For Adults - American Independence Museum

UNH BrewLab to headline next Beer for History

by jen | Oct 23, 2021 | Beer for History, Events, For Adults

On the heels of a successful kickoff in October with Pipe Dream Brewing from Londonderry, Beer for History, sponsored by Donahue Tucker & Ciandella, will welcome UNH BrewLab on Thursday, November 4 from 6 to 8 p.m. Featuring craft beer, colonial-inspired games and trivia, Beer for History is appropriate for all ages.

“It takes place outside on our Folsom Tavern Lawn, so there is plenty of space for families with kids to enjoy late autumn in Exeter,” noted museum Executive Director Emma Stratton. “There will also be tents and campfires, so it will be a very festive environment.”

At this Beer for History, UNH BrewLab is expected to bring three beers, including “Harvest Thyme Brown Ale,” which is brewed using the ‘unloved’ bread ends from the UNH dining hall fresh baked bread. The thyme added to the beer comes from the Farm To You NH program, a student-run farm on campus.

“Stormy Seas Oatmeal Stout” is a full bodied oatmeal stout with dark roasty notes and a hint of sweet aroma from local maple syrup additions. Local oats give it a nice smooth creaminess. A hoppy farmhouse style beer, “Wildcat Wheat” is brewed with wheat and orange peels and dry hopped with Citra hops, which elicit ‘sweet aromas.’

“You will also get the chance to talk with some of the student brewers,” noted Stratton, who said the purpose behind Beer for History is two-fold.

“We want to get people excited about history and the programs we offer, but we also want to be a gathering spot for locals and visitors alike,” she added. “Beer for History has always been a place where everyone can gather and have a terrific time.”

Beer for History with UNH BrewLab takes place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, November 4 outside at the American Independence Museum’s Folsom Tavern Lawn, 164 Water St., Exeter, NH. Tickets are $15 for members and $20 for non-members, while youth (under 21) are $5. Ticket prices include beer (21+), entertainment and light snacks.

To purchase tickets visit https://www.independencemuseum.org/AIMstaging/event/beer-for-history-unh/

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.

Spirits of the Past Explores Spooky Museum History

by jen | Oct 18, 2021 | For Adults, Programming

On Thursday, October 28, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., on the Folsom Tavern Lawn, the American Independence Museum will host Spirits of the Past, which focuses on the 19th century Spiritualist movement.

While its main focus is the connection between Spiritualism and the museum’s nearly 240 year-old Folsom Tavern, the program will also provide insight into the movement’s ties to America’s founding principles on freedom of religion. April Sheerin, Church of Spiritual Life member, medium, and Director of New Awakenings, will be on-site to share perspectives on Spiritualism today and offer mediumship demonstrations.

“We are so excited to have April facilitate this program in partnership with us,” said the museum’s Sarah Jaworski. “This is a chance to learn more about American history in a way that really will get people thinking.”

Spirits of the Past will take place on the lawn outside Folsom Tavern, 164 Water St., Exeter, NH from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The cost is $15 for non-members and $10 for members with light refreshments provided. To learn more about this program, or to purchase tickets, https://www.independencemuseum.org/AIMstaging/event/spirits-of-the-past/

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.

Join AIM’s Ghosts of Winter Street Cemetery Tour

by jen | Oct 8, 2021 | Events, Family Friendly, For Adults, For Kids, Programming, Tours

On Saturday, October 23, the American Independence Museum will host Ghosts of Winter Street Cemetery, a popular family-friendly event that takes visitors on a tour through history.

“Our colonial guide meets you at Winter Street Cemetery and walks you through it while showing you the graves of some of Exeter’s most famous and infamous revolutionary residents,” said the museum’s Sarah Jaworski.

Primarily used from the 1740’s to 1870’s, Winter Street Cemetery is the final resting place of many prominent members of Exeter, including governors, Revolutionary and Civil War veterans, politicians and others.

Ghosts of Winter Street Cemetery takes place every 30 minutes, 4:00 p.m. through 5:30 p.m., at Winter Street Cemetery on Saturday, October 23. There is a 3 p.m. tour designed especially for families with elementary school aged children, who are invited to wear their Halloween costume while discovering stories of the past and tasting a colonial treat.

All tours will last approximately 45 minutes with guests encouraged to bring flashlights for the last two tours. The cost is $10 for non-members and $7 for non-member children, ages 6-18. Members are $5 and members’ children, ages 6-18, are $3. All children under 6 are free.

Ticket price includes the cemetery tour and a return pass to visit the museum. To purchase tickets, click here.

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.

