American Independence Museum to Offer “Spooky” Stroll

American Independence Museum to Offer “Spooky” Stroll

by | Oct 16, 2024 | Events, Living History, Tours

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On Sunday, October 27, at 5:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., the American Independence Museum (AIM) will offer a “spooky” walking tour, Exeter After Dark: Crime, Haunts, and Local Lore. Beginning at Folsom Tavern (1775), the 1.5-mile tour will explore the historic streets of Exeter and Water Street Cemetery. While strolling, guests will learn about alleged ghost sightings, UFOs, and the town’s darkest mysteries.

The 90-minute tour will also focus on the supernatural history of AIM and Folsom Tavern, where spiritualists, who believed the spirits of the dead could communicate with the living, once gathered. The tour will also discuss true crime, including serial killer H.H. Holmes’ connection to Exeter.

“We are so excited to offer a spooky tour right before Halloween,” said Interim Executive Director Jennifer Carr. “We can’t wait to share some of these chilling stories while literally walking past the places where they happened.”

Tickets for Exeter After Dark: Crime, Haunts, and Local Lore are $15 for AIM members and $20 for non-members. Guests should arrive at Folsom Tavern, 164 Water Street, 10 minutes before the scheduled tour time.

The walking tour is not the only supernatural event of the season at AIM, which will also welcome North East Paranormal Associates, a group of paranormal investigators, for Beer for History on Thursday, October 24. Click here to purchase tickets to Beer for History.

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.

PURCHASE TICKETS

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 Provides Rewarding Experiences to Youth

American Independence Museum Provides Rewarding Experiences to Youth

by | Apr 12, 2024 | Events, For Kids, Programming

Revolutionary history is not just relevant but also fun, according to Kelsey Curley, whose 7-year-old son Bennett participated in a minicamp at the American Independence Museum (AIM) last summer.

“He has already asked a few times about going back this summer,” she said. “He had no background knowledge on any of the topics discussed, but he was very intrigued and engaged from day one.”

For Curley, her interest in AIM’s customized education programs extended to her professional career where she is a fifth-grade teacher in the Kensington school district. “I brought my class here to the museum for a field trip last fall,” she explained. “It was incredible.”

She cited AIM’s Sarah Jaworski, who has directed educational programming at the museum for years, as “equally impressive.” Before bringing her class to AIM, she shadowed Jaworski during the summer session.

“Sarah immediately shared stories and resources,” Curley said. “I learned so much— the impact of the Exeter River in our area, the multiple perspectives of people during colonial times, the history with the Wentworths and other famous people, and so much more.”

For Jaworski, Curley’s experience typifies what she hopes all educators and parents experience at AIM. “We work very hard to create an educational environment here that is fun and inclusive,” she said. 

Curley added that history education is also “incredibly relevant.” “My class was able to connect everything they learned at AIM back to the current day, including money and economics,” she said. “The students also learned how New Hampshire previously had its own currency and treasury, which Sarah was able to show us…It was all so cool, and there truly was so much more to learn, too.”

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.

To learn more about AIM minicamps, click the button below.

MINICAMPS

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 Returns to Beer for History

von Trapp Brewing Returns to Beer for History

by | Apr 10, 2024 | Beer for History, Events, Family Friendly, Partnerships, Programming

On Thursday, May 2, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., von Trapp Brewing returns to the American Independence Museum (AIM) to kick off its 2024 season at a special spring Beer for History.

Presented by Donahue, Tucker & Ciandella, Beer for History features music, trivia, and/or colonial tavern games with seating available inside and outside the historic Folsom Tavern (c. 1775). Beer for History events are family-friendly and help raise funds to support AIM. 

“It’s a chance to gather with friends in a festive atmosphere in a tavern that once welcomed George Washington,” noted Program Manager Sarah Jaworski. “Beer for History events also support our preservation and education initiatives, so it’s also a great way to support a local nonprofit with a big mission.”

Beer for History with von Trapp Brewing takes place from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 2 at the American Independence Museum’s Folsom Tavern, 164 Water St., Exeter, NH. Tickets for Beer for History events are $18 and $16 for members while those under 21 are free.

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

Buy Tickets

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 “Multiple Perspectives: Patriots & Loyalists For Homeschoolers”

American Independence Museum To Host “Multiple Perspectives: Patriots & Loyalists For Homeschoolers”

by | Apr 3, 2024 | Events, Family Friendly, For Kids

As part of their Educating Children & Youth initiative, sponsored in part by M&T Bank, the American Independence Museum (AIM) will host “Multiple Perspectives: Patriots & Loyalists For Homeschoolers” on Wednesday, April 17.

Offered at 9:30 a.m. and 12:00 p.m., the 90-minute session is designed for students, ages 5 to 12. In the session, students will explore varied perspectives on the American struggle for freedom and independence by examining the viewpoints of Patriots, Loyalists, and Neutrals.

All AIM homeschool programs emphasize “exceptional, place-based learning and self-discovery.” “We designed these programs specifically with homeschool families in mind,” said Program Manager Sarah Jaworski, who said families travel for homeschool programming. “We have had people travel here from as far away as two hours for these programs.”

According to Interim Executive Director Robert Levey, PhD, the historic nature of  Folsom Tavern, where the program takes place, lends itself to history education. “You don’t just learn about history at AIM, you can experience it within the very walls of the tavern,” he said. “This is experiential learning at its best.”

“Multiple Perspectives: Patriots & Loyalists For Homeschoolers” takes place at 9:30 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 17. The registration fee is $10 for children (5 to 12) and $5 for adults (13+).

Purchase Tickets

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.

Purchase Tickets

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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