Human Interest - American Independence Museum

Beer for History to Feature Sap House Meadery

by jen | Sep 20, 2022 | Beer for History, For Adults, Human Interest

A craft meadery located between the Lakes Region and White Mountains of New Hampshire in Center Ossipee, Sap House Meadery will headline the next Beer for History at the American Independence Museum’s historic Folsom Tavern. Beer for History with Sap House Meadery takes place on Thursday, October 6 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Presented by Donahue Tucker & Ciandella, the popular series generally features brewers that are not local to the greater Exeter or Seacoast regions. “It’s a chance to not just celebrate history, but provide adult guests with the opportunity to sample unique brews, wine, or mead in this case that may not available locally,” said the museum’s Jennifer Carr. “We are thrilled to introduce people to a world-class meadmaker in Sap House Meadery.”

Matt Trahan, co-founder of Sap House Meadery, said he is equally thrilled to join Beer for History for the first time and introduce people to mead, widely regarded as the world’s oldest alcoholic beverage. “Mead is made from honey and predates grape wine and beer—it goes back to the Egyptians over 7,000 years ago,” he explained.

Regarding what will be on tap, Trahan cited three “outstanding” meads, although he acknowledged My Hour of Darkness (15% ABV) may feature their most interesting backstory. “It’s a collaboration with Ft. Hamilton Distilling in New York where we aged our traditional mead for 18 months in their rye whiskey barrels,” he said. “It picks up all the good pepper notes of a rye, the sweet vanilla of the oak, and combines it with the richness of the honey.”

Noting it drinks like “a very easy going spirit,” Trahan said it has been their most popular release to date. It may also be of particular interest to fans, new and old, of the American Independence Museum.

“Ft. Hamilton Distilling is steeped in Revolutionary War history,” he said. “Their tagline of ‘Hearts of Oak’ references an Alexander Hamilton raid on Manhattan Island that resulted in the first US Artillery Battery being formed.”

In addition to My Hour of Darkness, Sap House Meadery is expected to bring Ready to Drum, a light, carbonated session mead flavored with strawberries, red currants, and blueberries. “It’s a great mead for hiking, boating, and generally being outside,” said Trahan. “Ready to Drum” comes from an old saying to describe berries so ripe that they make a drumming sound as they drop into a bucket. We found the line in an old Robert Frost poem.”

Sap House Meadery will also bring Sugar Maple, the first mead they ever made. “It’s both honey and maple syrup fermented together, which gives it a complex, smokey, and earthy note beyond the sweetness,” explained Trahan. “It’s great as an after-dinner sipper or mixed into a cocktail.”

Beer for History with Sap House Meadery takes place from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 6 at the American Independence Museum’s Folsom Tavern, 164 Water St., Exeter, NH. In addition to unique brews, Beer for History features colonial-inspired games, music, and light snacks. Tickets are $10 for members and $15 for non-members, while youth (under 21) are free.

Other remaining events in the series include Earth Eagle Brewings (Portsmouth) on October 20, and UNH Brewing Science Laboratory (Durham) on November 3. To purchase tickets, or learn more about Beer for History, visit independencemuseum.org.

← hi Earth Eagle Returns to Beer for History →

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 jen | 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’.

Questioning “Does Truth Matter?” with the American Independence Museum

by jen | Mar 5, 2022 | Events, For Adults, Free, Human Interest

The American Independence Museum is pleased to announce the first virtual Tavern Talk of 2022 on Wednesday, March 23 at 6:30 p.m. featuring guest speaker Dr. Joshua Tepley presenting “Does Truth Matter?” Tepley is an Associate Professor of Philosophy at St. Anselm College, whose research interests include concepts of free will and personal identity, as well as the intersection of philosophy with science fiction and pop culture. Tepley has supported the museum in the past as a program participant and presenter.

“This Tavern Talk will touch on the timeless concept of truth, questions that both past and present Granite State citizens grapple with,” said museum Program Manager Sarah Jaworski.

