Drainage Project Completed at American Independence Museum

Drainage Project Completed at American Independence Museum

by | Oct 11, 2023 | Events, Grants, Restoration

While developing various educational and family-friendly programs, the American Independence Museum (AIM) is also charged with caring for two 18th-century historic structures, a responsibility that recently entailed the successful conclusion of a drainage project.

Made possible by an anonymous donation and a grant from The Mcininch Foundation, the project represents the last phase of a moisture remediation project for AIM’s Ladd-Gilman House (1721) that began in 2019. “We have been able to connect the downspouts on the structure’s northerly side with an underground drainage system to the lower lawn event area behind Folsom Tavern,” said Rebeccah Seely, AIM Facilities Manager.

Connecting the downspouts to an underground system, according to Seely, will direct water away from the foundation and help to resolve ongoing water issues in the basement of the Ladd-Gilman House. “It also completes the perimeter drainage plan for the Ladd-Gilman House, which includes the installation of a stormwater drainage system on the south side of the building in 2019,” she added.

According to AIM Executive Director Jennifer Carr, the project underscores the continued need for funding at the museum. “These are more than just buildings,” she said. “These are tangible links to our past. They house our collection. They are the backdrop to programs and events. There is no substitute for experiencing buildings this old, this historic, in-person.”

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.

Built in 1775 by Samuel Folsom, Folsom Tavern was visited by George Washington in 1789 and was 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.

“There is so much history here,” said Carr. “The only caveat is that it requires consistent support to maintain and continue to reinterpret it.”

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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 Zoom Session for Older Adults

American Independence Museum To Host Zoom Session for Older Adults

by | Oct 6, 2023 | Creative Aging Advisory Group, Events, For Adults, Free, Programming

On Thursday, October 19 at 10:00 a.m., the American Independence Museum (AIM) will host a 60-minute Zoom session for older adults in an effort to expand its Creative Aging Advisory Group.

The purpose of the group, made possible by a grant from Eventide Foundation, is to provide older adults with meaningful opportunities to provide input on offerings at the museum. “Serving the needs of older adults is important to us, but we do not want to dictate how these needs are met,” said Sarah Jaworski, Program Manager. “We want to hear from older adults and give them agency.”

To date, AIM Executive Director Jennifer Carr said a lot of the feedback from older adults has focused on the importance of social connections. “We want seniors to feel comfortable here and that they are welcome,” she said.

To this end, Carr said AIM is exploring ways to enhance accessibility at its Folsom Tavern (c. 1775). Possible future enhancements include outdoor seating and lighting in addition to a portable outdoor restroom.

“We have a bathroom on the second floor at the tavern, but that presents a barrier for anyone with mobility challenges,” added Carr. “We want to remove that barrier.”

Regarding the Zoom session scheduled on Thursday, October 19 at 10:00 a.m., Jaworski said its structure will be informal and “more social than anything else.” “We will offer free museum memberships to any older adult that attends,” she added. “We look forward to making new friends.”

Preregistration is not required to attend the virtual session, although it is encouraged. To preregister or to learn more, please click the button below.

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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’.

von Trapp Brewing Kicks off Beer for History

von Trapp Brewing Kicks off Beer for History

by | Sep 18, 2023 | Beer for History, Events, Family Friendly, Partnerships, Programming

Based in Stowe, VT, von Trapp Brewing will kick off Beer for History on Thursday, October 5 at Folsom Tavern (c. 1775) on the campus of the American Independence Museum (AIM) in downtown Exeter, NH.

Presented by Donahue Tucker & Ciandella, Beer for History is family-friendly and features music, trivia, and/or colonial tavern games with seating available both inside and outside the tavern. “It’s a wonderful way to experience history in a fun way that brings people of all ages together,” noted Jennifer Carr, AIM executive director.

Having previously participated in Beer for History on multiple occasions, von Trapp Brewing will pour three of their beers. These beers include Bohemian Pilsner, their award-winning interpretation of a Bohemian Style Pilsner, and Dunkel, the original dark lager of Munich and the first beer “style” born out of the German Beer Purity Law. von Trapp Brewing will also pour Stowe Style Festbier, their collaboration with Narragansett Brewing Company of Providence, Rhode Island, which represents the next offering in the Stowe Style series.

“We are thrilled to welcome von Trapp Brewing back to Beer for History,” added Carr. “Our shared love of history is what keeps our partnership going.”

Tickets for Beer for History events are $10, while youth (under 21) are free. Beer for History with von Trapp Brewing takes place from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 5 at the American Independence Museum’s Folsom Tavern, 164 Water St., Exeter, NH.

Ticket prices include beer (21+), Escape Room, and light snacks. To purchase tickets, click the button below.

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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 Constitution Comic Workshops

American Independence Museum to Host Constitution Comic Workshops

by | Sep 7, 2023 | Events, Family Friendly, Free, Programming, We Are One

On Saturday, September 16, the American Independence Museum (AIM) will host a series of free Constitution Comic Workshops designed for educators and families.

The workshops begin at 10:00 a.m. for educators where well-known NH-based cartoonist Marek Bennett will instruct participants on how to integrate the use of comic making into the classroom to explore primary sources. Educators will receive 1 CEU for attendance.

At 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., participants will instruct families and kids (ages 7+) on basic techniques of cartooning. “It will be fun and free,” said AIM Executive Director Jennifer Carr.

The workshops represent AIM’s Building Community initiative, part of the museum’s ongoing We Are One campaign. “All voices, all perspectives matter, and everyone is welcome here—this is our core organizational message,” added Carr.

Home to a world-class collection of 3,000 historic artifacts, the American Independence Museum develops programs, events, and exhibits that honor and invite inclusive and diverse perspectives.

AIM’s Constitution Comic Workshops take place on Saturday, September 16 at 10:00 a.m. for educators and 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. for families and children. Space is limited and pre-registration is encouraged.

Preregister

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 Escape Room Team Building Program

American Independence Museum Launches Escape Room Team Building Program

by | Aug 3, 2023 | Events, For Adults, Partnerships, Programming

According to research, escape rooms are not only effective for team building but fun, findings that have helped inform the American Independence Museum’s recently launched Escape Room Team Building Program.

“We have the perfect space for an escape room experience, too,” said the museum’s Executive Director Jennifer Carr, citing Folsom Tavern as backdrop to their program.

Folsom Tavern, built in 1775 by Samuel Folsom and visited by George Washington in 1789, 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 owns both Folsom Tavern and Ladd-Gilman House (c. 1721) as well as AIM’s collection.

“There is a lot of history behind the museum,” added Carr, who said this history is embedded in the Escape Room Team Building Program. “The backstory behind our escape room experience is that it’s July 1775, and Boston is occupied by the British Army.”

Within this story, New Hampshire militia are gathering to march south and assist the newly arrived George Washington, while Colonel Sullivan has written letters for Washington that detail the whereabouts of troops, supplies, and munitions.

“To ensure these dispatches don’t fall into the wrong hands, Colonel Sullivan locked them in a box in the parlor of Folsom Tavern,” said the museum’s Alena Shellenbean, who designed the program.

It is the responsibility of program participants to get them to the horseman, who is leaving for the camp of General Washington. “It’s a fun team-building experience almost 250 years in the making,” added Shellenbean.

Program cost is $15 per person with discounts available for nonprofits and corporate sponsors. To learn more about the museum’s Escape Room Team Building Program, visit https://www.independencemuseum.org/team-building, or email [email protected].

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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