Beer for History Concludes with UNH Brewing Science Laboratory

Beer for History Concludes with UNH Brewing Science Laboratory

by | Oct 25, 2022 | Beer for History, For Adults, Human Interest, Programming

Presented by Donahue Tucker & Ciandella, the American Independence Museum’s Beer for History series concludes with UNH Brewing Science Laboratory as featured brewer on Thursday, November 3, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. At this event, UNH BrewLab will pour Harvest Thyme (brown ale), Chocolate Bog (chocolate cranberry milk stout), and Wildcat Wheat (Belgian wheat ale).

“This is a wonderful way to close Beer for History out this year,” said Museum Executive Director Jennifer Carr. “This series is known for providing people with the chance to try lesser known, or difficult to buy locally, beers. UNH BrewLab is delivering on this theme.”

In addition to unique brews, Beer for History features colonial-inspired games, music, and light snacks. Beer for History is family-friendly and also features the Foy Family Children’s Library within Folsom Tavern, a space with curated books for kids, comfortable seating, dress-up area with Revolutionary-era clothing, play kitchen, games, and more.

Beer for History with UNH Brewing Science Laboratory takes place on Thursday, November 3 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. 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.

To purchase tickets, or learn more about Beer for History, click here.

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’.

New Leadership at the American Independence Museum Reaffirms Commitment to Inclusive History

New Leadership at the American Independence Museum Reaffirms Commitment to Inclusive History

by | Oct 23, 2022 | Events, For Adults, Governance, Human Interest, Programming

The American Independence Museum has announced the appointment of Jennifer Carr to the position of Executive Director.

After receiving both her BA and MA in History from Southern New Hampshire University, Carr first joined the American Independence Museum as a volunteer. Shortly thereafter, in March 2020, she began working for the museum as the Collections Manager and Curator.

During her time as Curator, she has supported the Museum’s mission to share the diverse stories of New Hampshire’s revolutionary past. One example is her work through the museum’s History Matters videos, which highlight individuals such as Wentworth Cheswell, considered the first black American elected to public office. She has updated exhibit information panels to improve accessibility for the seeing impaired and led the migration of all the Museum’s collections information to an online platform that, when complete, can be remotely accessed by external researchers.

In May 2022, Carr took on the role of Acting Executive Director. Regarding the choice to appoint Carr to the role of Executive Director, Museum Board President Ozzie Ayescue said she “has shown incredible dedication.”

“She has worked to preserve the Museum’s valuable collection and facilities and strong leadership delving into the Museum’s collections to find new stories and expose new points of view,” he explained. “She is truly dedicated to creating a more inclusive Museum as part of our overall mission to inspire civic engagement…She is serious and fun to work with—this is a natural step up for Jen.”

Sarah Jaworski, Museum Program Manager, echoed these sentiments. “I am thrilled to continue working with Jen,” she said. “Her commitment to our Museum’s mission and her hard work make her an excellent fit to be the next executive director.”

Under Carr’s leadership, the American Independence Museum will continue its work to share the diverse stories of New Hampshire’s revolutionary past to encourage civic engagement.

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’.

Discover the Spiritualist Connections of Exeter’s Folsom Tavern

Discover the Spiritualist Connections of Exeter’s Folsom Tavern

by | Oct 19, 2022 | Events, For Adults, Human Interest, Programming

On Thursday, October 27, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., on the Folsom Tavern Lawn, the American Independence Museum will host Spirits of the Past, which focuses on the 19th century Spiritualist movement.

Patricia Cizewski, member of the pastoral committee of the First Spiritualist Church of Salem, MA, will speak on Spiritualism, while a mediumship demonstration will wrap up the evening.

“Mediumship is the practice of facilitating communication between familiar spirits, or spirits of the dead, and living human beings,” said Program Manager Sarah Jaworski. “We anticipate an exciting evening full of surprises.”

In addition to providing insight into the Spiritualist movement’s ties to America’s founding principles on freedom of religion, the program will explore its connection to a former tenant of the museum’s Folsom Tavern. “At one time, there was a spiritualist who conducted ‘demonstrations’ from the tavern, so this program highlights some lesser known local history,” said added Jaworski.

Spirits of the Past will take place on the lawn outside Folsom Tavern, 164 Water St., Exeter, NH from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The cost is $15 for non-members and $10 for members with light refreshments provided. Click here to purchase tickets.

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’.

American Independence Museum to Host Lunch & Learn

American Independence Museum to Host Lunch & Learn

by | Oct 19, 2022 | Events, For Adults, Free, Human Interest, Programming

On Thursday, November 10 at 12 noon, the American Independence Museum will host Lunch & Learn: NH War Monuments, its first such program since the onset of the pandemic.

“We are thrilled to again welcome people back to our popular Lunch & Learn series,” said Program Manager Sarah Jaworski. “This one will be interesting, too, as Kathleen and Sheila Bailey discuss their book, New Hampshire War Monuments: The Stories Behind the Stones.”

