Exhibits - American Independence Museum

Massachusetts Society of the Cincinnati Makes Investment in Inclusive History at the American Independence Museum

by rob | Feb 8, 2023 | Exhibits, Human Interest, Partnerships

In 2023, the American Independence Museum will embark on an ambitious project that will result in permanent new exhibits that present diverse and unexpected perspectives of the Revolutionary War and Colonial life. The project is made possible by a grant from the Massachusetts Society of the Cincinnati, which has made substantial investments in the Museum over the years.

“We are incredibly grateful for the support of Massachusetts Society of the Cincinnati, as their continued support and friendship enables us to continue to meet our mission,” said Museum Executive Director Jennifer Carr.

American Independence Museum Staff looking at Indigenous artifacts in collection

The Museum’s mission is intricately connected with that of the Massachusetts Society of the Cincinnati, which is one of 14 chapters of The Society of the Cincinnati. The nation’s oldest patriotic organization, The Society was founded in 1783 by officers of the Continental Army and their French counterparts who served together in the American Revolution. Its mission is to promote knowledge and appreciation of the achievement of American independence and foster fellowship among its members.

“Our museum and our collection is owned by the New Hampshire Society of the Cincinnati, which was founded in our very own Folsom Tavern in 1783,” explained Carr. “It’s wonderful and unique that we have such a terrific partnership with another chapter.”

In 2023, though, this partnership will significantly deepen in a project she described as “transformational.” “This grant will fund substantial research into our collection and help us expand it through the acquisition of new items,” she said.

The goal of the grant-funded project is to create exhibits that highlight underrepresented voices in Revolutionary history, including those of women, Indigenous Americans, free Black population, enslaved persons, and soldiers. It is not just the end product(s) of the grant that excite Carr, but also its methodology.

“The grant enables us to hire a professional researcher to help lead the project,” she explained. “This researcher will be from an underrepresented group, which we feel is appropriate given our intent to create more inclusive stories and exhibits in the museum.”
According to Carr, the Museum’s focus on inclusive storytelling has already begun. As examples, she cited some of the Indigenous artifacts in exhibits already on display in the museum uncovered during an archaeological dig in 2019. These items range from a 2,700 year-old projectile point (arrowhead) to stone flakes created as a result of knapping (the product of producing stone weapons) and pieces of Indigenous pottery.

“Many of these items are ‘pre-contact’ and allow us to acknowledge the Indigenous presence on the land and share their history with visitors from across the world,” said Carr.

Regarding next steps in the project, Carr said they plan to hire an external researcher sometime by mid March. Her hope is that the project can begin in earnest by April. “We are excited to take this big step forward and thankful to have the continued support of the Massachusetts Society of the Cincinnati behind us every step of the way,” she said.

← New Staff Highlight 2023 at American Independence Museum Alena Shellenbean Joins American Independence Museum Staff →

About the 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’.

Major Grant Award Highlights Inclusive Storytelling

by ion | Jul 4, 2022 | Exhibits, Governance, Grants, Human Interest

Although not its inventor, the American Independence Museum (AIM) has made a concerted effort to make ‘inclusive storytelling’ a significant part of its in-person tour experience.

“We did not invent the term, ‘inclusive storytelling,’ but we have embraced it,” noted Curator Jennifer Carr, who also currently serves as Interim Executive Director at the American Independence Museum.

This dual role has helped her develop her own unique perspective on the importance of inclusive storytelling. “In years past, we generally told stories from one perspective and focused heavily on military items in our collection,” she said. “We can do more than that. We should do more than that.”

As a history museum, Carr said AIM plays a critical role in sharing many different perspectives, such as those of Black Americans, women and Indigenous people with a broader public. Recently, the ability to fulfill this role has been significantly enhanced by a grant award of $21,250 from the Samuel P. Hunt Foundation to enhance the museum’s archival and exhibit infrastructure.

“This grant enables us to purchase five sealed archival microclimate cases that will display rare historic items with incredible stories that shed different perspectives on Revolutionary history,” said Carr.

Some of the items that will be displayed in these cases include Indigenous artifacts that were uncovered on the museum’s property during an archaeological dig in 2019. These items include a 2,700 year-old projectile point (arrowhead), stone flakes created as a result of knapping (the product of producing stone weapons), and pieces of Indigenous pottery.

Carr said many of these items are ‘pre-contact’ and will allow the museum to acknowledge the Indigenous presence on the land and share their history with guests. “These cases will also help with preservation, as they feature UV filters and humidity control measures that will help to preserve items,” she added.

In addition to these cases, the grant award will cover costs associated with purchasing new stands and labels, as each display will feature accompanying text (inclusive stories). These stands and labels will also be ADA compliant.

“Due to manufacturing delays, these changes likely won’t be implemented until the 2023 season, but this grant gives us serious focus as we plan our exhibit calendar,” said Carr. “We have already made changes in our current exhibits, so if you have not visited us in a couple years, please do. You will be surprised at the stories we are telling.”

To learn more about the museum, or its current tours and programming, visit independencemuseum.org.

About the 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’.

2022 Season Begins Wednesday, May 4

by ion | Apr 27, 2022 | Events, Exhibits, Programming, Tours

For the first time since May of 2019, the American Independence Museum will reopen its doors in May in anticipation of a full operating season.

The museum campus comprises the Ladd-Gilman House (c. 1721), which was home to the longest serving New Hampshire Governor, John Taylor Gilman, and the Folsom Tavern (c. 1775). The museum is home to a world class collection of 3,000 historic artifacts including a copy of the Dunlap Broadside, the first official printing of the Declaration of Independence.

