by emma | Aug 16, 2019 | Events
On Wednesday, September 18 at 6:30 pm, the American Independence Museum will host “Understanding your Community from a Historical Perspective” as part of its 2019 Lecture Series, sponsored by People’s United Bank.
At the lecture held in the museum’s 1775 Folsom Tavern, a panel discussion will be led by experts from Exeter Public Library, Exeter Historical Society, Historic New England’s Gilman Garrison House, and American Independence Museum.
Topics that will be explored include historic institutions’ roles in communities and how understanding community from a historic perspective can be an in-road to civic engagement, community building, and local vibrancy.
“The lecture is a chance for anyone to learn more about us and other historic agencies and our respective roles in helping build community,” noted museum Executive Director Emma Bray.
The larger message behind the lecture, she added, is that “civic engagement matters.”
“Civic engagement is our theme for this year, and we feel it is an important one,” said Bray. “Regardless of an individual’s personal political beliefs, it is important we champion civic engagement and encourage involvement. Civic engagement is a hallmark of American democracy.”
At the Series’ first lecture in May, Rebecca Rule explore the town meeting in New Hampshire.
“Each lecture this year peels back a layer of who we are as Americans and New Englanders,” added Bray. “We appreciate the support of People’s United Bank in making this series possible.”
To learn more about the museum’s evening Tavern Talks or afternoon Lunch and Learns as part of the 2019 Lecture Series, visit www.independencemuseum.org.
About the American Independence Museum
The American Independence Museum is a history museum in Exeter, NH that features a collection of 3,000 historic artifacts that shed light on the American Revolution. Many of our programs touch on civics and the fight for independence, while we incorporate inclusivity and diversity into the experiences we create on-site and in digital formats. We feature a variety of things to do for people of all ages, including festivals, an historic tavern, guided tours and our annual American Independence Festival.
by emma | Aug 6, 2019 | Events
Long-standing sponsors of the American Independence Museum, RiverWoods Exeter will sponsor Free Admission Day for older adults on Thursday, August 15, which will also commemorate its 25th anniversary.
“RiverWoods Exeter turns 25 on August 15, so we are thrilled we can work with the museum to provide free admission to older adults in our community and beyond,” said Felicia Gennetti, project coordinator at RiverWoods Exeter.
Noting they most recently supported the American Independence Festival in July, museum Executive Director Emma Bray said this latest partnership reflects an increasingly important organizational objective.
“We want to create opportunities to provide value and enhance lives for all members of our community, including underserved populations,” she said. “We have previously brought programs to RiverWoods, so Free Admission Day is our latest partnership…We value older adults in our community and we are grateful for RiverWoods for their support of this event.”
Gennetti agreed and said community engagement and involvement is an essential part of RiverWoods’ mission.
“Our resident community is part of the larger Exeter and Seacoast community,” she said. “We care about our residents and the vitality of our community. We are excited that we can celebrate 25 years in the community through such a fun and meaningful initiative.”
Free Admission Day for Older Adults will take place on Thursday, August 15 at the American Independence Museum, which is open 10 am to 4 pm.
For more information about RiverWoods Exeter, visit RiverWoodsExeter.org.
About the American Independence Museum
The American Independence Museum is a history museum in Exeter, NH that features a collection of 3,000 historic artifacts that shed light on the American Revolution. Many of our programs touch on civics and the fight for independence, while we incorporate inclusivity and diversity into the experiences we create on-site and in digital formats. We feature a variety of things to do for people of all ages, including festivals, an historic tavern, guided tours and our annual American Independence Festival.
by emma | Jul 31, 2019 | Events
Sponsored by The Provident Bank, the American Independence Museum will offer free admission on Tuesday, August 6 to residents of Brentwood, East Kingston, Exeter, Kensington, Newfields, and Stratham as well as town employees and teachers with valid ID.
According to museum Executive Director Emma Bray, the first SAU 16 Free Admission Day sponsored by The Provident Bank in July proved quite successful.
“We had the best Tuesday of the year,” she said. “We are working to eliminate any financial barrier whatsoever for people to visit us, so this partnership has been wonderful…We also hope these days will be used by educators and teachers, so they may better utilize us as a resource during the school year.”
The museum’s collection includes one of only 26 surviving copies of the Dunlap Broadside of the Declaration of Independence and two rare drafts of the U.S. Constitution.
“Our tour guides can take you on a virtual trip through Exeter and the nation,” she said. “History can be pretty fun.”
To learn more about Free Admission Day, or the museum , visit independencemuseum.org.
About the American Independence Museum
The American Independence Museum is a history museum in Exeter, NH that features a collection of 3,000 historic artifacts that shed light on the American Revolution. Many of our programs touch on civics and the fight for independence, while we incorporate inclusivity and diversity into the experiences we create on-site and in digital formats. We feature a variety of things to do for people of all ages, including festivals, an historic tavern, guided tours and our annual American Independence Festival.
by emma | Jul 10, 2019 | Events
Revolutionary capital of New Hampshire, Exeter boasts a rich history that is often overlooked, which serves as a source of motivation for Florence Ruffner, longtime sponsor of the annual American Independence Festival.
“I take every opportunity I can to promote this beautiful, vibrant town, which is why I believe in this festival,” said Ruffner.
Scheduled to take place on Saturday, July 13 throughout downtown Exeter, the festival celebrates the town’s historic roots, many of which run through both 18th century structures of the American Independence Museum, which serves as host.
Recently presenting the museum with a $1,500 check as the festival’s George Washington parade sponsor, Ruffner said she has fulfilled many roles at the nonprofit institution through the years.
“I have served on the board, I’ve purchased a legacy step, been a sponsor through Ruffner Real Estate, and now serve as an ambassador,” she said. “I love the museum and appreciate how it brings people to our town.”
