American Independence Museum Launches Escape Room Team Building Program

American Independence Museum Launches Escape Room Team Building Program

by | Aug 3, 2023 | Events, For Adults, Partnerships, Programming

According to research, escape rooms are not only effective for team building but fun, findings that have helped inform the American Independence Museum’s recently launched Escape Room Team Building Program.

“We have the perfect space for an escape room experience, too,” said the museum’s Executive Director Jennifer Carr, citing Folsom Tavern as backdrop to their program.

Folsom Tavern, built in 1775 by Samuel Folsom and visited by George Washington in 1789, was the site of the formation of the New Hampshire chapter of the Society of the Cincinnati in 1783.

Founded by officers of the Continental Army and their French counterparts who served together in the American Revolution, the Society owns both Folsom Tavern and Ladd-Gilman House (c. 1721) as well as AIM’s collection.

“There is a lot of history behind the museum,” added Carr, who said this history is embedded in the Escape Room Team Building Program. “The backstory behind our escape room experience is that it’s July 1775, and Boston is occupied by the British Army.”

Within this story, New Hampshire militia are gathering to march south and assist the newly arrived George Washington, while Colonel Sullivan has written letters for Washington that detail the whereabouts of troops, supplies, and munitions.

“To ensure these dispatches don’t fall into the wrong hands, Colonel Sullivan locked them in a box in the parlor of Folsom Tavern,” said the museum’s Alena Shellenbean, who designed the program.

It is the responsibility of program participants to get them to the horseman, who is leaving for the camp of General Washington. “It’s a fun team-building experience almost 250 years in the making,” added Shellenbean.

Program cost is $15 per person with discounts available for nonprofits and corporate sponsors. To learn more about the museum’s Escape Room Team Building Program, visit https://www.independencemuseum.org/team-building, or email [email protected].

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

by | Jun 29, 2023 | Events, For Kids, Partnerships

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.

Learn More

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

by | Jun 23, 2023 | Events, For Kids, Partnerships

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.

Learn More

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 Festival To Feature Free Admission

American Independence Festival To Feature Free Admission

by | Jun 2, 2023 | Events, For Kids, Partnerships

Featuring first-person reenactors, military reenactments, Traditional Artisans Village, games, beer garden, food, and more, the 33rd American Independence Festival takes place on Saturday, July 15, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

According to Jennifer Carr, executive director of the American Independence Museum (AIM), which organizes and presents the annual Festival, this year’s version may be the biggest yet, courtesy of presenting sponsor Service Credit Union. “Their sponsorship enables us to offer free admission to all ages, which is an incredible opportunity for families in our local region to enjoy a unique, fun-filled day of activities,” she said.

Other sponsors of this year’s Festival include NH State Council on the Arts, which presents a working Traditional Artisans Village. “This is an incredible opportunity to see some talented people demonstrating everything from shoe-making to coopering and basket making to name just a few,” said Alena Shellenbean, AIM events and marketing manager.

This year also marks the return of the Marketplace, which will stretch throughout downtown Exeter. Presented by Kennebunk Savings, the Marketplace will feature local businesses with various items for sale, including housewares, crafts, art, books, jewelry, and collectibles.

“Local organizations will get a chance to tell visitors all about the good work they do throughout the year,” said Shellenbean. “It’s essentially a fair in the center of town—this is going to be a town-wide celebration.”

This celebration is made even more special, as it marks the one time of year in which AIM’s original copy of the Declaration of Independence—known as the Dunlap Broadside—will be on display. The copy is one of just 26 remaining copies known to exist.

“We also recreate the original reading of the Broadside with a descendant of John Taylor Gilman, who read it to residents of Exeter in 1776,” said Carr. “This year’s Festival will be an immersive experience.”

The Festival will also be inclusive, as several reenactors will represent marginalized perspectives, including Tammy Denease as Elizabeth “Mumbet” Freeman and Gwendolyn Quezaire-Presutti as Ona Judge Staines.

“Their participation underscores our three-year theme, We Are One, which reflects our organizational belief that all voices and all perspectives matter,” added Shellenbean. “We look forward to welcoming people from all backgrounds to the Festival. This is your festival as much as it is ours.”

Presented by Service Credit Union, the 33rd American Independence Festival takes place on Saturday, July 15 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. 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. 

