In support of the 26th American Independence Festival on July 16 in Exeter, the American Independence Museum has been awarded $1,800 from the New Hampshire State Council on the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts. Celebrating the rich history and tradition of Exeter, which served as capital of NH during the Revolutionary War, the Festival has become well known for its colonial demonstrations.
“With continued funding from the New Hampshire State Council on the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts, our colonial artisans village has become a Festival highlight every year,” said Museum Executive Director Julie Williams. “We greatly appreciate their belief in our Festival and its unique role in promoting traditional arts.”
Ginnie Lupi, director at the New Hampshire State Council on the Arts, said they are proud to support the American Independence Festival.
“The Festival and its Artisan Village engage residents and visitors with traditional arts and history, contribute to the Seacoast region’s reputation as a cultural hub, and strengthen the economy by bringing people to downtown Exeter,” she said.
Featuring historic battle re-enactments, children’s activities, crafts, live music, food from local vendors and more, the Festival annually attracts more than 4,000 people, many of whom come from as far as Boston.
Comprising the Ladd-Gilman House (c. 1721) and Folsom Tavern (c.1775) on more than one acre of landscaped property, the Museum hosts public and educational programs and lectures, colonial artisan demonstrations, guided tours, and special events. The Museum is also part of the “Experience New Hampshire Heritage: The Portsmouth to Plymouth Museum Trail.”
To learn more about The Trail, visit nhmuseumtrail.org.