Guests at the American Independence Festival on Saturday, July 13 may leave with a greater appreciation for their clothes, their shoes, and even their forks at an authentic Traditional Artisan Village. The Traditional Artisans Village is presented by New Hampshire State Council on the Arts (NHSCA).

“The Artisan Village is a big part of the Festival because it showcases a wide selection of trades that helped shape the colonial industry and supported the fledgling nation during the war for independence,” said Eric von Aschwege, an historic gunsmith who manages the Village. “Festival guests can engage with the artisans and learn about how everyday items were made in the 18th-century by hand.”

This year, von Aschwege said guests can expect a more in-depth experience, including changes to the Village’s layout that will allow more space for each vendor to demonstrate their craft. “I think it’s going to make for a more intimate and programmatic experience for guests,” he said.

At the Village, visitors will meet traditional artisans in period attire, including Thomaston, ME-based Bill Wasson, who returns as a ropemaker demonstrating the precise twisting of fibers to make long sections of rope. Berwick, ME resident Peter Cook will spin flax fiber, the base material for linen and one of the most common fabrics during the Revolution.

“There will also be a couple making leather shoes and a craftsman using cow horns to create common objects such as powder horns, cups, and utensils,” added von Aschwege. “Other expert tradespeople include a wood joiner, candlemaker, basketmaker, and potter.”

At the Festival, Von Aschwege will also participate in the Village, as he will present on 18th-century arms in the colonies once in the morning and again in the afternoon.

“I’m excited to lead a discussion about construction techniques and the difference between how they were made in England versus the colonies,” von Aschwege said. “I think historic trades can inspire people to be excited about creating things and are relevant and interesting for younger, diverse audiences.”

The American Independence Festival is presented by Service Credit Union, whose investment provides free admission for all ages. Additional support is provided by Kennebunk Savings. “Sponsors are instrumental in our ability to bring history to life in creative, educational, and fun ways,” said Dr. Robert Levey, AIM Interim Executive Director.

In addition to the Traditional Artisans Village, the Festival features reenactors and soldiers, special exhibits, games, vendor marketplace, beer garden, and a display of an original copy of the Declaration of Independence (Broadside).

Presented by Service CU, the American Independence Festival takes place at the American Independence Museum in historic downtown Exeter, NH from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 13. Admission is free.

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’.

On Saturday, July 13, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., visitors to the American Independence Festival will be transported back almost 250 years to the brink of the American Revolution.

One highlight of the Festival will be special exhibits, highlighted by a temporary exhibition featuring weaponry of the Revolution. “The exhibit will explore antique arms from this period, including a high-speed video of the arms firing, and the history behind a French shipment of muskets that came into Portsmouth in 1777,” said Ashley Hlebinsky.

Nationally known Arms Historian, Hlebinsky designed the exhibit and will serve as AIM consultant through 2024. “I’m excited to be part of AIM and the Festival,” she added.

At the Festival, hosted by the American Independence Museum (AIM), visitors will also have the opportunity to experience AIM’s new educational garden, an interactive exhibit-in-the-making.

“It will provide people with an opportunity to see changes in agricultural practices and the ways in which plants were used by peoples over the centuries,” said Jennifer Carr, who designed the exhibit. “It will bring that history to life by allowing guests to touch and taste the products of the garden.”

This year’s Festival is presented by Service Credit Union, whose support enables AIM to offer free admission. “Led by Service Credit Union, the Festival is a big celebration with many community partners,” said Dr. Robert Levey, AIM’s Interim Executive Director. “Downtown Exeter has a unique charm that is difficult to match.”

Additional support is provided by New Hampshire State Council on the Arts, which presents a Traditional Artisans Village with demonstrations, and Kennebunk Savings.

In addition to special exhibits and Traditional Artisans Village, the Festival features reenactors and soldiers, games, vendor marketplace, beer garden, and a display of an original copy of the Declaration of Independence (Broadside). At adjoining Swasey Parkway, nonprofit TEAM (Town.Exeter.Arts.Music) will host Independence Fest, which features live music, food, and art.

“On July 13, we bring history to life here in Exeter, New Hampshire,” added Levey. “It will be educational, experiential, and a lot of fun.”

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’.

Presented by the William W. Treat Foundation, children’s educational programming at the American Independence Museum (AIM) is expanding this summer to include six minicamps for ages 7 to 11. Taking place on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., July 16 – August 1, “campers” will experience 18th-century life through hands-on activities, colonial attire, and themed projects.

“Each MiniCamp has a different theme kids can explore,” said Program Manager Sarah Jaworski. “These camps are fun and educational at the same time.”

MiniCamp themes include “Not a Soldier,” “Working in the 18th Century,” “History’s Mysteries,” “Culinary Cures,” “Camp Life,” and “Patriot, Loyalists, Neutral or Something Else.” MiniCamps take place on the AIM campus, which sits on a grassy acre in the center of historic Exeter, NH, the capital of New Hampshire during the Revolutionary War.

One of four initiatives within AIM’s We Are One multi-year campaign leading up to the nation’s 250 anniversary, “Educating Children & Youth” is presented by the William W. Treat Foundation with additional support from M&T Bank. Ticket prices for AIM Summer MiniCamps are $65 for nonmember children and $55 for member children.

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’.

One aspect that sometimes goes unseen is the work required to preserve history, a reality that will be visible when the American Independence Museum (AIM) opens for the 2024 season on Thursday, May 9.

Built in 1721, AIM’s Ladd-Gilman House requires significant work in the next several years, beginning with plaster repair to deteriorating walls and ceilings in two rooms. The project, led by Drew Bedard of Hall & Parlor Historic Preservation, has run into unexpected challenges.

“During the demolition phase, we discovered structural issues with the exterior brick walls where doorways were cut in below,” he explained. “Unfortunately, proper consideration wasn’t given to the integrity of the bricks above these doorways, leading to their failure.”

To address the issue, Bedard said they must affect several structural repairs, which include the installation of a steel lintel to reinforce an upstairs wall. “We were not expecting this,” he added.

Earlier this year, AIM received a $11,200 grant from the Cogswell Benevolent Trust to complete the project. According to Facilities Manager Rebeccah Seely, Bedard estimates the project may exceed $35,000.

“This project begins a longer-term strategy where we will focus our attention on the interior of the house,” she said. “The complexity of this project underscores why we seek community support.”

In addition to the plaster repairs, examples of other necessary projects at the Ladd-Gilman House in 2024 include electrical upgrades and lining the chimney that vents the furnace. In total, these repairs are expected to approach $60,000.

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

“The Ladd-Gilman House is an important state treasure, especially as we prepare for the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026,” said Dr. Robert Levey, Interim Executive Director. “We hope to rally support from the community to help us preserve this home so we can continue to not just share its history, but reimagine a shared future.”

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’.