The coexistence of multiple truths and experiences ties directly to the American Independence Museum’s mission of sharing the diverse stories of New Hampshire during the American Revolution.

“Our work at the museum requires examining multiple perspectives to find out what happened in the past. We understand that no singular truth exists. We are delighted to have Dr. Tepley share his ideas on truth with us,” said museum Executive Director Emma Stratton.

Participants will have the opportunity to share their concepts of truth as Tepley leads the group in a thought-provoking community conversation.

Tavern Talks are also supported by a Humanities-To-Go grant from the NH Humanities Council.
Click here to register for the zoom presentation on Wednesday, March 23, 6:30 p.m.

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.

Family friendly event exploring local waterways at the Independence Museum

by jen | Jun 11, 2021 | Events, Family Friendly, For Kids, Human Interest, Lectures

On Saturday, June 26 the American Independence Museum will host an outdoor community event, Our Waterways, exploring the waterways that have drawn people to the Exeter area for thousands of years.

Through presentations and hands-on activities, attendees will discover how different uses such as fishing, water power, and transportation transcend cultures and have different impacts on the waterways.

“Visitors will recreate rivers and dams to see how obstructing the river not only creates falls, but limits fish migration,” said Sarah Jaworski, American Independence Museum Program Manager. Make and take craft kits will also be provided.

The program runs from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m on the lawn at Folsom Tavern. Formal family-friendly presentations will occur at 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. From 10:30 to 11:15 a.m., Denise and Paul Pouliot of the Indigenous New Hampshire Collaborative Collective will share the importance of waterways in the daily life of the Pennacook-Abenaki People.

This will be followed from 12:30 to 1:15 p.m. by a presentation by the Mt. Kearsarge Indian Museum.

“Waterways are an interwoven link to the history, art and traditions of Native people, past and present. This brief discussion will share some insights into canoes and wampum beads, as they relate to Native people and the Waterways of the Northeast,” said Andrew Bullock, Executive Director of Mt. Kearsarge Indian Museum.

The entire program takes place outside on the grounds of the American Independence Museum. The cost is $10 a family (up to four individuals) and $5 for an individual. Members attend free.

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.

New staff underscore commitment to innovation at American Independence Museum

by jen | Feb 17, 2021 | Digital Exhibits, Governance, Human Interest, Programming

It may be the offseason for the American Independence Museum, but that does not mean staff are “off,” according to Executive Director Emma Stratton, who cited two recent new hires as proof.

“Like many organizations, our operations shifted dramatically from in-person to digital engagement last year, which has created new staffing opportunities,” she said.

These new opportunities include program assistant and content and marketing manager, roles that will be filled by Emma Scheinmann and Sabina Ion, respectively.

“I am thrilled to have Sabina and Emma join our team,” said Stratton. “Both possess a strong museum background, exceptional skills and demonstrated success in their areas of expertise.”

Each expressing enthusiasm at joining the current staff at the Museum, Scheinmann and Ion said they plan to proverbially “hit the ground running.”

“I am excited to rework all education and public engagements to be mission and collections driven and to show the public value of museums,” noted Scheinmann.

A trained archaeologist who “[loves] digging into the past,” Ion said she looks forward to enhancing and developing the Museum’s content strategy.

“I will promote and showcase all the wonderful programming the team has been creating and the fascinating items in the Museum collection,” she said.

Noting she received a Master of Arts in Museum Education from Tufts University in May 2020, Scheinmann added, “I see myself as a facilitator for learning with the Museum as my toolbox.”

In looking ahead to the 2021 season, which begins on May 1, Stratton cited digital engagement as an increasingly important focus of the Museum’s education and public programs.

“As the Museum celebrates its 30th anniversary, we are renewing our focus on civic engagement, too,” she added. “This mission will be reflected in our work, and we look forward to sharing more with the public this year.”

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.