of New Hampshire, Service Credit Union, New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, and William W. Treat Foundation.

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’.

“We are honored to participate in the renovations to the Ladd-Gilman House,” said Massachusetts Society of Colonial Wars Treasurer and Grant Committee Chairman Bill Mann. “This project is certainly worthy of a small gift to help with period-correct building maintenance, and also of our appreciation.”

Regarding why they made this investment in AIM, Mann cited “overlapping and deeply interconnected interests” despite each organization focusing on different historic periods. “New Hampshire was a part of Massachusetts when the Ladd-Gilman House was built,” he said. “We have limited funds to pursue our mission of preserving colonial history, but an historic 18th-century structure like the Ladd-Gilman House stands out as an important example of our shared heritage.”

These initial repairs at the Ladd-Gilman House are part of a larger restoration project that will take several years to complete. “We have yet to formally launch the project, but we plan to do so in the coming months,” said Dr. Robert Levey, AIM Interim Executive Director. “We truly appreciate the support of The Society of Colonial Wars in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, which puts a spotlight on this incredible structure.”

The Ladd-Gilman House was built in 1721 by Nathaniel Ladd. Originally built of brick before being covered in clapboard in the 18th century, the house is one of the oldest brick structures in the state. Daniel Gilman acquired the house in 1747, expanding it with a timber frame addition in 1752 and renovating the interior.

The house became the State Treasury during the Revolutionary War, with both Nicholas and John Taylor Gilman serving as state treasurers. The house was also the birthplace of Nicholas Gilman, Jr., a signatory of the United States Constitution and U.S. Senator.

Home to 3,000 historic artifacts, including an original copy of the Dunlap Broadside (Declaration of Independence), AIM develops programs, events, and exhibits that engage people of all ages in the ongoing struggle for freedom and self-governance. AIM is sponsored in part by The Society Of The Cincinnati In The State Of New Hampshire, Service Credit Union, New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, and William W. Treat Foundation.

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’.

A direct descendent of Nathaniel and Mercy Ladd who built the Ladd-Gilman House (1721), located on the grounds of the American Independence Museum (AIM), Bonnie Ladd-Sullivan is currently on a journey to document her ancestors.

Ladd-Sullivan and two of her cousins became curious about their family history after her grandmother, Lulu Ladd, gave them a box of research and memories collected by their great aunt, Mable Ladd, after she died. Since then, she has built a family tree going back ten generations and that includes 1,795 people.

“When I learned that my ancestors came here in the 1600s, that blew my mind,” said Ladd-Sullivan, who currently resides in Burnsville, Minnesota. “For the first time in my whole life, I saw my family as more than Minnesota farmers.”

In fact, she has learned that some of her ancestors made significant contributions to history across the U.S. In addition to following the Ladd family line, Ladd-Sullivan has learned she is the 11th great-granddaughter of Roger Williams, founder of what eventually became the state of Rhode Island. Her relatives were among several families who founded the city of Greeley, Colorado, and she has tracked down various items her family brought with them when they moved out west.

“We’ve had a very rich history and it’s fun finding these tidbits and piecing them together,” she said. “I feel like I talk about these people as if I personally know them at this point. I do feel like they have led me to some of the members we have searched for.”

Ladd-Sullivan hopes to travel to AIM in summer 2025, a trip she has wanted to make for a long time. “My cousins visited a few years ago, and they said the museum was absolutely fascinating,” she added.

Through her research, she has learned some of her ancestors were slave owners, and she thinks it is important to acknowledge the reality of that.

“I want my kids to know our history and to know the impacts of our ancestors’ actions,” said Ladd-Sullivan. “You don’t just pop up like a stalk of corn. We need to remember our history in order to have a vested interest in our country and the future.”

Home to 3,000 historic artifacts, including an original copy of the Dunlap Broadside (Declaration of Independence), AIM develops programs, events, and exhibits that engage people of all ages in the ongoing struggle for freedom and self-governance. AIM is sponsored in part by The Society Of The Cincinnati In The State Of New Hampshire, Service Credit Union, New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, and William W. Treat Foundation.

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’.

Historian Norra Cardillo is researching the Ladd and Gilman women of Exeter, New Hampshire, work she plans to present as part of her master’s portfolio when she graduates from Idaho State University next spring. A descendant of the Ladd and Gilman families, she visited the historic Ladd-Gilman House (1721) at the American Independence Museum (AIM) for the second time in March to continue her research.

According to Cardillo, her research “explores the lived experiences and impact of
women in history.” She said she is especially interested in the ways in which seventeenth-century women defied societal expectations and resisted British authority, parts of history she believes have been predominantly overlooked.

“New Hampshire provincial records from 1684 show that Gilman family women threatened tax collectors under royal British governor Edward Cranfield with violence in order to successfully evade what they deemed unjust taxation,” she said. “Their rebellious action illustrates that women at this time were equal players in the battle for freedom from British colonial rule.”

One of these women, Elizabeth Gilman (Treworgye), was married to statesman John Gilman Sr. “I believe her feminine rebellion against colonial authority would have greatly influenced those around her,” she added.

She said examples like Gilman (Treworgye) have led her to theorize that the people of Exeter had begun to develop a uniquely American identity long before the revolution. Finding primary sources, however, has proved challenging.

“I have seen firsthand that women in history are underrepresented across vast topics,” she said. “This creates issues in the historical narrative because half of the story is missing unless we take steps to amend this critical oversight.”

According to Cardillo, she is taking these steps herself, which includes uncovering colonial women’s motivations, experiences, and stories from historic collections and documents like those at AIM.

Research Material

Her efforts have garnered her attention, as Cardillo recently learned she has been selected to present her research on the early Gilman women at the American Historical Association’s annual conference in New York City in January 2025. Sponsored by the Coordinating Council for Women in History, Cardillo and other selected graduate students will have the opportunity to share their work.

“I am very excited about this opportunity, and it will be my first time attending an academic historical conference,” she said. “I am honored to have such support in helping to highlight women’s history and I am truly thankful for the role AIM has played in encouraging me in my work.”

Jennifer Carr, former executive director of AIM, expressed excitement that Cardillo is able to utilize AIM’s resources to further her research. “Norra’s research is exactly why maintaining spaces of history is so important,” she said, “Women in colonial America were banned from political participation but found ways to make their voices heard. This research shows that there are many ways to participate in civic engagement and can inspire women today to actively engage in democracy.”

In the coming year, Cardillo plans to analyze artifacts, architecture, and primary and secondary source material to learn more about the Ladd and Gilman women. “It is by honoring a woman’s place in history as equal to that of men, that we ensure a more comprehensive understanding of our past in the present day and for future generations,” she stated.

Home to 3,000 historic artifacts, including an original copy of the Dunlap Broadside (Declaration of Independence), AIM develops programs, events, and exhibits that engage people of all ages in the ongoing struggle for freedom and self-governance. AIM is sponsored in part by The Society Of The Cincinnati In The State Of New Hampshire, Service Credit Union, New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, and William W. Treat Foundation.

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’.