Opening Day 2023

American Independence Museum opens for the season! Guided or self-guided tours take visitors through a docent-led exploration of important moments in our nation’s history as seen through the lens of New Hampshire and untold stories from voices beyond the battlefield.

Tours are available of two buidlings. the Ladd-Gilman house, built in 1721 as a private residence and now serves as a history museum. Throughout our two floors of exhibits you will find hundreds of objects that tell the story of New Hampshire’s role in the fight for Independence. In The Folsom Tavern, tours examine the place taverns held in colonial and revolutionary history and the different experiences people had in taverns. This is an immersive, sensory-friendly tour and is recommended for all ages.

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’.