Human Interest - American Independence Museum

Researcher Explores Her Ancestral Roots in Exeter

by rob | Apr 16, 2024 | Human Interest, Living History, We Are One

Second-year Master’s-level student at Idaho State, Norra Cardillo recently visited the American Independence Museum (AIM) in (re)search of women’s experiences in colonial times and the Revolutionary War by historically analyzing the stories of her matrilineal ancestors.

Built in 1721 by Nathaniel Ladd as one of the state’s first brick houses, AIM’s Ladd-Gilman House was purchased in 1747 by Daniel Gilman, a prominent Exeter merchant. The Ladd-Gilman House served as the state treasury during the Revolutionary War when two members of the Gilman family, Col. Nicholas Gilman and his son John Taylor Gilman, later the state’s governor, served as state treasurers. The house was also the birthplace of Founding Father Nicholas Gilman, Jr., a signer of the United States Constitution and a U.S. senator.

Noting she is a descendant of the Ladd family, Cardillo said she is also a Gilman, ancestral ties that made visiting Exeter (again) “a deeply meaningful experience.” “Coming to Exeter last year left a lasting impact on me,” she said. “The feeling of being here is indescribable—it connects me to my ancestors on a deeply spiritual level.”

After her latest visit to Exeter and other locations in furtherance of her research, Cardillo—a Southern, CA native—said she is leaving the East Coast with a renewed sense of responsibility and duty. “Through this journey, I’ve realized the urgent need for preserving and caring for stories on women in colonial times,” she said. “Unfortunately, women’s history often lacks primary source material, so it falls upon us to responsibly interpret their experiences historically.”

Although she plans to graduate in spring 2025, Cardillo described her research as “a lifetime project.” “To fellow researchers, I would say to stay true to your research even when you lack primary evidence, particularly when studying topics related to women,” she said. “Seek out support from fellow scholars and don’t be afraid to think creatively.”

In addition to Exeter, NH, Cardillo visited Portsmouth and Concord, NH in addition to Hingham, MA. “I have further stories I need to explore,” she explained. “For instance, I would like to further research the experience of women at this time within the confines of slavery and the experiences of my Native American ancestors. I also want to further examine the experiences of my other early American settler ancestors outside of New England to get a more comprehensive perspective of the lived experience of women at this revolutionary time.”

According to Interim Executive Director Robert Levey, PhD, Cardillo’s enthusiasm for her research underscores the importance of historical knowledge. “Norra reminded me that history can be a deeply personal experience,” he said. “My hope is we can find a way to share her research at AIM as it evolves.”

Cardillo said she looks forward to future collaborations with AIM. “My journey to uncover women’s stories has only just begun,” she added.

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.

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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 Offer Free Admission to Active Military

by rob | May 26, 2023 | For Adults, Free, Human Interest

The American Independence Museum (AIM) has joined the Blue Star Museums initiative to provide free admission to currently-serving U.S. military personnel and their families through Monday, September 4.

Participation in this initiative, according to AIM Executive Director Jennifer Carr, is especially meaningful given the origins of the museum itself. “We were founded by the Society of the Cincinnati, the nation’s oldest patriotic organization,” she said. “The founders were officers of the Continental Army who served together in the American Revolution.”

Members of the Society today, noted Carr, can trace their lineage back to those who fought in the American Revolution. “While the museum is focused on much more than the Revolutionary War, today’s active military have historically found special meaning in our collection and stories,” she added.

One example of such storytelling at AIM is that of Baron Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben’s book on Regulations for the Order and Discipline of Troops of the United States, adopted by Congress in 1779. “Baron von Steuben was a Prussian military officer recruited by Benjamin Franklin to train the Continental Army in European military techniques,” said Maddie Beihl, AIM curator.

Baron Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben’s book on Regulations for the Order and Discipline of Troops of the United States, adopted by Congress in 1779

Arriving in Portsmouth, NH in 1777, von Steuben traveled to Pennsylvania and joined George Washington at Valley Forge. His training quickly paid off, transforming the struggling American Army, and they began to win battles.

“US military members often recognize the drills in von Steuben’s book, as some are still in use to this day,” said Beihl, who noted the book is currently on display at the museum.

