From December 1 through December 3, the American Independence Museum welcomed nearly 1,000 visitors for its 2017 season-ending Holiday Celebration, presented by The Provident Bank. The weekend kicked off with a holiday party and fundraiser on Friday with more than $5,000 netted to support museum programs and initiatives.
“This more than doubled what we raised last year,” said museum Executive Director Emma Bray, who noted this was her first year at the annual celebration. “It was wonderful to see so many people of all ages take part in this year’s festivities. It capped off a very successful 2017 season.”
The weekend festivities took place at the museum’s Folsom Tavern, which was professionally decorated by The Willow. In addition to their annual holiday celebration on Friday, the museum served refreshments during the holiday parade on Saturday and participated in Womenade’s Holiday Home Tour on Sunday.
In speaking on the success of the 2017 season, Bray credited corporate partners, including major contributors Service Credit Union; GEICO Local Office, Manchester; Hoefle, Phoenix, Gormley & Roberts, P.A.; New Hampshire State Council on the Arts, and Ruffner Real Estate.
“Aside from financial support, these and many other sponsors are involved in what we do—some like People’s United Bank sponsor educational lectures while others, including The Provident Bank, support specific events and visit with us weekly,” she added.
According to Bray, the museum’s value proposition extends far beyond preserving history.
“We are of course a museum, but we are also a resource for community development,” she explained. “One of the central questions we seek to answer is how can we be of value and service to the communities around us? If we can attract more visitors here, we enhance Exeter and the surrounding region. Corporate partnerships help us advance this larger mission.”