by emma | May 6, 2019 | Events
On Friday, May 10, the American Independence Museum in Exeter will host its popular Homeschool Day: Colonial Living Days for homeschool students.
In the 90-minute program, students of all ages will learn from 18th century re-enactors who will each provide glimpses into various facets of everyday colonial life.
Some examples of activities may include: learning about the wardrobe of a colonial child; trying out some colonial games; discussing the day in the life of a militia man or writing with a quill pen.
“This program has seen much success over the past few years and we’re excited to continue providing home school families with enrichment opportunities at our museum,” said Education Manager Abigail Pietrantonio.
Homeschool Day: Colonial Living Days will take place on Friday, May 10 from 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm at the museum’s Folsom Tavern in downtown Exeter. The cost is $5 for adults, $8 for students and free for children 2 and under. Pre-registration is required and space is limited.
by emma | May 1, 2019 | Events
Featuring live music, colonial-inspired beer, food trucks, games for kids, traditional artisans, art and craft fair, and colonial battle re-enactments, the 29th Annual American Independence Festival on Saturday, July 13 will delight people of all ages.
“This a fun and unique family festival that showcases not only the wonderful community of Exeter and the greater Seacoast, but talent from across the region,” said museum Executive Director Emma Bray. “Our art and craft fair alone brings in top vendors from New Hampshire Made and throughout region.”
For those interested in American colonial history, the festival features a working Artisans’ Village, sponsored by the New Hampshire State Council on the Arts.
“It’s a chance to interact with artisans who create items with the same tools and techniques as the colonial craftspeople who would have lived and worked in the area,” said the museum’s Victoria Su, who organizes the event.
Featuring colonial-inspired beer and beer garden outside the museum’s Folsom Tavern (c.1775) in which George Washington once enjoyed a libation, the festival also includes an original copy of a Dunlap Broadside printing of the Declaration of Independence. One of just 26 known to still exist, the Declaration of Independence will be available for viewing on just this one day.
“It is always very special and exciting to have the Declaration on view during the Festival. ,” said Bray, who noted visitors may also see two original working drafts of the US Constitution. “Being up close with these important founding documents is a wonderful way for guests to connect to the history of New Hampshire’s and nation’s Revolutionary history.” For Florence Ruffner of Ruffner Real Estate, which is sponsoring the parade with George Washington that marches through the center of historic downtown Exeter, the festival is unlike any event in the region.
“It is such a wonderful festival and perfect for families,” she said. “I think Exeter is a beautiful, dynamic town, and this event really showcases it for locals and tourists.”
In total, more than 4,000 visitors are expected to descend upon downtown Exeter, which includes numerous shops and restaurants that remain open during the festival. Just one hour north of Boston and one hour southwest of Portland, Maine, Exeter is accessible from both locations by train.
Tickets for the festival, which takes place on Saturday, July 13, are $10 for adults; $5 for ages 6 to 18; and free for children under 6, active and retired military, veterans, and Museum members.
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.
The museum is a member of the 17-member NH Heritage Museum Trail, which connects the public with culturally rich heritage institutions in New Hampshire. For more information about the NH Heritage Museum Trail, visit nhmuseumtrail.org.
by emma | Apr 25, 2019 | Events
On Wednesday, May 1, the American Independence Museum opens for 2019 with a full week of programs capped off by Spring Tea in Folsom Tavern on Saturday, May 4 at 11am and 2pm.
The event, which features tea, assorted finger sandwiches, scones, and desserts by colonial inspired caterers, For the Love of Food and Drink, follows similar themed events in December.
“Our Holiday Tea sold out,” said the museum’s Victoria Su, who organizes the event. “This is a great way to celebrate spring and enjoy the ambiance of Folsom Tavern, which once entertained George Washington in his visit to Exeter in 1789.”
Earlier in the week on Thursday, May 2 from 2pm to 4pm, Folsom Tavern will also host Revolutionary Story Time!, presented by Exeter Hospital.
Designed to entertain kids, ages 3 to 5+, and their families, the free series provides, entertainment and live music. After the 30+ minute program, parent-supervised playtime includes imaginary play, colonial games and period dress-up.
According to Emma Bray, the upcoming 2019 season at the museum may be its busiest ever. This year, much of the museum’s programs and events are conceptually linked by a Civic Engagement theme.
“From our Lecture Series, presented by People’s United Bank, to our Genealogy Workshop series and more, we have an interesting lineup of programs this year that I think will surprise people,” she said. “We want the museum to strive for relevance–whether as an educational resource or a place for the entire family to gather.”
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 | Apr 18, 2019 | Events, Partnerships
For several years, People’s United Bank has sponsored the American Independence Museum’s evening and afternoon lecture series, a partnership that has been renewed for 2019. According to museum Executive Director Emma Bray, though, this partnership is particularly fruitful.
“It is one where both organizations are working toward a shared vision,” she said. “The level of involvement by People’s United Bank not only includes financial support, but their attendance at individual events. That level of engagement is important and enhances the program.”
