American Independence Museum Provides Rewarding Experiences to Youth

American Independence Museum Provides Rewarding Experiences to Youth

Revolutionary history is not just relevant but also fun, according to Kelsey Curley, whose 7-year-old son Bennett participated in a minicamp at the American Independence Museum (AIM) last summer.

“He has already asked a few times about going back this summer,” she said. “He had no background knowledge on any of the topics discussed, but he was very intrigued and engaged from day one.”

For Curley, her interest in AIM’s customized education programs extended to her professional career where she is a fifth-grade teacher in the Kensington school district. “I brought my class here to the museum for a field trip last fall,” she explained. “It was incredible.”

She cited AIM’s Sarah Jaworski, who has directed educational programming at the museum for years, as “equally impressive.” Before bringing her class to AIM, she shadowed Jaworski during the summer session.

“Sarah immediately shared stories and resources,” Curley said. “I learned so much— the impact of the Exeter River in our area, the multiple perspectives of people during colonial times, the history with the Wentworths and other famous people, and so much more.”

For Jaworski, Curley’s experience typifies what she hopes all educators and parents experience at AIM. “We work very hard to create an educational environment here that is fun and inclusive,” she said. 

Curley added that history education is also “incredibly relevant.” “My class was able to connect everything they learned at AIM back to the current day, including money and economics,” she said. “The students also learned how New Hampshire previously had its own currency and treasury, which Sarah was able to show us…It was all so cool, and there truly was so much more to learn, too.”

Home to 3,000 historic artifacts, including an original copy of the Dunlap Broadside (Declaration of Independence), AIM develops programs, events, and exhibits that engage people of all ages in the ongoing struggle for freedom and self-governance. AIM is sponsored in part by The Society Of The Cincinnati In The State Of New Hampshire, Service Credit Union, New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, and William W. Treat Foundation.

To learn more about AIM minicamps, click the button below.

About 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’.

American Independence Museum To Host “Multiple Perspectives: Patriots & Loyalists For Homeschoolers”

American Independence Museum To Host “Multiple Perspectives: Patriots & Loyalists For Homeschoolers”

As part of their Educating Children & Youth initiative, sponsored in part by M&T Bank, the American Independence Museum (AIM) will host “Multiple Perspectives: Patriots & Loyalists For Homeschoolers” on Wednesday, April 17.

Offered at 9:30 a.m. and 12:00 p.m., the 90-minute session is designed for students, ages 5 to 12. In the session, students will explore varied perspectives on the American struggle for freedom and independence by examining the viewpoints of Patriots, Loyalists, and Neutrals.

All AIM homeschool programs emphasize “exceptional, place-based learning and self-discovery.” “We designed these programs specifically with homeschool families in mind,” said Program Manager Sarah Jaworski, who said families travel for homeschool programming. “We have had people travel here from as far away as two hours for these programs.”

According to Interim Executive Director Robert Levey, PhD, the historic nature of  Folsom Tavern, where the program takes place, lends itself to history education. “You don’t just learn about history at AIM, you can experience it within the very walls of the tavern,” he said. “This is experiential learning at its best.”

“Multiple Perspectives: Patriots & Loyalists For Homeschoolers” takes place at 9:30 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 17. The registration fee is $10 for children (5 to 12) and $5 for adults (13+).

About 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’.

American Independence Museum Invite Guests to “Spill the Tea”

American Independence Museum Invite Guests to “Spill the Tea”

On Saturday, March 23 at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., the American Independence Museum (AIM) will host “Spilling the Tea: Drinks that Fueled a Revolution” in Folsom Tavern (c. 1775).

“We will also serve ‘liberty teas,’ which were made by colonists from locally sourced herbs during boycotts of British tea,” said AIM’s Sarah Jaworski. “Tea played a symbolic role in the struggle for liberty and independence.”

In addition to beverages, “Spilling the Tea: Drinks that Fueled a Revolution” will feature catered food by For the Love of Food & Drink with whom AIM has previously partnered on several occasions. “It’s a chance to have a fun experience with costumed reenactors, wonderful food, and tea in beautifully restored Folsom Tavern,” added Jaworski. “This will be the first of several similarly-themed events this year that highlight coffee, chocolate, and tea in fun and creative ways.”

Tickets range from $17 to $40 with a seating at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 23.

About 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’.

American Independence Museum to Host Open Play

American Independence Museum to Host Open Play

This winter and fall, the American Independence Museum (AIM) will host Open Play (AIM) at the Foy Family Library at Folsom Tavern (c. 1775). Made possible by a gift from Jeff and Melissa Foy just before the pandemic, the Foy Family Library features a coloring station, 18th-century play kitchen, dress-up clothes, and a reading nook.

“We are very grateful to Jeff and Melissa, whose vision for this library has now come full circle,” noted Jennifer Carr, AIM Executive Director. “Open Play is the first of many programs this year that will focus on opening up our campus to the public,”

This focus is captured in AIM’s We Are One, a 3-year organizational theme that connects the museum’s programs, events, and exhibits. The central message behind We Are One is that all voices and perspectives matter. “We want people to view AIM as not just a place to learn, but a place to gather and build community with one another,” said Carr.

Beginning Tuesday, February 6, Open Play will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. every Tuesday through April at AIM’s Folsom Tavern, 164 Water St., Exeter. Open Play is $5 per family.

