by emma | Aug 9, 2018 | Events
Although in a town as historic as Exeter (375+ years old), it is impossible to cover its entire history in one event, the American Independence Museum is trying to provide folks with a peek “behind the scenes.”
On Friday, August 24, the museum will host the third of four Architectural Tours this season. It will provide visitors with the opportunity to see areas of both 18th century buildings on the property that are not typically open to the public.
Among many interesting historical footnotes, the ca. 1721 Ladd-Gilman House was home to NH’s first Governor, John Taylor Gilman, who served in such capacity off and on for 14 years from 1794 to 1816. In 1985, a Dunlap Broadside, the first official printing of the Declaration of Independence, was re-discovered in its attic.
“The Ladd-Gilman House has been home to many interesting characters and events through the years,” noted museum Executive Director Emma Bray.
Originally built in the center of downtown Exeter where Me & Ollies exists today, the ca. 1775 Folsom Tavern is now “down the hill” from the Ladd-Gilman House and boasts a unique history of its own. In addition to where the New Hampshire Chapter of the Society of the Cincinnati was founded in 1783, Folsom Tavern welcomed George Washington in 1789 where he “partook in a collation” served by the Folsom family.
“The Society still owns our properties, so this tie to history is still evident today,” added Bray. “Folsom Tavern was undoubtedly a gathering spot for many, including politicians and soldiers, during the Revolution.”
During the Architectural Tour, visitors will learn how the two buildings have changed through the years, their decorative styles and architectural features. The tour takes place at 10:30 am on Friday, August 24.
Due to the historic nature of both buildings, they are not handicap accessible. Tickets are $10 for non-members and $5 for members.
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.
by emma | Aug 8, 2018 | Events, Partnerships
Located next to each other in downtown Exeter, the American Independence Museum and People’s United Bank are more than simply neighbors, but partners as they present the next Lunch & Learn on Wednesday, August 15.
Entitled, “Global Perspectives on the Revolution: The Exhibit Up-Close,” the presentation will be facilitated by the museum’s Collections Manager, Rachel Passannante, who will discuss their “global theme” and 2018 special exhibit.
“So much of our programming relates to our theme, Global Perspectives on the Revolution, which helps frame the importance the war had on other nations,” she said. “Our special exhibit this year tells that story, so I look forward to talking to people about it and then taking them on a tour of the museum to show it to them.”
For the past two years, People’s United Bank has helped present the museum’s evening talks with an expansion in 2018 to include the Lunch & Learn series, which takes place at noon at Folsom Tavern.
“Education is so important to us, and we love the museum’s focus on engaging the community,” said Marc Ouellette, vice president, senior market manager at People’s United Bank. “We are proud to partner with them to bring these talks and discussions to the community at no charge.”
Tavern Talks are additionally supported by a Humanities-To-Go grant from the NH Humanities Council.
Lunch & Learns are held in Folsom Tavern, 164 Water Street, Exeter, NH and are free and open to the public, who are welcome to bring lunch to eat during the presentation.
by jen | Dec 11, 2017 | Events
From December 1 through December 3, the American Independence Museum welcomed nearly 1,000 visitors for its 2017 season-ending Holiday Celebration, presented by The Provident Bank. The weekend kicked off with a holiday party and fundraiser on Friday with more than $5,000 netted to support museum programs and initiatives.
“This more than doubled what we raised last year,” said museum Executive Director Emma Bray, who noted this was her first year at the annual celebration. “It was wonderful to see so many people of all ages take part in this year’s festivities. It capped off a very successful 2017 season.”
The weekend festivities took place at the museum’s Folsom Tavern, which was professionally decorated by The Willow. In addition to their annual holiday celebration on Friday, the museum served refreshments during the holiday parade on Saturday and participated in Womenade’s Holiday Home Tour on Sunday.
In speaking on the success of the 2017 season, Bray credited corporate partners, including major contributors Service Credit Union; GEICO Local Office, Manchester; Hoefle, Phoenix, Gormley & Roberts, P.A.; New Hampshire State Council on the Arts, and Ruffner Real Estate.
“Aside from financial support, these and many other sponsors are involved in what we do—some like People’s United Bank sponsor educational lectures while others, including The Provident Bank, support specific events and visit with us weekly,” she added.
According to Bray, the museum’s value proposition extends far beyond preserving history.