For Marc Ouellette, vice president, senior market manager at People’s United Bank, the Lecture Series addresses an important educational need in the community.
“This is a great series because it touches on the fundamentals of our nation’s history, which is not taught in the classroom as much as maybe it should,” he said.
Referring to the museum as “unique and forward-thinking” in its educational approach, Ouellette said the continued partnership with the American Independence Museum represents “a win-win.”
“The museum benefits as does the community,” he said. “People’s United Bank is very thankful to be included in this wonderful educational lecture series.”
This year, the museum plans to host 6 or more lectures, some during the afternoon known as Lunch and Learns with evening events referred to as Tavern Talks. This year, all events in the series will reflect the museum’s 2019 theme of Civic Engagement.
“We feel this theme is very relevant given the climate of today,” said Bray. “Regardless of someone’s politic beliefs, I think we can all say it is important to be involved as civic-minded citizens. The questions we will try to answer this year is what does that really mean?”
Ouellette said he looks forward to this year’s series, which kicks off with Moved and Seconded: Town Meeting in New Hampshire on Wednesday, May 15 at 6:30 p.m. Author of eleven books, Rebecca Rule will facilitate the talk. For ten years, she hosted “The New Hampshire Authors Series” on NHPTV. She currently hosts “Our Hometown,” which is also on NHPTV.
“We are excited to see this series unfold and very enthusiastic at the quality of the speakers they are bringing into the community,” he said. “People’s United Bank sees tremendous value in this series, and we are proud to sponsor it.”
Other scheduled talks include New England’s Colonial Meetinghouses and Their Impact on American Society, which is scheduled for Tuesday, October 8 at 12 noon.
Additional talks, which will soon be added to the schedule, are likely to include town officials who will speak on their various respective capacities and roles.
“We also plan to bring in some folks at the state level,” added Bray. “This series keeps expanding, and we are happy to have the support of People’s United Bank behind us.”
Tavern Talks are additionally supported by a Humanities-To-Go grant from the NH Humanities Council.
by emma | Apr 12, 2019 | Events
During public school vacation week in New Hampshire from April 23 to April 25, the American Independence Museum will host 2-hour programs designed for kids, ages 9 to 11.
In the program, Colonial Vacation Days, Education Manager Abigail Pietrantonio said each day will provide a unique opportunity to experience colonial life. On April 23, the program will focus on Colonial School followed by Colonial Clothes and Colonial Games on April 24 and 25, respectively.
“We’re excited to be able to offer this hands-on vacation program for the first time,” she said. “We have received requests for the last couple years for vacation programming, so this is a great first step to deliver something that is both fun and educational at the same time.”
The program will take place from 10 am to 12 pm on April 23, 24 and 25. Kids may register for one or all three programs. Registration is available online with the cost for non-members and members $10 and $8 per day, respectively.
Home to a world-class collection of 3,000 historic artifacts, the museum welcomes more than 5,000 visitors annually and distinguishes itself with educational school programs and events that make history fun and relevant. The 2019 season for the museum begins May 1.
by emma | Apr 10, 2019 | Events
This spring, perimeter excavation will begin outside the Ladd-Gilman House (c.1721) at the American Independence Museum, work that will kick off a number of projects to rehabilitate its structure.
“For many years, the Ladd-Gilman House has suffered from water infiltration from an old roof, a deteriorating foundation and other deferred maintenance issues,” explained museum Executive Director Emma Bray.
Such issues, she noted, compromise the building’s internal environment, which jeopardizes some of the museum’s “most rare and delicate artifacts.”
“In our effort to better care for our historic building and our 3,000 objects housed in it, we must address the moisture getting into our building,” she said.
The complete scope of the project includes archaeology, perimeter excavation and regrading, foundation repointing, repair of a modern stone retaining wall, restoration of rotten sills and the addition of storm doors.
In addition to an $80,000 grant award from New Hampshire’s Land and Community Heritage Investment Program (LCHIP), the museum received support from other sources, including $20,000 from the Samuel P. Hunt Foundation and $10,000 from the William W. Treat Foundation. “LCHIP and several very generous matching donor partners have made our day,” noted Ozzie Ayscue, president of the museum’s Board of Governors. “This grant puts a literal foundation under the 1721 Ladd-Gilman House and American Independence Museum collection and a figurative one under a spirited and forward-looking organization.”
Expressing thanks for “the financial contribution of many,” Bray said the project is particularly important given the upcoming 300th anniversary of the Ladd-Gilman House and 30th anniversary of the museum, both occurring in 2021.
“As stewards of this property, it is most fitting that we undertake this work to ensure the long term integrity of this house,” she said.
Home of the State Treasurer for New Hampshire and State Treasury from 1785 to 1789, the Ladd-Gilman House also served as home of the Granite State’s fifth Governor beginning in 1794. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Properties.
Home to a world-class collection of 3,000 historic artifacts, the museum welcomes more than 5,000 visitors annually and distinguishes itself with educational school programs and events that make history fun and relevant.
