This summer, kids (ages 7 – 11) will have the chance to immerse themselves in hands-on 18th century life at four MiniCamps at the American Independence Museum (AIM).
At each MiniCamp, which takes place on a Thursday in July, campers will dress in colonial clothing, participate in games and activities, create projects, and enjoy colonial-inspired snacks. “These camps are meant to be fun with history mixed in, too,” said AIM’s Sarah Jaworski, who developed the MiniCamps. “We can’t wait to have our first camp.”
Taking place on Thursday, July 6, AIM’s first MiniCamp, Daily Life, will show kids what life was like living in the shadow of the Revolution. In Land Connection on Thursday, July 13, kids will discover why Exeter was settled, how nearby Squamscott River provided jobs and food, and the impact of the changing seasons on food and daily habits.
In Protest and Engagement on Thursday, July 20, kids will learn how ‘The People’ have the power to make change and keep the nation strong. In Taking Sides, Patriot or Loyalist on Thursday, July 27, kids will learn what it meant to be a patriot and loyalist and how the choice to be one or the other was often very complicated.
Event Details
MiniCamps
In We Are One MiniCamps, campers will immerse themselves in hands-on 18th century life, uncovering the stories of the people who helped build our nation and how they can continue to be a part of America’s unfolding story. Each week, campers will dress in colonial clothing, participate in games and activities, create projects and eat a colonial-inspired snack. Enlist for one, two, three, or all four sessions!
Daily Life
Thursday, July 6, 9 am to 3 pm
Everyday people, laborers, farmers, housewives, and even children all were deeply affected by the war and contributed to the cause. Carry out daily chores (hauling water and wood, tending the garden, cooking, etc.) and discover what life was like living in the shadow of the Revolution.
Cost:
Non-members – $55 per day or $195 for all four
Members – $45 per day or $170 for all four
Land Connection
Thursday, July 13, 9 am to 3 pm
Winter, summer, inland or by the coast- where you lived and the season played a role in daily life during the 18th century. Discover why Exeter was settled (the river), how the River provided jobs and food, and how the seasons affected food and daily habits. Work in the garden, prepare seasonal food and preserve food for the winter, forage for seasonal food and learn about how the river served as a highway, transporting goods and people for thousands of years.
Cost:
Non-members – $55 per day or $195 for all four
Members – $45 per day or $170 for all four
Protest and Engagement
Thursday, July 20, 9 am to 3 pm
Everyone living in the colonies was deeply affected by the war and contributed to the cause. Uncover their stories and how it is the People, including us, who have the power to make change and keep our nation strong. Dress in colonial clothes, create your own ‘printing press’, make liberty tea, and learn ways you can make change in your community.
Cost:
Non-members – $55 per day or $195 for all four
Members – $45 per day or $170 for all four
Taking Sides, Patriot or Loyalist
Thursday, July 27, 9 am to 3 pm
Patriot, loyalists, neutral or something else? It wasn’t always easy to know what side to be on. Wrestle with the tricky decision of deciding your stance. Participate in a trial of your neighbors on the opposite side as you, decide if you would have taken the Oath of Allegiance to the Patriotic cause.
Cost:
Non-members – $55 per day or $195 for all four
Members – $45 per day or $170 for all four
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’.