by emma | Jun 20, 2019 | Events, Partnerships
History is often seen as a sequence of events that resides in the past, which is only partly accurate and serves as a subtle theme that underscores the American Independence Festival on Saturday, July 13.
“Our Revolutionary history provides a unique and relevant glimpse into who we are today as Americans,” said Emma Bray, executive director of the American Independence Museum, which hosts the festival.
This theme recently caught the attention of Newburyport Bank, which presented Bray with a $5,000 check at their new branch in Exeter to sponsor the festival.
“We are so enthusiastic about this partnership and the connection between our two organizations,” said Bray. “It is clear we both value and honor the importance of history.”
Lloyd Hamm, Jr., president and CEO, Newburyport Bank, agreed and described himself as “a strong enthusiast of history.”
“I love seeing it energized and want to thank the museum for bringing history to life for the citizens of our communities,” he said.
At the American Independence Festival, visitors experience everything from traditional craft demonstrations and battle re-enactments to a beer garden, live music, games, local food, art and craft marketplace, and more.
In serving as presenting sponsor of the festival, Hamm, Jr. said he believes Newburyport Bank takes an important step to supporting the greater Exeter community.
“I so appreciate that our Bank, which is new to the Exeter community but active in the region since 1854, can share in this important opportunity for inspiration and learning,” he said.
The festival also serves to conjure within Hamm, Jr. fond memories of a childhood experience in which he participated in the 1976 bicentennial celebrations as a member of the Town of Upton, MA militia.
“For me, it was a vibrant instrument for understanding and enjoying history,” he recalled. “I remember bounding through fields of New England with my 75 caliber Brown Bess in hand, battling the British 10th or 54th regiments. It was so much fun to see the looks of awe and enjoyment on the faces of the crowds as our nation’s important history was brought to life.”
It is precisely this kind of experience that Bray said visitors can experience at the festival, which features more than 100 colonial re-enactors, most of whom stay in character throughout the day.
“The festival literally brings history to life,” she said. “We are so thankful to partner with Newburyport Bank to present this unique and engaging experience for people of all ages.”
The American Independence Festival takes place on Saturday, July 13 at the American Independence Festival from 10 am to 4 pm with the beer tent open until 6 pm.
Festival tickets are $10 for adults; $5 for ages 6 to 18; and free for children under 6, active and retired military, veterans, and Museum members.
To learn more, or purchase tickets, visit independencemuseum.org.
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.
by emma | Jun 4, 2019 | Partnerships
In 2019, the American Independence Museum is working with a number of local businesses to create free or reduced admission for area residents with the latest partnership with Kennebunk Savings.
In this partnership, the museum will provide free admission on the first Saturday of July and August to residents of SAU 16, which includes Brentwood, East Kingston, Exeter, Kensington, Newfields, and Stratham.
On these dates, July 6 and August 3, respectively, residents of any age from the aforementioned towns will gain entry to the museum’s Ladd-Gilman House and Folsom Tavern at no charge.
Bradford Paige, President and CEO of Kennebunk Savings, said they support this initiative because the museum is “keeping history alive by engaging the youth in our community.”
“We see the importance in ensuring the museum is accessible to everyone and are very pleased to sponsor ‘Free Admission First Saturdays’ for residents as part of our Community Promise Program,” he said.
Paige also expressed enthusiasm in the museum’s 2019 theme of civic engagement.
“The museum’s theme of civic engagement is sure to inspire young minds to dream big and know they can affect positive change in the world,” he added.
Museum Executive Director Emma Bray said she is grateful at the opportunity to work with Kennebunk Savings for the first time. Recently, Bray met with Kelly Hutchinson, Vice President/Branch Manager of Kennebunk Savings in Stratham, to discuss the museum’s collection and the partnership.
“In visiting with Kelly, it became clear we have a shared vision for Exeter,” she said. “This partnership results from this shared vision.”
On Saturday, July 6 and Saturday, August 3, free admission will be provided to residents of Brentwood, East Kingston, Exeter, Kensington, Newfields, and Stratham.
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.
by emma | May 9, 2019 | Partnerships
Open for the 2019 season, the American Independence Museum features a collection that is particular interest to active military and veterans, both groups recently granted free admission this year courtesy of Chinburg Properties.