About 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’.

Traditional Arts To Take Center Stage at American Independence Festival

Traditional Arts To Take Center Stage at American Independence Festival

On Saturday, July 15, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., visitors will have a chance to experience the Traditional Arts at the American Independence Festival, an immersive experience without cost.

“Thanks to Service CU, admission is free for everyone,” explained Jennifer Carr, executive director of the American Independence Museum (AIM), which organizes the event.

Regarding the role of the Traditional Arts at the Festival, Carr referred to it as a highlight. “We recreate a colonial village right on our grounds with more than a dozen Traditional Artisans, each of whom demonstrate their craft and share stories associated with it,” she said.

Sponsored by NH State Council on the Arts, the Festival’s Traditional Artisan Village will feature shoe-making, coopering, millinery, fiber arts, dancing, tinsmithing, brewing, and more.

According to AIM’s Alena Shellenbean, Festival organizer, the Traditional Arts served as a vehicle for communication, storytelling, and cultural exchange in colonial times. “By presenting Traditional Arts at the Festival through performances and exhibitions, we can promote dialogue, understanding, and respect among diverse groups of people,” she said. “The Traditional Arts reveal aspects of ourselves that are important to cherish and carry forward.”

In addition to the Traditional Artisans Village, the Festival will feature military exhibits, special performances, vendor Marketplace, games, beer garden, food, and more. Presented by Service CU, the 33rd American Independence Festival is sponsored in part by NH State Council on the Arts, New Hampshire Humanities, and Kennebunk Savings.

The Festival takes place on Saturday, July 15 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in historic Exeter, NH. Admission is free.

Event Details

Two young children sit on the grass in front of two reenactors demonstrating 18th century tailoring
Date: July 15, 2023
Time: 10 a.m.
Location: American Independence Museum, 1 Governors Lane., Exeter, NH
Cost: FREE!
Celebrate the anniversary of the arrival of the Declaration of Independence to New Hampshire on July 16th, 1776 at the 33rd American Independence Festival on Saturday July 15th in downtown Exeter, NH. Free Admission!

On the grounds of the American Independence Museum, visitors can experience life in colonial New Hampshire and celebrate the founding of the United States.

Presenting Sponsor

Service CU

About 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’.

American Independence Museum Building Community Through Diversity

American Independence Museum Building Community Through Diversity

As part of its three-year theme, We Are One, the American Independence Museum is developing programs and events focused on ‘building community,’ an initiative that will find diverse expression at this year’s American Independence Festival.

“We are thrilled to welcome two Black women who will present performances that address different perspectives on freedom and independence,” said Jennifer Carr, executive director of the American Independence Museum (AIM).

Actor, dramatist, historian, and storyteller Gwendolyn Quezaire-Presutti will perform as Ona Judge, who was enslaved by George Washington and sought freedom in New Hampshire. Historian and Owner and Executive Artistic Director of Hidden Women, Tammy Denease will portray Elizabeth “Mumbet” Freeman, the first enslaved African American to file and win a freedom suit in Massachusetts.

Both presentations are made possible by financial support from New Hampshire Humanities, which seeks to strengthen communities and foster civic engagement by providing opportunities for lifelong learning, meaningful conversations, and critical thinking.

According to Carr, inclusion of these performances at this year’s Festival, which takes place on Saturday, July 15, reinforce AIM’s intent to inspire visitors “to walk away with questions.” “We encourage everyone to question what they believe about America’s founding and look at history from different perspectives,” she said.

In addition to these performances, this year’s Festival will feature military reenactments, Marketplace, Traditional Artisans Village, games, beer garden, food, and more. “It’s an immersive experience,” said Alena Shellenbean, who organizes the Festival.

This year’s Festival is also free, courtesy of presenting sponsor Service CU. “One of the museum’s biggest initiatives is to build community, which is what we at Service CU also try to do every day,” said Jaime Yates, community relations manager.

Citing AIM’s focus on education, Yates said their sponsorship of the Festival is meant to scale the museum’s educational impact. “Not to mention, Service CU has a rich history here in New England as well,” she added.

Expressing appreciation for the support provided by Service CU, Carr said she hopes Festival visitors leave with a deeper, more nuanced sense of history. “The American Revolution was not just about heroics, but a very human experience,” she said. “What does this human experience mean? I hope visitors explore this question more deeply after they experience our Festival.”

In addition to Service CU and New Hampshire Humanities, other sponsors include Kennebunk Savings and NH State Council on the Arts. Presented by Service CU, the 33rd American Independence Festival takes place on Saturday, July 15 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in historic Exeter, NH. Admission is free.

Event Details

Two young children sit on the grass in front of two reenactors demonstrating 18th century tailoring
Date: July 15, 2023
Time: 10 a.m.
Location: American Independence Museum, 1 Governors Lane., Exeter, NH
Cost: FREE!
Celebrate the anniversary of the arrival of the Declaration of Independence to New Hampshire on July 16th, 1776 at the 33rd American Independence Festival on Saturday July 15th in downtown Exeter, NH. Free Admission!

On the grounds of the American Independence Museum, visitors can experience life in colonial New Hampshire and celebrate the founding of the United States.

Presenting Sponsor

Service CU

About 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’.

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