by emma | Jun 20, 2019 | Events, Partnerships
History is often seen as a sequence of events that resides in the past, which is only partly accurate and serves as a subtle theme that underscores the American Independence Festival on Saturday, July 13.
“Our Revolutionary history provides a unique and relevant glimpse into who we are today as Americans,” said Emma Bray, executive director of the American Independence Museum, which hosts the festival.
This theme recently caught the attention of Newburyport Bank, which presented Bray with a $5,000 check at their new branch in Exeter to sponsor the festival.
“We are so enthusiastic about this partnership and the connection between our two organizations,” said Bray. “It is clear we both value and honor the importance of history.”
Lloyd Hamm, Jr., president and CEO, Newburyport Bank, agreed and described himself as “a strong enthusiast of history.”
“I love seeing it energized and want to thank the museum for bringing history to life for the citizens of our communities,” he said.
At the American Independence Festival, visitors experience everything from traditional craft demonstrations and battle re-enactments to a beer garden, live music, games, local food, art and craft marketplace, and more.
In serving as presenting sponsor of the festival, Hamm, Jr. said he believes Newburyport Bank takes an important step to supporting the greater Exeter community.
“I so appreciate that our Bank, which is new to the Exeter community but active in the region since 1854, can share in this important opportunity for inspiration and learning,” he said.
The festival also serves to conjure within Hamm, Jr. fond memories of a childhood experience in which he participated in the 1976 bicentennial celebrations as a member of the Town of Upton, MA militia.
“For me, it was a vibrant instrument for understanding and enjoying history,” he recalled. “I remember bounding through fields of New England with my 75 caliber Brown Bess in hand, battling the British 10th or 54th regiments. It was so much fun to see the looks of awe and enjoyment on the faces of the crowds as our nation’s important history was brought to life.”
It is precisely this kind of experience that Bray said visitors can experience at the festival, which features more than 100 colonial re-enactors, most of whom stay in character throughout the day.
“The festival literally brings history to life,” she said. “We are so thankful to partner with Newburyport Bank to present this unique and engaging experience for people of all ages.”
The American Independence Festival takes place on Saturday, July 13 at the American Independence Festival from 10 am to 4 pm with the beer tent open until 6 pm.
Festival tickets are $10 for adults; $5 for ages 6 to 18; and free for children under 6, active and retired military, veterans, and Museum members.
To learn more, or purchase tickets, 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 | Jun 12, 2019 | Events, Grants
Presented by People’s United Bank, ‘Unearthed at the AIM’ on Wednesday, June 26 at 12 noon is the next free Lunch and Learn event in the 2019 Lecture Series at the American Independence Museum.
According to museum Executive Director Emma Bray, this talk will be particularly meaningful, as guests will be able to learn about some of the findings of a recent archaeological project outside the Ladd-Gilman House (c. 1721).
“We are currently engaged in a project that will include perimeter excavation and regrading outside the Ladd-Gilman House, foundation repointing and repair of a modern stone retaining wall,” she said. “We are also restoring rotten sills and adding storm doors…Archaeology, though, was the first step, and some interesting things were found.”
The project is made possible from an $80,000 grant award from New Hampshire’s Land and Community Heritage Investment Program (LCHIP) and private funders, including Samuel P. Hunt Foundation, William W. Treat Foundation, Lewis Family Foundation and Society of the Cincinnati in the State of New Hampshire.
“We have been fortunate to receive a groundswell of support for this project, which will take care of many issues around and in the Ladd-Gilman House that jeopardize some items in our collection,” added Bray.
At ‘Unearthed at the AIM,’ Jesse Cofelice, principal investigator at Independent Archaeological Consulting will discuss what has been found outside the museum and in other projects around the region.
“This is a chance to meet an archaeologist that is literally digging through history — it really will be quite fascinating,” said Victoria Su, who organizes the 2019 Lecture Series. “This is a great way to spend your lunch hour and learn something, too.”
‘Unearthed at the AIM’ will take place on Wednesday, June 26 at 12pm.
Presented by People’s United Bank, there is no charge to attend any event in the 2019 Lecture Series and attendees are welcome to bring their own lunch.
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 | May 30, 2019 | Events
On the first Tuesday of July and August this summer, the American Independence Museum will provide free admission to residents of SAU 16, which includes Exeter, Brentwood, East Kingston, Exeter, Kensington, Newfields, and Stratham.
Free admission for residents of these towns is made possible by The Provident Bank.
“Offering free admission to SAU 16 residents provides a valuable educational opportunity to residents who may otherwise not be able to enjoy the Ladd-Gilman House,” said Leland Ward, AVP, Regional Relationship Officer – New Hampshire. “The Provident Bank is proud to participate in such a worthwhile cause.”