“Our collection helps tell the story of how our nation was founded and the sacrifices of our nation’s first military,” said museum Executive Director Emma Bray. “Anyone who has ever served will find our collection and the stories behind many of our objects especially interesting.”
In addition to active military and veterans, the gift from Chinburg Properties enables their families to take tours and access programs and events at no charge in 2019.
“We have worked very hard this offseason to modernize aspects of our exhibits, which will better engage people of all ages and learning styles,” said Bray. “Chinburg Properties is helping us reach people who may not otherwise know about us or be able to visit.”
For Jennifer Chinburg of Chinburg Properties, the investment in the museum directly benefits the surrounding communities.
“From their collection to education programs and family events, we believe in what the museum is doing in our communities,” she said. “We are honored to be able to support their work in the community as well as the sacrifices made by active military, veterans and their families.”
Home to a world-class collection of 3,000 historic artifacts, the museum welcomes more than 5,000 visitors annually and distinguishes itself with educational school programs and events that make history fun and relevant.
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.
by emma | Apr 18, 2019 | Events, Partnerships
For several years, People’s United Bank has sponsored the American Independence Museum’s evening and afternoon lecture series, a partnership that has been renewed for 2019. According to museum Executive Director Emma Bray, though, this partnership is particularly fruitful.
“It is one where both organizations are working toward a shared vision,” she said. “The level of involvement by People’s United Bank not only includes financial support, but their attendance at individual events. That level of engagement is important and enhances the program.”
For Marc Ouellette, vice president, senior market manager at People’s United Bank, the Lecture Series addresses an important educational need in the community.
“This is a great series because it touches on the fundamentals of our nation’s history, which is not taught in the classroom as much as maybe it should,” he said.
Referring to the museum as “unique and forward-thinking” in its educational approach, Ouellette said the continued partnership with the American Independence Museum represents “a win-win.”
“The museum benefits as does the community,” he said. “People’s United Bank is very thankful to be included in this wonderful educational lecture series.”
This year, the museum plans to host 6 or more lectures, some during the afternoon known as Lunch and Learns with evening events referred to as Tavern Talks. This year, all events in the series will reflect the museum’s 2019 theme of Civic Engagement.
“We feel this theme is very relevant given the climate of today,” said Bray. “Regardless of someone’s politic beliefs, I think we can all say it is important to be involved as civic-minded citizens. The questions we will try to answer this year is what does that really mean?”
Ouellette said he looks forward to this year’s series, which kicks off with Moved and Seconded: Town Meeting in New Hampshire on Wednesday, May 15 at 6:30 p.m. Author of eleven books, Rebecca Rule will facilitate the talk. For ten years, she hosted “The New Hampshire Authors Series” on NHPTV. She currently hosts “Our Hometown,” which is also on NHPTV.
“We are excited to see this series unfold and very enthusiastic at the quality of the speakers they are bringing into the community,” he said. “People’s United Bank sees tremendous value in this series, and we are proud to sponsor it.”
Other scheduled talks include New England’s Colonial Meetinghouses and Their Impact on American Society, which is scheduled for Tuesday, October 8 at 12 noon.
Additional talks, which will soon be added to the schedule, are likely to include town officials who will speak on their various respective capacities and roles.
“We also plan to bring in some folks at the state level,” added Bray. “This series keeps expanding, and we are happy to have the support of People’s United Bank behind us.”
Tavern Talks are additionally supported by a Humanities-To-Go grant from the NH Humanities Council.
by emma | Oct 3, 2018 | Partnerships
While ‘leverage’ is a key concept in the for-profit sector, it also explains how the American Independence Museum in Exeter develops corporate partnerships.
“We try to create opportunities to engage our sponsors in ways that benefit them both internally and externally,” said museum Executive Director Emma Bray. “It is why we call them ‘partnerships’ now rather than ‘sponsorships.’ It is not about asking for money. It is about working together for a common shared vision.”
For Bray, this shared vision is a vibrant, dynamic Exeter.
“This community is growing–from the work by TEAM to promote arts and culture to other organizations working for a brighter future, this is an exciting time for Exeter,” she said.