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About American Independence Museum

American Independence Museum To Form Creative Aging Advisory Group

by rob | Apr 25, 2023 | Events, For Adults, Human Interest, Programming

Serving the cultural needs of older adults has been a longstanding priority at the American Independence Museum (AIM), which recently announced its intent to form a Creative Aging Advisory Group. Made possible by a grant from Eventide Foundation, the group will first meet on Tuesday, May 16 at 6:00 p.m. at Exeter Public Library.

“The purpose behind the group is to provide older adults with an active voice in what we offer them,” said Sarah Jaworski, Program Manager at AIM. “The best way to serve older adults is to invite them to become involved.”

AIM Executive Director Jennifer Carr agreed and said she is thrilled to have the support of Eventide Foundation behind the museum’s initiative, ‘Engage Older Adults.’ “This initiative is part of our We Are One theme, which emphasizes the importance of inclusivity and diversity in what we offer the public and how we offer it,” she said. “I’m thrilled we have this opportunity to meaningfully engage older adults in the greater Seacoast area.”

Regarding expectations for participation, Jaworski said she envisions the group may meet every few months and as needed. She said the hope is that AIM can take suggestions from the group and use them to help develop programming and visitor experiences that meet the needs of older adults.

“What we can’t do is assume we know what older adults need and want,” she said. “We want to do more for our older guests from near and far, so this is a terrific first step.”

Currently, AIM offers a variety of programs geared toward older adults, including Traveling Trunk for Older Adults, which provides interactive learning experiences about civic engagement and everyday life during the American Revolution. The trunk often supplements adult education classes at senior centers, 55+ communities, assisted living facilities, nursing homes, and continuing care retirement communities.

Tour Info

To join, sponsor, or learn more about AIM’s Creative Aging Advisory Group, contact Jaworski at [email protected].

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American Independence Museum To Open Wednesday, May 3

by rob | Apr 20, 2023 | Events, Human Interest, Programming

On Wednesday, May 3, the American Independence Museum (AIM) will open its doors for 2023, a season in which visitors will be introduced to the museum’s new three-year inclusivity and diversity theme, We Are One. Launched earlier in 2023, We Are One represents AIM’s organizational focus on developing programs, exhibits, and tour experiences that honor many perspectives, including those often marginalized in history.

This emphasis on inclusivity, according to Curator Maddie Beihl, guides her work in developing a new exhibit at the Ladd-Gilman House (c. 1721) that will open by early summer. “We want to acknowledge the Indigenous heritage of the region and the specific impacts of Exeter’s colonial history on Pennacook and Abenaki independence,” she explained.

As part of her work, Beihl will meet with representatives of the Pennacook and Abenaki community, members of the Indigenous New Hampshire Collaborative Collective, and other community stakeholders. One topic of discussion will be the significance of the land upon which AIM is located.

“We will work together to determine the best way to acknowledge the loss of traditional Indigenous lifeways as a result of the colonial use of this site,” she said. “We will also restore a portion of AIM’s land to support native plants and wildlife of special significance to the Indigenous community.”

According to AIM Executive Director Jennifer Carr, tours at the museum this season will also begin to reveal new insights into its collection through diverse perspectives with more significant changes to come in 2024.

“This is a process that will involve many stakeholders,” she said. “We look forward to welcoming visitors from near and far to experience our interpretation of New Hampshire’s Colonial history through fresh and unexpected perspectives.”

Tour Info

In 2023, guided tours of the Ladd-Gilman House take place Wednesday through Saturday at 10:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m., with self-guided tours available anytime between 10:00 am and 3:30 pm. Guided tours of Folsom Tavern (1775) take place, Wednesday through Saturday, at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.

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AIM to Explore African-American Soldiers’ Service During Revolutionary War

by rob | Mar 17, 2023 | Events, For Adults, Human Interest, Partnerships

On Tuesday, April 11, 7:00 p.m., at Folsom Tavern in Exeter, independent scholar and author Glenn A. Knoblock will examine the history of African-American soldiers’ service during the Revolutionary War.

Made possible by a grant from New Hampshire Humanities, the event is part of the American Independence Museum’s ongoing Tavern Talk series, which is designed “to inspire a deeper understanding of America’s diverse history.” Tavern Talks are part of the museum’s recently launched We Are One initiative, whose primary message is that “all voices and all perspectives matter.”