In 2019, exhibits within the Ladd-Gilman House include both digital and physical interactives, which museum Executive Director Emma Bray said will enhance the learning experience for all ages.
“We want visitors to experience our collection in new ways,” she said. “This partnership with The Provident Bank is exciting because it creates an opportunity for local residents to visit us at no charge on two days this summer.”
On Tuesday, July 2 and Tuesday, August 6, free admission will be provided to residents of Exeter, Brentwood, East Kingston, Exeter, Kensington, Newfields, and Stratham.
by emma | May 29, 2019 | Events
On Saturday, June 15 from 10 am to 4 pm, the American Independence Museum, Historic New England’s Gilman Garrison House, and Exeter Historical Society will be open for free.
At the American Independence Museum, visitors can take self-guided and docent-led tours on a first come, first served basis with colonial games outside, weather permitting. Gilman Garrison House will offer guided tours on the hour, while Exeter Historical Society will host an open house and offer guided walking tours of historic downtown Exeter at 11 am and 1 pm.
“This is the first time in recent memory that the three sites have collaborated for a town-wide event and celebration of Exeter’s unique history,” said Emma Bray, executive director of the American Independence Museum. “We are very excited to offer this opportunity to NH residents.”
Home to a world-class collection of 3,000 historic artifacts, the American Independence Museum welcomes more than 5,000 visitors annually and offers educational school programs and events that make history fun and relevant.
Built in 1709 by the Gilman family, the Gilman Garrison House is an unusual structure, featuring walls constructed of massive sawn logs, a pulley above the main entrance, and view ports that reveal its architectural evolution.
The Exeter Historical Society offers regular programs of local historical interest and is a repository for documents, maps, photos, artifacts and other ephemera pertaining to Exeter, New Hampshire.
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 | May 23, 2019 | Events
While many can claim their ancestors served our nation, much less is likely known about their service, which is the subject of the next workshop in the American Independence Museum’s Genealogy Workshop Series.
Presented in partnership with the New England Historic Genealogical Society (NEHGS), the workshop takes place on Saturday, June 8 from 1 to 4 pm in the museum’s Folsom Tavern.
At the workshop, entitled “Researching Veteran Ancestors: American Civil War, World War I, and World War II,” David Allen Lambert, chief NEHGS genealogist, will provide practical tools, tips, and strategies to research veteran ancestors.
“The New England Historic Genealogical Society is the foremost authority in this kind of research,” said museum Executive Director Emma Bray. “This is your chance to learn from and speak with a leading expert and researcher.”
Upcoming workshops include “Researching Early New England Ancestry” (9/21) and “Writing Your Family History: Taking the First Steps” (11/16).
Individual workshop fees are $20 for museum and NEHGS members and $30 for ‘not-yet’ members. Reservations are required.
The museum’s Genealogy Workshop Series is sponsored by the William W. Treat Foundation.
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 | May 10, 2019 | Events
Sponsored by People’s United Bank, the 2019 Lecture Series kicks off on Wednesday, May 15 at 6:30 pm at the American Independence Museum’s Folsom Tavern.
Entitled “Moved and Seconded: Town Meeting in New Hampshire, the Present, the Past, and the Future,” this first lecture will be led by Rebecca Rule, who has hosted “The New Hampshire Authors Series” on NHPTV.
“At the lecture, people will hear many interesting stories of the rituals, traditions, and history of town meeting,” said Emma Bray, museum executive director. “Town meetings are unique to New England, so this is a neat chance to hear about the perennial characters, literature, humor, and wisdom of this uniquely New England institution.”
Open for the 2019 season, the American Independence Museum features a collection that is particular interest to active military and veterans, both groups recently granted free admission this year courtesy of Chinburg Properties.
“Our collection helps tell the story of how our nation was founded and the sacrifices of our nation’s first military,” said museum Executive Director Emma Bray. “Anyone who has ever served will find our collection and the stories behind many of our objects especially interesting.”
In addition to active military and veterans, the gift from Chinburg Properties enables their families to take tours and access programs and events at no charge in 2019.
“We have worked very hard this offseason to modernize aspects of our exhibits, which will better engage people of all ages and learning styles,” said Bray. “Chinburg Properties is helping us reach people who may not otherwise know about us or be able to visit.”
For Jennifer Chinburg of Chinburg Properties, the investment in the museum directly benefits the surrounding communities.
“From their collection to education programs and family events, we believe in what the museum is doing in our communities,” she said. “We are honored to be able to support their work in the community as well as the sacrifices made by active military, veterans and their families.”
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.