For Ruffner Real Estate’s Florence Ruffner, who has served on the museum’s board and financially supported the museum for years, a vibrant Exeter benefits everyone.
“I love this town and think we have a hidden gem here,” she said. “I believe this is a wonderful place to work and live. I think the museum is an important part of our continued growth.”
Karin Behrens-Bouvier, financial advisor with Edward Jones in Exeter, said she elected to support the museum because of her love of history.
“I was drawn to start my business here because of Exeter’s historical significance,” she said. “Supporting the museum seems like a great way to demonstrate my appreciation for its history.”
Jeff Foy of Foy Insurance said he appreciates the diversity of programming developed by the museum in recent years.
“It gets people into town to discover for themselves why all of us really love this town,” he said.
According to Bray, engaged corporate partners serve as the museum’s strongest “sales force.”
“It is one thing for us to advocate for our mission, but to have our partners do it for us is incredible,” she said.
This engagement with corporate partners sometimes creates entirely new programs.
“We are beginning to work with RiverWoods Exeter to create a volunteer program for their residents,” said Bray. “This is an outstanding opportunity for them and for us as an organization.”
Other partnerships help push programs over the proverbial top, which is the case with the museum’s Traveling Trunk program. Educating more than 500 kids in schools in the past academic school year alone, the program was initially funded by the NH Charitable Foundation and has since been supported by Service Credit Union.
“This Traveling Trunk program has been in Florida, New Jersey and places throughout the Northeast,” said Bray. “This experiential education program would not exist without our partners and Service Credit Union’s continued support.”
Entering its second year of partnership with the museum as a supporter of Revolutionary Story Time!, Exeter Hospital also supported the American Independence Festival this past July.
“Exeter Hospital has been great, as we have found a way to work together in programs and events that enhance the fabric of our community,” said Bray.
Other partners, like Bob Mitchell, not only invest financial resources through their businesses to support the museum, but substantial time.
“Bob is instrumental in our festival in July,” said Bray. “His vision literally helped to create our Traditional Artisans Village, which is now supported by the New Hampshire State Council on the Arts.”
The museum also offers a successful Lecture Series, which provides afternoon Lunch & Learns and evening Tavern Talks. The series has been presented by People’s United Bank for the past two years.
“They often attend our lectures and speak at them,” she said. “It is wonderful to create opportunities for our partners to speak directly with our members and visitors.”
As a result of a partnership with Chinburg Properties, the museum now offers free admission for veterans, active military and their families.
“Partnerships enhance our accessibility, program infrastructure and financial stability,” said Bray. “In return, we attract more people into town who in turn make investments of their own into the town’s economy…There is a business case for why museums can serve as a hub for a town–and I think we have that here in Exeter with support from our partners and donors.”
Home to a world-class collection of 3,000 historic artifacts, the museum welcomes more than 5,000 visitors annually and distinguishes itself with educational school programs and events that make history fun and relevant.
by emma | Aug 8, 2018 | Events, Partnerships
Located next to each other in downtown Exeter, the American Independence Museum and People’s United Bank are more than simply neighbors, but partners as they present the next Lunch & Learn on Wednesday, August 15.
Entitled, “Global Perspectives on the Revolution: The Exhibit Up-Close,” the presentation will be facilitated by the museum’s Collections Manager, Rachel Passannante, who will discuss their “global theme” and 2018 special exhibit.
“So much of our programming relates to our theme, Global Perspectives on the Revolution, which helps frame the importance the war had on other nations,” she said. “Our special exhibit this year tells that story, so I look forward to talking to people about it and then taking them on a tour of the museum to show it to them.”
For the past two years, People’s United Bank has helped present the museum’s evening talks with an expansion in 2018 to include the Lunch & Learn series, which takes place at noon at Folsom Tavern.
“Education is so important to us, and we love the museum’s focus on engaging the community,” said Marc Ouellette, vice president, senior market manager at People’s United Bank. “We are proud to partner with them to bring these talks and discussions to the community at no charge.”
Tavern Talks are additionally supported by a Humanities-To-Go grant from the NH Humanities Council.
Lunch & Learns are held in Folsom Tavern, 164 Water Street, Exeter, NH and are free and open to the public, who are welcome to bring lunch to eat during the presentation.
