Kids Invited to ‘MiniCamp’ at AIM This Summer

Kids Invited to ‘MiniCamp’ at AIM This Summer

by | May 10, 2023 | Events, For Kids, Partnerships

This summer, kids (ages 7 – 11) will have the chance to immerse themselves in hands-on 18th century life at four MiniCamps at the American Independence Museum (AIM).

At each MiniCamp, which takes place on a Thursday in July, campers will dress in colonial clothing, participate in games and activities, create projects, and enjoy colonial-inspired snacks. “These camps are meant to be fun with history mixed in, too,” said AIM’s Sarah Jaworski, who developed the MiniCamps. “We can’t wait to have our first camp.”

Taking place on Thursday, July 6, AIM’s first MiniCamp, Daily Life, will show kids what life was like living in the shadow of the Revolution. In Land Connection on Thursday, July 13, kids will discover why Exeter was settled, how nearby Squamscott River provided jobs and food, and the impact of the changing seasons on food and daily habits.

In Protest and Engagement on Thursday, July 20, kids will learn how ‘The People’ have the power to make change and keep the nation strong. In Taking Sides, Patriot or Loyalist on Thursday, July 27, kids will learn what it meant to be a patriot and loyalist and how the choice to be one or the other was often very complicated.

Event Details

Kids with Sarah

MiniCamps

In We Are One MiniCamps, campers will immerse themselves in hands-on 18th century life, uncovering the stories of the people who helped build our nation and how they can continue to be a part of America’s unfolding story. Each week, campers will dress in colonial clothing, participate in games and activities, create projects and eat a colonial-inspired snack. Enlist for one, two, three, or all four sessions!

Daily Life

Thursday, July 6, 9 am to 3 pm

Everyday people, laborers, farmers, housewives, and even children all were deeply affected by the war and contributed to the cause. Carry out daily chores (hauling water and wood, tending the garden, cooking, etc.) and discover what life was like living in the shadow of the Revolution.

Cost:
Non-members – $55 per day or $195 for all four
Members – $45 per day or $170 for all four

Register for Daily Life

Land Connection

Thursday, July 13, 9 am to 3 pm

Winter, summer, inland or by the coast- where you lived and the season played a role in daily life during the 18th century. Discover why Exeter was settled (the river), how the River provided jobs and food, and how the seasons affected food and daily habits. Work in the garden, prepare seasonal food and preserve food for the winter, forage for seasonal food and learn about how the river served as a highway, transporting goods and people for thousands of years.

Cost:
Non-members – $55 per day or $195 for all four
Members – $45 per day or $170 for all four

Register for Land Connection

Protest and Engagement

Thursday, July 20, 9 am to 3 pm

Everyone living in the colonies was deeply affected by the war and contributed to the cause. Uncover their stories and how it is the People, including us, who have the power to make change and keep our nation strong. Dress in colonial clothes, create your own ‘printing press’, make liberty tea, and learn ways you can make change in your community.

Cost:
Non-members – $55 per day or $195 for all four
Members – $45 per day or $170 for all four

Register for Protest and Engagement

Taking Sides, Patriot or Loyalist

Thursday, July 27, 9 am to 3 pm
Patriot, loyalists, neutral or something else? It wasn’t always easy to know what side to be on. Wrestle with the tricky decision of deciding your stance. Participate in a trial of your neighbors on the opposite side as you, decide if you would have taken the Oath of Allegiance to the Patriotic cause.

Cost:
Non-members – $55 per day or $195 for all four
Members – $45 per day or $170 for all four

Register for Taking Sides

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’.

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

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

by | 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.

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.

New_Hampshire_Humanities_Logo_in_Color_for_Web (2)

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

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 Explore “What it Means to be an American”

American Independence Museum to Explore “What it Means to be an American”

by | Feb 22, 2023 | Events, Human Interest, Partnerships

On Tuesday, March 21, 6:30 p.m., at Folsom Tavern in Exeter, Joshua Tepley will facilitate “What Does it Mean to be an American?” as part of Open Questions, presented by New Hampshire Humanities. A series of thought-provoking community conversations, Open Questions explores essential questions about meaning and life that are important to Granite Staters.

“We are thrilled to host this event in our historic Folsom Tavern at no cost,” said AIM Executive Director Jennifer Carr. “As a society, it is crucial we create space for open, thoughtful dialogue, so this is the kind of conversation we want to take place on our campus.”