Beer for History Returns to American Independence Museum

by jen | Oct 6, 2021 | Beer for History, Events, For Adults, Human Interest, Programming

On Thursday, October 14, Beer for History, sponsored by Donahue Tucker & Ciandella, returns to the American Independence Museum, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m, on the Folsom Tavern lawn with tents and campfires.

Bringing together some of the region’s finest craft brewers, Beer for History 2021 kicks off with Pipe Dream Brewing, based in Londonderry. Featuring sours, stouts, IPA’s, specialty beers, and more, Pipe Dream Brewing headlines Beer for History for the first time.

“We are very excited to work with them on this exciting reboot of our popular Beer for History series after a hiatus last year,” said museum Executive Director Emma Stratton. “This will also be a great opportunity to see our new Folsom Lawn, which is now flat and features pathways that connect to our Ladd-Gilman House.”

In addition to craft beer, Beer for History features trivia, colonial-inspired games and self-guided tours of historic Folsom Tavern.

“It’s a great way to spend a little time in a family-friendly tavern where George Washington himself once enjoyed a beer,” added Stratton.

Beer for History with Pipe Dream Brewing takes place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, October 14 outside at the American Independence Museum’s Folsom Tavern Lawn, 164 Water St., Exeter, NH. Tickets are $15 for members and $20 for non-members, while youth (under 21) are $5. Ticket prices include beer (21+), entertainment and light snacks. While the event takes place outside, masks are required in Folsom Tavern.

To purchase tickets, or learn more about upcoming events in the Beer for History series, click here.

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.

AIM thanks community and sponsors for successful celebration

by jen | Oct 1, 2021 | Events, For Adults

On Friday, September 17, the American Independence Museum held a birthday party to celebrate its 30th anniversary as a nonprofit and the 300th anniversary of its Ladd-Gilman House.

Built in 1721, the Ladd-Gilman House was home to Nicholas Gilman, Jr., a signer of the Constitution. It also served as Governor’s mansion when Nicholas’ brother, John Taylor Gilman, was Governor. Their father—Nicholas Gilman, Sr.—was the state’s first Treasurer.

“The celebration was well attended and supported by so many sponsors, new and returning,” noted Executive Director Emma Stratton, who said the event raised more than $15,000.

“The proceeds support our continued focus on developing inclusive programs, events and exhibits that meaningfully connect the past with the present,” she added.

Major sponsors of the celebration included Plaistow Oral Surgery, DiTolla Dental, and Foss Motors.

In addition to a silent auction, food and drink, and live music from the Midnight Wrens, the celebration presented visitors with a rare glimpse of the museum’s original Broadside copy of the Declaration of Independence, one of only 26 known to still exist. The copy arrived in Exeter by horseback on July 16, 1776 at which time the state treasurer’s 22-year-old son, John Taylor Gilman, read the document to the residents of Exeter from the town house steps.

“It was incredible to share this document with the community on this special occasion,” said Stratton.

To learn more about 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.

RiverWoods Exeter to present concert with Theo Martey & The Akwaaba Ensemble

by jen | Jul 7, 2021 | Events, Family Friendly, For Adults, For Kids, Free

On Saturday, July 10 the American Independence Festival will cap off an exciting day with an outdoor concert featuring Theo Martey & The Akwaaba Ensemble, presented by RiverWoods Exeter.

Theophilus Nii Martey, originally from Ghana, is a master of West African drumming and dance. Martey founded the Akwaaba Ensemble in Manchester, NH. Their energetic and engaging performances are a reflection of their name, which means ‘welcome’ in the Twi language of Ghana. The Ensemble’s music evokes the life and culture of their West African ancestors, who were among those living free and enslaved in New Hampshire during the Revolutionary era.

This outdoor concert takes place from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. and is free of charge thanks to generous support from RiverWoods Exeter. Guests are encouraged to bring chairs, blankets, and picnics.

“The RiverWoods Exeter community is more than just a local business, we are neighbors!” said RiverWoods Exeter Executive Director, Deb Riddell. “Our residents and staff are big fans of the Exeter area and eager supporters whenever and wherever possible. We’re excited to be able to sponsor this concert, allowing it to be a free community event.”

Celebrating the arrival of the Declaration of Independence in Exeter on July 16, 1776, the American Independence Festival features a variety of entertainment, including music, military demonstrations, traditional artisan working village, and more. Sponsored by the New Hampshire State Council on the Arts, this year’s festival includes in-person events spanning the month of July.

To learn more, or purchase tickets, visit independencemuseum.org.

For more information about RiverWoods Exeter, part of the largest family of non-profit Continuing Care Retirement Communities in Northern New England, 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.