Exploring the “heartbreaking history and backstories” of some of the statues and plaques that dot New Hampshire’s cities and landscapes, New Hampshire War Monuments: The Stories Behind the Stones was published in August 2022.

Stories in the book range from a heartbroken Danish sculptor who gives a gift to the town where his late wife enjoyed summers to the way a daughter pays tribute to her father, killed in the Civil War. “The book explores the stories behind New Hampshire’s war monuments, memorials, and other tributes to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice,” said Jaworski. “These are literally the stories behind the stones.”

Lunch & Learn: NH War Monuments takes place, 12 noon to 1:00 p.m., on Thursday, November 10 at the American Independence Museum’s Folsom Tavern, 164 Water St., Exeter. Attendance is free, and people are encouraged to bring a bagged lunch. Signed copies of Signed copies New Hampshire War Monuments: The Stories Behind the Stones will be available for purchase.

Home to a world-class collection of 3,000 historic artifacts, the museum is currently developing a variety of public and education programs in digital formats to encourage digital inclusion for all ages. Click here to learn more.

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’.

Brewers from across NH to Participate in Beer for History

Brewers from across NH to Participate in Beer for History

by | Sep 9, 2022 | Beer for History, Events, For Adults, Programming

A series of events begun more than 5 years ago to promote the importance of history education, the American Independence Museum’s Beer for History will feature brewers from across New Hampshire. Pipe Dream Brewing (Londonderry) starts the series on September 22 followed by Sap House Meadery (Center Ossipee) on October 6, Earth Eagle Brewings (Portsmouth) on October 20, and UNH Brewing Science Laboratory (Durham) on November 3.

“We are thrilled to have such an incredible lineup this year,” noted Jennifer Carr, Acting Executive Director of the museum.

In addition to featuring unique brews, most of which are not available locally in the greater Seacoast region, Beer for History features colonial-inspired games and music. The series, sponsored by Donahue Tucker & Ciandella, takes place within Folsom Tavern (c. 1775), which once welcomed George Washington.

“Kids can play outside on our spacious lawn and enjoy the beginning of fall in beautiful and historic downtown Exeter,” added Carr.

Beer for History events 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 Beer for History, 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’.

Colonial Reenactors, Traditional Artisans, and Beer Garden Highlight American Independence Festival

Colonial Reenactors, Traditional Artisans, and Beer Garden Highlight American Independence Festival

by | Jul 10, 2022 | Family Friendly, Festival, For Adults, For Kids, Living History, Programming

Featuring Colonial reenactors, Traditional Artisans Village, games, and Beer Garden next to an historic tavern (c. 1775), the American Independence Festival on Saturday, July 16 is expected to attract 1,000+ from across New England.

According to Jennifer Carr, interim Executive Director of the American Independence Museum, which presents the annual festival on its downtown Exeter, NH campus, its continued popularity and relevance stems from its unique subject matter. “There is a lot of curiosity about our nation’s formative years,” she said. “This event not only presents folklife from this time period, but interprets it through demonstrations by professional traditional artisans who practice colonial ways of creating things that shed light on our past and present.”

Within the Village, artisans demonstrate everything from ropemaking, spinning, coopering, and millinery, to tinsmithing and pottery, while others play instruments, including the clavichord, dulcimer, and harpsichord. Aside from the Village, presented by New Hampshire State Council of the Arts, visitors can tour the Ladd-Gilman House (c. 1721) within which an original copy of the Declaration of Independence may be viewed.

“We recreate the reading of the Declaration of Independence with a direct descendant of John Taylor Gilman, who read it to the townspeople in 1776,” added Carr. “At this year’s festival, visitors can also experience some of our new exhibits, which interpret Revolutionary-era events and culture from diverse perspectives.”

At the museum’s Folsom Tavern, kids can enjoy the newly opened Foy Family Children’s Library, which features a reading nook, curated books on 18th century life, Revolutionary-era dress-up, play kitchen, games, and more. Outside the tavern, adults (ages 21+) can enjoy craft brew from Cisco Brewers.

“We also feature discussions led by first-person reenactors who provide insight into Revolutionary America and ourselves today,” added Carr. “It’s a wonderful immersive experience.”

This immersive experience centered on New Hampshire’s collective Revolutionary past and present is what has attracted Newburyport Bank as a leading festival sponsor for several years. “This is such a unique event that helps visitors of all ages better understand and appreciate what it took to make a nation,” said Mercedes Monaco, business development manager, Newburyport Bank. “We are thrilled to support this year’s American Independence Festival. It is such an honor to be part of the Revolutionary Era legacy of Exeter.”

The 32nd American Independence Festival takes place on Saturday, July 16 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tickets are $5 for kids (ages 4 to 18) and $10 for adults with admission free for kids under 4, museum members, and veterans and active military.

To learn more about the museum or purchase festival tickets in advance visit independencemuseum.org.

A child watches as a trained artisan decorates an unfired clay bowl using a specially cut sponge as a stamp

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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