According to Carr, such open-dialogue conversations take on special meaning at Folsom Tavern, which was built in 1775. “Taverns like Folsom Tavern were the hub of colonial society and where debates and conversations took place that often found their way into politics,” she added. “This discussion at our tavern is unique because it provides historical context to the need for respectful discussions.”

Each program in Open Questions is facilitated by philosophy professors who explore essential questions about meaning and life. With research interests in free will, personal identity, ontology (the study of being), and the intersection between philosophy and science fiction, Tepley is an Associate Professor and Chair of the Philosophy Department at Saint Anselm College. He received his B.A. in Philosophy from Bucknell University (2004) and his Ph.D. in Philosophy from the University of Notre Dame (2013).

Part of AIM’s ongoing Tavern Talk series, “What Does it Mean to be an American?” takes place on Tuesday, March 21, 6:30 p.m., at Folsom Tavern, 164 Water St., Exeter, NH. Discussions in AIM’s Tavern Talk series are open-dialogue, moderated discussions facilitated by various experts and practitioners from diverse backgrounds. Pre-registration is encouraged, but not required. 

Event Details

Joshua Tepley to facilitate Open Questions: What Does it Mean to be an American?

Date: March 21, 2023
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Location: Folsom Tavern, 164 Water St., Exeter, NH
Cost: FREE
Capacity: 30

Open Questions is a series of thought-provoking community conversations presented by New Hampshire Humanities. This series explores essential questions about meaning and life that are important to Granite Staters. Each program is facilitated by philosophy professors who will explore essential questions about meaning and life. Preregistration is highly encouraged.

Preregister Here

About Joshua Tepley

Dr. Joshua Tepley is an Associate Professor and Chair of the Philosophy Department at Saint Anselm College, where he has taught for the last decade. He received his B.A. in Philosophy from Bucknell University (2004) and his Ph.D. in Philosophy from the University of Notre Dame (2013). His research interests include free will, personal identity, ontology (the study of being), and the intersection between philosophy and science fiction.

New_Hampshire_Humanities_Logo_in_Color_for_Web (2)
This program is made possible by a grant from New Hampshire Humanities. Learn more at www.nhhumanities.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’.

Massachusetts Society of the Cincinnati Makes Investment in Inclusive History at the American Independence Museum

Massachusetts Society of the Cincinnati Makes Investment in Inclusive History at the American Independence Museum

by | Feb 8, 2023 | Exhibits, Human Interest, Partnerships

In 2023, the American Independence Museum will embark on an ambitious project that will result in permanent new exhibits that present diverse and unexpected perspectives of the Revolutionary War and Colonial life. The project is made possible by a grant from the Massachusetts Society of the Cincinnati, which has made substantial investments in the Museum over the years.

“We are incredibly grateful for the support of Massachusetts Society of the Cincinnati, as their continued support and friendship enables us to continue to meet our mission,” said Museum Executive Director Jennifer Carr.

American Independence Museum Staff looking at Indigenous artifacts in collection
American Independence Museum Staff looking at Indigenous artifacts in collection
The Museum’s mission is intricately connected with that of the Massachusetts Society of the Cincinnati, which is one of 14 chapters of The Society of the Cincinnati. The nation’s oldest patriotic organization, The Society was founded in 1783 by officers of the Continental Army and their French counterparts who served together in the American Revolution. Its mission is to promote knowledge and appreciation of the achievement of American independence and foster fellowship among its members.

“Our museum and our collection is owned by the New Hampshire Society of the Cincinnati, which was founded in our very own Folsom Tavern in 1783,” explained Carr. “It’s wonderful and unique that we have such a terrific partnership with another chapter.”

In 2023, though, this partnership will significantly deepen in a project she described as “transformational.” “This grant will fund substantial research into our collection and help us expand it through the acquisition of new items,” she said.

The goal of the grant-funded project is to create exhibits that highlight underrepresented voices in Revolutionary history, including those of women, Indigenous Americans, free Black population, enslaved persons, and soldiers. It is not just the end product(s) of the grant that excite Carr, but also its methodology.

“The grant enables us to hire a professional researcher to help lead the project,” she explained. “This researcher will be from an underrepresented group, which we feel is appropriate given our intent to create more inclusive stories and exhibits in the museum.”
According to Carr, the Museum’s focus on inclusive storytelling has already begun. As examples, she cited some of the Indigenous artifacts in exhibits already on display in the museum uncovered during an archaeological dig in 2019. These items range from a 2,700 year-old projectile point (arrowhead) to stone flakes created as a result of knapping (the product of producing stone weapons) and pieces of Indigenous pottery.

