Rebels in the Republic

This is a living History event set in 1786 where Folsom Tavern will be full of reenactors in costume portraying the different sides of the Paper Money debate in the months after the “paper money riot”. You are welcome to walk through the tavern at your leisure and hear from people with different viewpoints on topics like: the war, debt and currency, and who should make laws for the new land.

The three sides represented will be:

1. Exeter Politicians and big wigs.
2. Farmers from the surrounding towns.
3. Locals, the Folsoms, and other non-participants.

Conceptual backdrop to program: After the Revolutionary war and before the US Constitution, there was a period of time where our government was in flux. Would the young United States be able to pull off freedom and independence? Part of the growing pains of a young New Hampshire was the argument over currency, debt and who should pay for the war just won.On one side were the army’s officers, now the state’s politicians and big wigs who were tasked with paying off the state’s debts incurred during the war. On the other side were the army’s soldiers, now the state’s farmers and rural inhabitants who were trying to pay off their own debts while also paying taxes.

In the first decades of the United States, there was no US currency and the individual states’ currency was hard to come by. Also under consideration are those whose voices did not count in decision making: women, children, Indigenous Americans, Black Americans, religious minorities, etc. As disagreements were voiced and brought before the young state government, the role of violence in the state and country was up for debate.

This program is made possible by support from Service Credit Union.

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’.