Featuring live music, beer, food trucks, games for kids, traditional artisans, art and craft fair, and colonial battle re-enactments, the 29th Annual American Independence Festival is expected to attract 4,000 attendees.
“It’s a huge day for us and the town,” said museum executive Director Emma Bray, who said festival attendees can also view an original copy of a Dunlap Broadside printing of the Declaration of Independence.
“It’s here for just one day as are two original working drafts of the US Constitution,” she added. “We really appreciate Florence and the role all our sponsors play in helping us put a spotlight on a town with an incredible history–and the festival is a chance to experience it.”
In addition to Ruffner Real Estate, other major festival financial supporters include presenting sponsor Newburyport Bank, New Hampshire State Council on the Arts, RiverWoods Exeter, and Exeter Hospital
Tickets for the festival are available online until 3 pm on Friday, July 12 and “at the door” on the day of the event on Saturday, July 13. To learn more about the American Independence Festival or museum, a National Historic Landmark Property, visit www.independencemuseum.org.
About the American Independence Museum
The American Independence Museum is a history museum in Exeter, NH that features a collection of 3,000 historic artifacts that shed light on the American Revolution. Many of our programs touch on civics and the fight for independence, while we incorporate inclusivity and diversity into the experiences we create on-site and in digital formats. We feature a variety of things to do for people of all ages, including festivals, an historic tavern, guided tours and our annual American Independence Festival.
by emma | Jul 3, 2019 | Events
On Saturday, July 13, thousands will descend upon downtown Exeter, NH, former capital of the Granite State during the Revolutionary War, for the 29th Annual American Independence Festival.
Celebrating the arrival of an original copy of the Declaration of Independence in town on July 16, 1776, the festival features a variety of entertainment, including music, battle re-enactment, tradition artisan working village and more.
One of the festival’s most unique highlights, however, is within the museum’s Ladd-Gilman House, which will feature one of the few remaining copies of the Declaration of Independence. Its arrival in Exeter is recreated at 11 am with a horseback delivery of the document that is then read by Greg Gilman. He is the direct descendant of John Taylor Gilman, who read the Declaration of Independence to the townspeople of Exeter on July 16, 1776.
“This is a unique opportunity to participate in a recreation of a seminal point in our state’s and nation’s history,” said museum Executive Director Emma Bray.
Presented by Newburyport Bank, the festival is additionally supported by New Hampshire State Council on the Arts, RiverWoods Exeter, Ruffner Real Estate, Exeter Hospital, Historic Motor Sports, Mitchell & Monti and Proulx Oil & Propane.
“This is a wonderful community event that educates, entertains and, we hope, inspires others to learn more about our nation’s history and its continued importance today,” added Bray.
Other highlights of the festival include colonial-inspired beer brewed by Cisco in Folsom Tavern from 12 to 6 pm, a craft and art fair and local food.
Tickets for the festival, which takes place from 10 am to 4 pm, are $10 for adults, $5 for ages 6 to 18, and free for children under 6 and museum members. Courtesy of Chinburg Properties, free admission is also available to active/retired military, veterans, and their immediate families. All proceeds benefit the American Independence Museum and support future festivals.
About the American Independence Museum
The American Independence Museum is a history museum in Exeter, NH that features a collection of 3,000 historic artifacts that shed light on the American Revolution. Many of our programs touch on civics and the fight for independence, while we incorporate inclusivity and diversity into the experiences we create on-site and in digital formats. We feature a variety of things to do for people of all ages, including festivals, an historic tavern, guided tours and our annual American Independence Festival.
by emma | Jun 27, 2019 | Events
In July, children and families are a big focus at the American Independence Museum in Exeter.
On Tuesday, July 2, The Provident Bank is sponsoring free admission for residents of any age from SAU 16, which includes Brentwood, East Kingston, Exeter, Kensington, Newfields, and Stratham. On Saturday, July 6, free admission will also be made available to SAU 16 residents, courtesy of Kennebunk Savings.
“Both banks are also sponsoring the free admission for SAU 16 residents on the first Tuesday and Saturday in August, respectively,” said museum Executive Director Emma Bray. “This is a wonderful opportunity for local residents to see first hand the improvements we have made within our museum as well as our new exhibits.”
Presented by Exeter Hospital, a special patriotic sing-along edition of Revolutionary Story Time! takes place on Thursday, July 4 from 11am to 1 pm. At this event, families and guests of all ages are invited to Folsom Tavern to celebrate Independence Day with song led by a colonial reenactor, patriotic cake, and colonial games. The event is free and part of a year long series, which takes place on the first Thursday of each month through December.
The largest event annually hosted by the museum, the American Independence Festival takes place on Saturday, July 13 and is expected to attract thousands. Presented by Newburyport Bank, the event features everything from traditional craft demonstrations and battle re-enactments to a beer garden, live music, games, local food, art and craft marketplace, and more.
The Festival also marks the conclusion of the museum’s Revolutionary Kids Camp, which begins Tuesday, July 9. In this full-day living history experience, youth (ages 9 – 12) immerse themselves in the past and assume the role of a real 18th century Exeter resident, complete with colonial clothing. At the Festival, youth show off what they have learned in camp, which concludes Friday, July 12.
“It’s a busy month for us and one in which I hope we see many new faces,” added Bray. “We want people to see the museum as ‘their’ space.”
About the American Independence Museum
The American Independence Museum is a history museum in Exeter, NH that features a collection of 3,000 historic artifacts that shed light on the American Revolution. Many of our programs touch on civics and the fight for independence, while we incorporate inclusivity and diversity into the experiences we create on-site and in digital formats. We feature a variety of things to do for people of all ages, including festivals, an historic tavern, guided tours and our annual American Independence Festival.