“Many of these items are ‘pre-contact’ and allow us to acknowledge the Indigenous presence on the land and share their history with visitors from across the world,” said Carr.

Regarding next steps in the project, Carr said they plan to hire an external researcher sometime by mid March. Her hope is that the project can begin in earnest by April. “We are excited to take this big step forward and thankful to have the continued support of the Massachusetts Society of the Cincinnati behind us every step of the way,” she said.

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’.

Beer for History Returns to Folsom Tavern

Beer for History Returns to Folsom Tavern

by | Aug 17, 2022 | Beer for History, For Adults, Partnerships

On Thursday, September 22 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m, Beer for History 2022 kicks off at the American Independence Museum’s Folsom Tavern (c. 1775) with Pipe Dream Brewing. Based in Londonderry, Pipe Dream Brewing has made a name for itself with a wide variety of craft brews, including sours, stouts, IPA’s, and specialty beers.

“Pipe Dream Brewing is excited to be back at Beer for History,” said Pipe Dream’s Tasting Coordinator Morgan Brown. “We love being able to help highlight New Hampshire’s rich history in fun and exciting ways.”

At the event, Pipe Dream will pour three beers, including West to East IPA, Berrylicious Sour Ale, and Pumpkin Ale In addition to craft beer and historic ambiance—George Washington had visited Folsom Tavern—Beer for History often features colonial-inspired games and occasionally live music.

This year’s series is sponsored by Donahue Tucker & Ciandella. “We are thrilled to again sponsor this series, as it brings the community together and champions the importance of history,” said Beth MacDonald, partner at Donahue Tucker & Ciandella.

According to Jennnifer Carr, Curator and Acting Executive Director at the American Independence Museum, proceeds from Beer for History support their inclusive storytelling initiative. In the museum’s current programs, events, and exhibits, many of the highlighted stories are told from different perspectives, such as those of Black Americans, women, and Indigenous people.

“We hope Beer for History can serve as an open invitation to surrounding communities and those who have yet to hear about the museum,” said Carr. “Come have a beer for history, learn about our initiative to reinterpret our collection and history as a nation, and feel welcomed by new friends.”

Beer for History with Pipe Dream Brewing takes place from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 22 at the American Independence Museum’s Folsom Tavern, 164 Water St., Exeter, NH. Tickets are $10 for members and $15 for non-members, while youth (under 21) are free.

Ticket prices include beer (21+), entertainment and light snacks. To purchase tickets, or learn more about upcoming events in the Beer for History series, 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’.

RiverWoods Exeter renews partnership with AIM

RiverWoods Exeter renews partnership with AIM

by | Jun 8, 2022 | Events, Family Friendly, Festival, Living History, Partnerships

RiverWoods Exeter, a nationally-accredited charitable not-for-profit continuing care retirement community, will sponsor the 32nd American Independence Festival on Saturday, July 16. Presented by the American Independence Museum, the festival features a Traditional Artisans Village, historic reenactors, activities, and the opportunity to view one of 26 remaining copies of an original print of the Declaration of Independence.

Regarding the sponsorship, Interim Executive Director Jennifer Carr referred to RiverWoods Exeter as “an integral part of this annual festival.” “They have been part of this festival for years, so it’s wonderful to have them contribute again to a celebration of our nation’s history and the Exeter community,” she said.

Referring to the festival as “one of the most unique and truly special summer celebrations offered on the Seacoast,” Deb Riddell, Executive Director of RiverWoods Exeter, said they are “thrilled” to again support it. She said supporting the festival stems from RiverWoods Exeter’s founders, two Seacoast area women who wove a commitment to the local community into the fabric of their founding principles

“RiverWoods Exeter is not just a business located within the borders of the town,” she explained. “We are a neighborhood of nearly 600 engaged citizens, many of whom are active in the local community and care deeply about the Town of Exeter. They volunteer locally in many capacities, and feel a sense of civic duty and pride about our town.”

According to Carr, inspiring civic duty is one of the primary objectives of the museum itself. “We want visitors of any age to walk away from the festival, or any event or program here, and consider more deeply their responsibility as citizens,” she said. “A democracy works better when its citizens are engaged.”

To learn more about the 32nd annual American Independence Festival, visit https://www.independencemuseum.org/AIMstaging/american-independence-festival/.

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’.

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