“We are of course a museum, but we are also a resource for community development,” she explained. “One of the central questions we seek to answer is how can we be of value and service to the communities around us? If we can attract more visitors here, we enhance Exeter and the surrounding region. Corporate partnerships help us advance this larger mission.”
by jen | Nov 28, 2017 | Events, Uncategorized
As part of Exeter’s Ring in the Season events, the American Independence Museum (AIM) in Exeter will celebrate the holidays from 5 pm to 8 pm on Friday, December 1 with its annual Holiday Celebration, presented by The Provident Bank.
At the event, visitors can toast the holidays with light refreshments, create Colonial holiday gifts, enjoy seasonal music, and visit their pop-up gift shop. The event will also feature a silent auction with numerous items up for bid, including a vacation and brewery tour package at Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe, VT.
Folsom Tavern will be open for public tours Friday and Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm with refreshments available at Folsom Tavern from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm on Saturday for purchase for those watching the town’s Holiday Parade.
On Sunday, December 3, the tavern will be open from 1 pm to 5 pm as part of Womenade of Greater Squamscott’s Exeter Area Holiday Home Tour with tickets available through Womenade.
“This is the first year we’re taking full advantage of the Town of Exeter’s wonderful ‘Ring in the Season’ events that take place November 30 to December 3,” said Museum Executive Director Emma Bray. “We are looking forward to an exciting weekend.”
In addition to their annual holiday celebration on Friday, this is the first year the museum will serve refreshments during the holiday parade on Saturday and participate in Womenade’s Holiday Home Tour on Sunday.
Bray also expressed excitement that their Folsom Tavern is professionally decorated for the holidays this year.
“Our friends at The Willow across the street are decorating the tavern with financial support from The Provident Bank enabling us to host an expanded year-end celebration,” she added. “2017 was a wonderful year for us, so this is a fitting end to our season.”
Admission to Friday’s event is free for members, $5 for non-members, and $3 for non-member children.
by jen | Nov 17, 2017 | Events, Partnerships
In celebration of Small Business Saturday on November 25, the American Independence Museum will offer a 10% discount on all items in its gift shop, excluding consignment, with 20% off for members and business partners.
In extending a discount to business partners, museum Executive Director Emma Bray said she wanted to extend her gratitude to the businesses, many of whom are small to medium sized, that help support their mission.
“Small Business Saturday is a great concept—and we are all about local,” she said. “We have dozens of items—jewelry, soaps, teas and more—and they are all locally made in New Hampshire. Our gift shop has terrific holiday gift items.”
For Attorney John Sherman of Sherman Law, which recently signed on as a business partner, supporting the American Independence Museum makes sense.
“Local museums make an incredible impact on the community,” he said. “They provide a sense of social purpose, educate the public, and inspire diverse interests. Without local centers like the American Independence Museum, our Seacoast community’s identity just would not be the same.”
Having recently joined the museum as executive director earlier this year, Bray said she is encouraged at the new partnerships they have forged this year with area small businesses and hopes to attract others.
“Aside from preserving historical documents, the museum is committed to working with local partners to increase the visibility and vibrancy of Exeter,” she said. “I appreciate this town so much, I just bought my first home here with my husband. There is so much potential with this town and museum.”
On November 25, the Museum’s gift shop will be open from 10 am to 4 pm. It is located inside the museum’s Ladd-Gilman House, One Governor’s Lane in downtown Exeter.
by jen | Nov 14, 2017 | Events
On Thursday, November 16 from 7 pm to 8 pm, UNH Professor Vanessa Druskat will present “Your Most Important Role in a Democracy: Thinking for Yourself” at the American Independence Museum’s Folsom Tavern. The lecture is the last in the museum’s 2017 Educational Lecture Series, which was presented in partnership with People’s United Bank.
In this lecture, Druskat will discuss numerous aspects related to the concept of democracy as well as how the ideal democratic system is often (and easily) influenced by forces and tactics that manipulate and alter the thinking of voters.
“This is a timely lecture that will explore propaganda and advertising and their roles today in current politics, which is also the subject of an exhibit here that runs through this month,” said museum Executive Director Emma Bray.
At the end of the lecture, a question and answer session will take place.
“We are so grateful to People’s United Bank for presenting this series and enabling us to offer each lecture at no charge to guests,” added Bray. “We hope people will join us for this interesting and free community event.”
Due to limited space, email [email protected] to pre-register for a seat, although pre-registration is not required. There is no cost to attend these lectures, which take place at Folsom Tavern, 164 Water Street in Exeter, NH.
