M&T Bank Supports “Educating Children & Youth” at American Independence Museum

M&T Bank Supports “Educating Children & Youth” at American Independence Museum

by | Mar 25, 2024 | Partnerships, We Are One

One of four initiatives within the American Independence Museum’s (AIM) We Are One multi-year campaign leading up to the nation’s 250 anniversary, “Educating Children & Youth” has a new sponsor in M&T Bank. Recently, M&T Bank presented AIM with a $2,500 check. “We are so grateful for their support of this initiative, which helps youth develop a deeper understanding of not just Revolutionary history, but its relevance to today,” said AIM Program Manager Sarah Jaworski.

According to Marc Ouellette, Senior Vice President and Retail Regional Manager, M&T Bank, AIM’s “Educating Children & Youth” initiative aligns with their philanthropic mission. “I appreciate the museum’s message of “We Are One,” which reflects our expressed charitable intent to invest in communities with a racial equity and justice lens,” he said. “Building strong, equitable communities starts with educating children and youth.”

Jaworski agreed and said all AIM programs and events, regardless of initiative, support the broader We Are One message. “The museum strives to bring people together to learn, engage in dialogue, and become more active community members,” she said. 

Upcoming on-site educational programs this spring include several aimed especially toward homeschooled youth and their families. These programs include Multiple Perspectives: Patriots & Loyalists, Historic Beverages Tour, and Waterways. “Partners like M&T Bank help us meet the educational needs of more kids and youth, regardless of financial circumstances,” added Jaworski.

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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 Receives $10,000 Grant from Americana Corner

American Independence Museum Receives $10,000 Grant from Americana Corner

by | Mar 19, 2024 | Grants, Restoration

The American Independence Museum (AIM) has received a $10,000 grant from Americana Corner as part of its Preserving America Grant Program. Americana Corner’s Preserving America Grant program was established to assist nonprofit organizations in the telling of the incredible story of America from its founding era through its first century as a nation.

According to AIM Facilities Manager Rebeccah Seely, the award will fund essential preservation work at Folsom Tavern (c. 1775), which will include repairs to—and restaining of—various sections of clapboard siding. “We are thrilled by this award, which covers nearly half of the total project cost,” she said.

Built by Samuel Folsom, Folsom Tavern was visited by George Washington in 1789. It was also the site of the formation of the New Hampshire chapter of the Society of the Cincinnati in 1783. Founded by officers of the Continental Army and their French counterparts who served together in the American Revolution, the Society owns both buildings on the AIM campus.

The other historic structure on the AIM campus is the Ladd-Gilman House (c.  1721), a National Historic Landmark property that was home to Nicholas Gilman, Jr., a signer of the Constitution. The Ladd-Gilman House also served as the Governor’s mansion when Nicholas’s brother, John Taylor Gilman, was Governor of New Hampshire.

“Grant awards like this from Americana Corner are instrumental in our ability to preserve the integrity of both AIM structures,” noted Seely. “We appreciate their support of our work and our mission.”

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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 Invite Guests to “Spill the Tea”

American Independence Museum Invite Guests to “Spill the Tea”

by | Feb 13, 2024 | Events, Family Friendly, For Kids

On Saturday, March 23 at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., the American Independence Museum (AIM) will host “Spilling the Tea: Drinks that Fueled a Revolution” in Folsom Tavern (c. 1775).

“We will also serve ‘liberty teas,’ which were made by colonists from locally sourced herbs during boycotts of British tea,” said AIM’s Sarah Jaworski. “Tea played a symbolic role in the struggle for liberty and independence.”

In addition to beverages, “Spilling the Tea: Drinks that Fueled a Revolution” will feature catered food by For the Love of Food & Drink with whom AIM has previously partnered on several occasions. “It’s a chance to have a fun experience with costumed reenactors, wonderful food, and tea in beautifully restored Folsom Tavern,” added Jaworski. “This will be the first of several similarly-themed events this year that highlight coffee, chocolate, and tea in fun and creative ways.”

Tickets range from $17 to $40 with a seating at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 23.

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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 Receives $11,200 Grant from Cogswell Benevolent Trust

American Independence Museum Receives $11,200 Grant from Cogswell Benevolent Trust

by | Feb 8, 2024 | Grants, Partnerships

The American Independence Museum (AIM) has received a $11,200 grant from the Cogswell Benevolent Trust to affect repairs to deteriorating walls and ceilings within the Ladd-Gilman House (c. 1721).

The repairs represent the back end of a multi-phase, multi-year project in which AIM shored up the structural integrity of the Ladd-Gilman House through comprehensive restoration efforts guided by historic building experts. “With the exterior work now complete and the landscape regraded to usher water away from the Ladd-Gilman House, we can focus our attention on the integrity of interior rooms,” explained Facilities Manager Rebeccah Seely.

According to AIM Executive Director Jennifer Carr, the grant award underscores the importance of the Ladd-Gilman House. 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 his brother, John Taylor Gilman, was Governor of New Hampshire. Their father, Nicholas Gilman, Sr., served as the state’s first Treasurer.

“The Ladd-Gilman House is the heart of the museum’s operation,” added Carr, who cited AIM’s other historic structure, Folsom Tavern (c. 1775) as equally important. “Folsom Tavern was built by Samuel Folsom and visited by George Washington in 1789, and it was the site of the formation of the New Hampshire chapter of the Society of the Cincinnati in 1783.”

Founded by officers of the Continental Army and their French counterparts who served together in the American Revolution, the Society is still active today. “They own both buildings and a majority of the 3,000+ objects in our collection,” said Carr.

Regarding the grant award from the Cogswell Benevolent Trust, Seely expressed excitement and gratitude. “I am thrilled that we can proceed with these repairs,” she said. “Visitors will be amazed at just how beautiful our rooms will be once these repairs are complete. We are so grateful for the support of the Cogswell Benevolent Trust.”

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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 to Host Open Play

American Independence Museum to Host Open Play

by | Jan 31, 2024 | Events, Family Friendly, For Kids

This winter and fall, the American Independence Museum (AIM) will host Open Play (AIM) at the Foy Family Library at Folsom Tavern (c. 1775). Made possible by a gift from Jeff and Melissa Foy just before the pandemic, the Foy Family Library features a coloring station, 18th-century play kitchen, dress-up clothes, and a reading nook.

“We are very grateful to Jeff and Melissa, whose vision for this library has now come full circle,” noted Jennifer Carr, AIM Executive Director. “Open Play is the first of many programs this year that will focus on opening up our campus to the public,”

This focus is captured in AIM’s We Are One, a 3-year organizational theme that connects the museum’s programs, events, and exhibits. The central message behind We Are One is that all voices and perspectives matter. “We want people to view AIM as not just a place to learn, but a place to gather and build community with one another,” said Carr.

Beginning Tuesday, February 6, Open Play will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. every Tuesday through April at AIM’s Folsom Tavern, 164 Water St., Exeter. Open Play is $5 per family.

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’.

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