Programming - American Independence Museum

2022 Season Begins Wednesday, May 4

by ion | Apr 27, 2022 | Events, Exhibits, Programming, Tours

For the first time since May of 2019, the American Independence Museum will reopen its doors in May in anticipation of a full operating season.

The museum campus comprises the Ladd-Gilman House (c. 1721), which was home to the longest serving New Hampshire Governor, John Taylor Gilman, and the Folsom Tavern (c. 1775). The museum is home to a world class collection of 3,000 historic artifacts including a copy of the Dunlap Broadside, the first official printing of the Declaration of Independence.

The museum will be open Wednesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Guided tours will be offered on the hour. The Folsom Tavern will only be open for guided tours. This property can be visited at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. when the museum is open. Tours of the Ladd-Gilman House will begin at 10 a.m., 12, 2, and 3 p.m. Visitors interested in a self guided tour of the Ladd-Gilman House are encouraged to do so at any point during the museum’s open hours.

During the offseason, museum staff developed new interpretations to create a more interactive self-guided tour experience. In addition to incorporating new aspects of New Hampshire’s Revolutionary Era history, guests can now scan QR codes and watch pre-recorded museum content that thematically connects to different spaces in the Ladd-Gilman House.

A new exhibit will highlight how the core values of the American Revolution carry on into the modern day. “The impact of the American Revolution is seen throughout time and in unexpected places. Our latest exhibit explores events inspired by the Revolution and encourages guests to find its legacy in the twenty-first century,” described Museum Curator Jennifer Carr.

The Children’s Room in the Folsom Tavern was adapted during the off-season to provide a more immersive and hands-on experience for young museum visitors. Highlights include 18th-century replica children’s clothing, colonial games, a historic play kitchen, and a cozy reading nook.
“This space offers families a child-friendly space to explore and discover,” said Sarah Jaworksi, Program Manager.

To learn more about the 2022 open season, visit www.independencemuseum.org/visit

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’.

Raise a Glass for Our Virtual Holiday Tea

by ion | Nov 23, 2021 | Events, Programming

On Saturday, December 4 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., the American Independence Museum will host Virtual Holiday Tea.

Featuring colonial music and opportunities to learn about colonial tea etiquette and 18th century foodways, the event additionally provides attendees with their own ‘room’ and colonial Zoom background for socialization with friends and family. As part of the virtual event, each participant will receive several colonial recipes suited for tea and a half-ounce package of tea from Alchemy & Herbs in Exeter.

“This is a great event where anyone anywhere can enjoy a festive time in their own home with a bit of colonial flair,” said museum Executive Director Emma Stratton. “It’s also a great way to invite people into the museum who might not otherwise be able to attend in person.

Tea can be picked up at the museum’s Ladd-Gilman House at 1 Governors Ln., Exeter, or shipped for $3.

Virtual Holiday Tea takes place from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m on Saturday, December 4. Admission is free for children under 6 with prices ranging from $5 to $10 per person. To purchase tickets, or to learn more about the museum, visit independencemuseum.org.

Learn about six other great December events happening in NH

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.

Spirits of the Past Explores Spooky Museum History

by ion | Oct 18, 2021 | For Adults, Programming

On Thursday, October 28, 6:30 p.m. – 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.

While its main focus is the connection between Spiritualism and the museum’s nearly 240 year-old Folsom Tavern, the program will also provide insight into the movement’s ties to America’s founding principles on freedom of religion. April Sheerin, Church of Spiritual Life member, medium, and Director of New Awakenings, will be on-site to share perspectives on Spiritualism today and offer mediumship demonstrations.

“We are so excited to have April facilitate this program in partnership with us,” said the museum’s Sarah Jaworski. “This is a chance to learn more about American history in a way that really will get people thinking.”

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. To learn more about this program, or to purchase tickets, https://www.independencemuseum.org/AIMstaging/event/spirits-of-the-past/

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.

Ghosts of Winter Street Cemetery Tours

by ion | Oct 10, 2021 | Events, Family Friendly, Programming, Tours

On Saturday, October 23, the American Independence Museum will host Ghosts of Winter Street Cemetery, a popular family-friendly event that takes visitors on a tour through history.

“Our colonial guide meets you at Winter Street Cemetery and walks you through it while showing you the graves of some of Exeter’s most famous and infamous revolutionary residents,” said the museum’s Sarah Jaworski.

Primarily used from the 1740’s to 1870’s, Winter Street Cemetery is the final resting place of many prominent members of Exeter, including governors, Revolutionary and Civil War veterans, politicians and others.

Ghosts of Winter Street Cemetery takes place every 30 minutes, 4:00 p.m. through 5:30 p.m., at Winter Street Cemetery on Saturday, October 23. There is a 3 p.m. tour designed especially for families with elementary school aged children, who are invited to wear their Halloween costume while discovering stories of the past and tasting a colonial treat.

All tours will last approximately 45 minutes with guests encouraged to bring flashlights for the last two tours. The cost is $10 for non-members and $7 for non-member children, ages 6-18. Members are $5 and members’ children, ages 6-18, are $3. All children under 6 are free.

Ticket price includes the cemetery tour and a return pass to visit the museum. Click here to purchase tickets.

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.

Join AIM’s Ghosts of Winter Street Cemetery Tour

by ion | Oct 8, 2021 | Events, Family Friendly, For Adults, For Kids, Programming, Tours

On Saturday, October 23, the American Independence Museum will host Ghosts of Winter Street Cemetery, a popular family-friendly event that takes visitors on a tour through history.

“Our colonial guide meets you at Winter Street Cemetery and walks you through it while showing you the graves of some of Exeter’s most famous and infamous revolutionary residents,” said the museum’s Sarah Jaworski.

Primarily used from the 1740’s to 1870’s, Winter Street Cemetery is the final resting place of many prominent members of Exeter, including governors, Revolutionary and Civil War veterans, politicians and others.

Ghosts of Winter Street Cemetery takes place every 30 minutes, 4:00 p.m. through 5:30 p.m., at Winter Street Cemetery on Saturday, October 23. There is a 3 p.m. tour designed especially for families with elementary school aged children, who are invited to wear their Halloween costume while discovering stories of the past and tasting a colonial treat.

All tours will last approximately 45 minutes with guests encouraged to bring flashlights for the last two tours. The cost is $10 for non-members and $7 for non-member children, ages 6-18. Members are $5 and members’ children, ages 6-18, are $3. All children under 6 are free.

Ticket price includes the cemetery tour and a return pass to visit the museum. To purchase tickets, 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.

Beer for History Returns to American Independence Museum

by ion | 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.