Learn More

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 To Participate in NH Gives

American Independence Museum To Participate in NH Gives

by | May 24, 2023 | Events, Partnerships, Restoration

A 24-hour giving challenge that takes place June 6 – June 7, NH Gives will involve hundreds of nonprofits, including the American Independence Museum (AIM), which will use the campaign to launch two initiatives.

“It’s a day that begins an agency-wide push to support our efforts to educate children and youth and better care for our historic structures,” explained AIM Executive Director Jennifer Carr.

These efforts, according to AIM’s Robert Levey, are part of 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.

“We Are One is our belief that all perspectives and all voices matter,” he said. “NH Gives is a terrific opportunity for us to advance our education and preservation efforts, which fall under our We Are One theme.”

This emphasis on inclusivity, according to AIM’s Maddie Beihl, reflects her curatorial work at the museum, as she develops a new exhibit at the Ladd-Gilman House (c. 1721) that will open by early summer. As part of her work, she will meet with representatives of the Pennacook and Abenaki community, members of the Indigenous New Hampshire Collaborative Collective, and other community stakeholders.

“We cannot tell inclusive stories without the input of diverse stakeholders,” she said. “It is very important that we acknowledge the Indigenous heritage of the region and the specific impacts of Exeter’s colonial history on Pennacook and Abenaki independence.”

AIM’s fundraising goal for NH Gives is $20,000, a number Carr said is “desperately needed.” “We are a small museum with big ambitions,” she said. “We need to raise this money, or some of our plans this year will need to be adjusted.”

According to Levey, corporate support has already played a big role in helping AIM advance as an organization. “Service Credit Union and Kennebunk Savings are two organizations that have recently come on board to support our vision,” he said. “We hope their support and NH Gives can serve as a rallying cry behind the need for all of us as a society to come together…We are all unique in some way, but we are also one nation. Our differences can serve as our strength.”

Click here to learn more about AIM’s NH Gives campaign.

Support Restoration of Folsom Tavern

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’.

Grant from The Eppes-Jefferson Foundation Puts New Roof on Folsom Tavern

Grant from The Eppes-Jefferson Foundation Puts New Roof on Folsom Tavern

by | May 11, 2023 | Events, Partnerships, Restoration

A $30,000 grant from The Eppes-Jefferson Foundation has enabled the American Independence Museum (AIM) to replace the roof on Folsom Tavern (1775).

The award could not have come at a better time, according to AIM Executive Director Jennifer Carr. “Water was beginning to damage clapboard siding, wood trim around doors, and the attic,” she said .

According to David Ward, co-executive director of The Eppes-Jefferson Foundation with his wife Sharon, the project resonated with their philanthropic objectives, especially after they visited the property. “When we visited and talked with Jennifer, we really sensed her authenticity and the credibility of the American Independence Museum—it struck us both,” he explained.

Sharon said the project also reflected an area of interest of William D. Eppes for whom the foundation was named. Born in 1918, Eppes formed the private foundation to support the arts, historical preservation, and education. “We generally like to fund projects that check two of those boxes,” she said.

Expressing appreciation for AIM’s broader mission to tell inclusive stories through its recently launched We Are One initiative, David said The Eppes-Jefferson Foundation is interested in helping others tell their stories, too.

“One of the programs we are trying to get off the ground is Looking Forward, Looking Back,” he explained. “It’s a program basically designed to get people to preserve their family stories.”

He said their hope is to launch the program by hosting workshops in which participants will learn basic skills in how to tell their life stories. “People can choose their format—whether it be a legacy letter, brief story, or spoken word recording,” he added. “We are excited about this program.”

Carr said she is also excited about Looking Forward, Looking Back, as she cited storytelling as fundamental to the human experience, an idea she said they will increasingly explore at AIM. “Everyone has a story to tell and everyone’s story matters,” she said. “We appreciate being part of Mr. Eppes’s story and that of his foundation.”

Home to a world-class collection of 3,000 historic artifacts, AIM develops programs, events, and exhibits that honor and invite inclusive and diverse perspectives. In 2023, guided tours of Folsom Tavern and the Ladd-Gilman House take place Wednesday through Saturday at varying times.

Support Restoration of Folsom Tavern

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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