“We are also one people, one nation, one planet,” explained museum Executive Director Jennifer Carr. “At the American Independence Museum, we firmly believe that our strength as a nation is in our diversity. Our programs reflect that.”

At this Tavern Talk, entitled “African American Soldiers and Sailors of New Hampshire During the American Revolution,” Knoblock will explore various topics, including how and why they enlisted and their interaction with white soldiers. Other topics will range from service on the battlefields, how African Americans were perceived by the enemy and the officers under whom they served, and their treatment after the war.

“Tavern Talks are open-dialogue, moderated discussions facilitated by experts and practitioners from diverse backgrounds,” said Carr. “These are wonderful community events that we feel can inspire and enlighten people of all ages.”

“African American Soldiers and Sailors of New Hampshire During the American Revolution,” takes place on Tuesday, April 11, 7:00 p.m., at Folsom Tavern, 164 Water St., Exeter, NH. The event is free, although pre-registration is encouraged.

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Event Details

painting of black soldiers in the American Revolutionary War

Date: April 11, 2023
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Folsom Tavern, 164 Water St., Exeter, NH
Cost: FREE
Capacity: 30

One of the most interesting aspects of the American Revolution is the role played by African Americans in the fight for independence. Both free African Americans and those that were enslaved were key in manning state militias and Continental Army units, as well as serving on the high seas in the Navy and on privately armed ships. Indeed, their service to the colonies was crucial in a conflict that lasted nearly seven years. Prohibited from serving in military units and largely considered “undesirable elements,” how is it that these African-American soldiers came to fight for the cause of liberty, even when their own personal liberty was not guaranteed?

In this Tavern Talk, Glenn Knoblock examines the history of African-American soldiers’ service during the war, including how and why they enlisted, their interaction with white soldiers, service on the battlefields, how they were perceived by the enemy and the officers under whom they served, and their treatment after the war.

Pregister Here

About Glenn Knoblock

Glenn A. Knoblock is an independent scholar and author of over twenty books. Knoblock has served as the main military contributor to Harvard and Oxford University’s landmark African American Biography Project, and he has also written for the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History. His work documents a wide variety of subjects in New Hampshire and New England history, including African American history, historic cemeteries and grave markers, and transportation related topics, including covered bridges and the Kancamagus Highway. He holds a BA in History from Bowling Green State University.

This program is made possible by a grant from New Hampshire Humanities. Learn more at www.nhhumanities.org.

About American Independence Museum

American Independence Museum Launches “We Are One”

by rob | Mar 9, 2023 | Human Interest, Programming

Reflecting its organizational emphasis on inclusivity and diversity, the American Independence Museum (AIM) has launched We Are One, a concept that will serve as its guiding principle for the next three years.

“As we prepare for the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026, We Are One will help guide how we develop programs, events, and exhibits, and how we engage with visitors,” said Jennifer Carr, executive director.

Alena Shellenbean, AIM events and marketing manager, said the very formation of the United States serves as a testament to the rationale behind We Are One. “When the Declaration of Independence was written, a lot of people thought it would fail because each colony, each would-be state, was so different,” she said. “The concern was that they might not agree on anything, let alone how to be a country.”

In the early years of the Republic, an etching printed on flyers—the 18th century version of a logo—was developed to help signify the founders’ hope for a new United States. Revealing each of the original 13 colonies as a circle interlocked with one another, the image serves as the basis for AIM’s We Are One logo.

“We have many voices, many perspectives, and they all matter, which I think our logo captures,” remarked Carr. “As we move toward the 250th anniversary of the founding of our nation, We Are One reminds us what is possible when we unite during times of division.”

Carr said this concept inspired the 2nd NH Regiment during the American Revolution. “They used this symbol on their regimental flag,” she said.

According to Carr, We Are One will find expression in four initiatives, which include Bring History to Life, Educate Children & Youth, Engage Older Adults, and Build Community. “Our programs, events, and exhibits all fall within one of these initiatives, which explain quite clearly our intentions,” explained Carr. “We believe these initiatives will resonate with people of all ages and from diverse backgrounds.”

In looking ahead, Shellenbean said she hopes that “our differences as a nation” could be looked upon as a strength rather than a weakness. “We’ve always been a country full of people with big ideas, sometimes wildly different ideas, which I think makes us stronger,” she said. “We Are One is an idea that can hold us together and make our differences into a strength.”

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