The museum will be open Wednesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Guided tours will be offered on the hour. The Folsom Tavern will only be open for guided tours. This property can be visited at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. when the museum is open. Tours of the Ladd-Gilman House will begin at 10 a.m., 12, 2, and 3 p.m. Visitors interested in a self guided tour of the Ladd-Gilman House are encouraged to do so at any point during the museum’s open hours.

During the offseason, museum staff developed new interpretations to create a more interactive self-guided tour experience. In addition to incorporating new aspects of New Hampshire’s Revolutionary Era history, guests can now scan QR codes and watch pre-recorded museum content that thematically connects to different spaces in the Ladd-Gilman House.

A new exhibit will highlight how the core values of the American Revolution carry on into the modern day. “The impact of the American Revolution is seen throughout time and in unexpected places. Our latest exhibit explores events inspired by the Revolution and encourages guests to find its legacy in the twenty-first century,” described Museum Curator Jennifer Carr.

The Children’s Room in the Folsom Tavern was adapted during the off-season to provide a more immersive and hands-on experience for young museum visitors. Highlights include 18th-century replica children’s clothing, colonial games, a historic play kitchen, and a cozy reading nook.
“This space offers families a child-friendly space to explore and discover,” said Sarah Jaworksi, Program Manager.

To learn more about the 2022 open season, visit www.independencemuseum.org/visit

About the 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’.

Patriot’s Day Membership Drive at AIM

by ion | Apr 5, 2022 | Exhibits, For Adults, Governance

April 19th, also known as Patriot’s Day, commemorates the encounters at Lexington and Concord that traditionally mark the start of the American Revolution. Nearly 250 years later, Patriot’s Day is the perfect time for history lovers and community members to begin marking their calendars for a summer of historic fun. This date also serves as a reminder to current and future members to prepare for the upcoming season and support the museum by purchasing a membership.

“Renewing your membership helps sustain our museum, ensuring that we continue to share different perspectives of the Revolutionary era, encourage critical thinking as we encounter the past, and inspire civic engagement in our community,” said JoAnn Keeler, Membership Manager.

There are many benefits of museum membership including unlimited access to free museum tours, invitations to members-only events, free admission to the Independence Festival, a 10% discount in the gift store, and reciprocal member benefits to over 300 partner institutions.

Although the museum will not open until May, this year the staff intends to share the process of reopening the museum, rotating new collections items onto display, and incorporating more interactive experiences through their various social media channels.

“These past two years have shown us that our museum community stretches far beyond the Seacoast area. We’ve enjoyed providing engaging and informative content to both museum members and supporters that would not traditionally get to visit our premises,” said Sabina Ion, Content and Marketing Manager.

Membership begins at $25 for individuals, with a variety of levels available for those who wish to support the museum at a higher level or wish to receive member benefits for additional people.

To join or renew your museum membership, visit https://www.independencemuseum.org/AIMstaging/membership/

About the 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’.

Tavern Tours Highlight Inclusivity and Diversity

by ion | May 25, 2021 | Exhibits, Family Friendly, Tours

In 2021, inclusivity and diversity will inform much of the programming and exhibits at the American Independence Museum, an emphasis that underscores Folsom Tavern Tours.

In these tours, Curator Jennifer Carr said visitors can expect to learn how many kinds of people used and experienced colonial taverns.

“A tavern was experienced differently by an enslaved person compared to a white merchant or woman, for instance,” she said.

Executive Director Emma Stratton said the museum is actively working to interpret history through diverse perspectives and to help with our understanding of the present.

“‘Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness’ is a complicated subject that has different meanings to different people in our history as a nation,” she said.

Built in 1775 by Samuel Folsom, Folsom Tavern boasts a unique history, as George Washington visited it in 1789. Folsom Tavern was also the site to the founding of the Society of the Cincinnati in the State of New Hampshire in 1783. The nation’s oldest patriotic organization, the Society was founded by officers of the Continental Army and their French counterparts who served together in the American Revolution.

“Visitors will learn about this fascinating history, too,” added Carr.

Folsom Tavern Tours also feature audio recordings that replicate sounds that may have been heard in 18th century taverns. After the guided tours, which will last approximately 45-minutes, visitors will be encouraged to remain on-site and enjoy 1-acre landscaped property.

Home to a world-class collection of 3,000 historic artifacts, the museum is currently developing a variety of public and education programs in virtual and online formats to encourage digital inclusion for all ages.

All tours are limited and masks and pre-registration are required. Tours will be held every hour on the hour on Thursdays 10-12 and Fridays/Saturdays 10-3.

To register for Folsom Tavern tours, visit independencemuseum.org/visit/.

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.

Free Admission Day at American Independence Museum

by emma | Jul 25, 2019 | Exhibits, Partnerships

On Saturday, August 3, the American Independence Museum will offer free admission to residents of Brentwood, East Kingston, Exeter, Kensington, Newfields, and Stratham as well as town employees, including teachers, with valid ID.

Made possible by Kennebunk Savings, SAU 16 Free Admission Day represents the museum’s ongoing effort to increase access to its collection and programs.

“We have a new exhibit on Civic Engagement, iPads we will include very soon in some rooms, LED lighting and new cases that display some of our most unique items,” said Executive Director Emma Bray. “We want to encourage families to visit us, which makes Free Admission Day such a great opportunity for local residents and those who work here.”

“If you have not visited us recently, we’d love for you to visit us and see all the changes,” added Bray. “Our tour guides are knowledgeable and fun, too.”

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.