by emma | Jul 31, 2018 | Partnerships
When Emma Bray, executive director of the American Independence Museum, first arrived in Exeter in March of 2017, one of the first people she met in town was Florence Ruffner of Ruffner Real Estate.
“It was clear she not only knew this area well, but loved it and especially the museum,” said Bray. “I realized right then that she is an important part of Exeter.”
Recently, Ruffner Real Estate contributed $1,500 to support the museum’s American Independence Festival, which saw more than 4,000 people visit downtown Exeter on Saturday, July 14. For Ruffner, the sponsorship reflects her love of the museum and what is one of the largest events in the area.
“I love to see people here at the festival, taking in the sights and sounds of a town I truly love,” she said. “Exeter is a town with a wonderful art and music scene, culture, shopping and restaurants…I want people to come visit us and discover why this town is so special and unique.”
For Bray, Ruffner’s vision of a vibrant, culturally rich Exeter aligns with that of the museum.
“The museum is just as concerned about the town as it is its own operations,” she said. “In order for us to thrive, the town must thrive, too, and vice-versa…We need to work together as businesses to maximize Exeter’s potential.”
Ruffner, whose office is just across the street from the museum’s Ladd-Gilman House (c.1721) and Folsom Tavern (c.1775), said she is enthused at Bray’s leadership and vision.
“I appreciate Emma and her ability to see the potential of this town and act on it,” she said. “This town has such an incredible, rich history and an even brighter future. It’s important we seize opportunities.”
One opportunity is a rich arts and culture scene, which she said the museum is helping to encourage with collaborations with numerous agencies, including TEAM (Town.Exeter.Arts.Music).
“We need vibrancy in this town in multiple ways, and so enhancing our local arts and culture scene is important to our town’s future,” Ruffner said. “With a beautiful space right in downtown Exeter, the museum is part of that, which I completely support.”
Bray added, “I am so thankful for Florence and what she has done for the museum through the years and in my time here,” she said. “She is a wonderful part of our museum.”
Home to a world-class collection of 3,000 historic artifacts, the museum welcomes more than 5,000 visitors annually and distinguishes itself with educational school programs and events that make history fun and relevant. Located at One Governor’s Lane in Exeter, the museum is open 10am to 4 pm, Tuesday through Saturday.
by rob | Jul 13, 2016 | Uncategorized
Saturday’s 26th American Independence Festival not only highlights the role of Exeter in the founding of the nation, but the increasing cultural footprint created through several related initiatives in town in the past year.
“Exeter has some incredible cultural assets—the Festival helps to highlight that,” said Todd Deluca, president of the Exeter Area Chamber of Commerce. “History, the arts, local music—they all have a place here in Exeter.”
Scott Ruffner, executive director of nonprofit TEAM, which is “dedicated to the production, promotion and organization of original programming, projects and events in the Exeter area,” said he believes the Festival serves as a gateway to the town’s burgeoning arts scene.
“TEAM is looking to shine the light on community members bold enough to make their own art, brew their own beer, grown their own food, and write and perform their own music—the essence of celebrating independence,” he said. “We look forward to continue working with the Museum and bridging the gap between the arts and Exeter’s rich history, which began with cultural traditions established by people in the community and something I think we’ve lost along the way.”
Featuring historic battle re-enactments, colonial demonstrations, children’s activities, crafts, music, local food and more, the Independence Festival is annually presented by the American Independence Museum, which is quietly attracting a strong core of new supporters.
“The American Independence Museum continues to expand its relevant work, including the recent creation of a historic garden that features plants and flowers that would have been used in a household or Inn garden of the 18 century,” said Chinburg Properties’ Jen Chinburg. “We encourage everyone to check out this rich treasure in the town of Exeter.”
Access Sports’ Founder Dr. Josh Siegel added, “The Museum is an active, vital member of the community—and we are proud to support its mission. The Festival represents the very best of what Exeter has to offer.”
A member of the Exeter community for more than 120 years, Foy Insurance also supports the Museum. Foy Insurance’s Jeff Foy said he appreciates the fact that the Museum helps remind everyone of the rich history that surrounds the town and the entire region.
“The Museum consistently provides a great opportunity for young and old to experience and learn about the history in the greater Exeter area,” he said. “Check out the Festival in July and you will be glad you did.”
Longtime Museum supporters are also enthused about the Musem and Festival, including Florence Ruffner of Ruffner Real Estate.
“Our country’s rich history is something we are fortunate to have right in our town,” she noted. “It is vital to who we are as a nation and what our forefathers fought for.”
Other major sponsors of the Festival and the Museum include Hoefle Phoenix Gormley & Roberts, P.A. Attorneys at Law, Two International Group, AutoFair, Geico, Service Credit Union and New Hampshire State Council on the Arts. Additional support is provided by RiverWoods and The Farm at Eastman’s Corner.
To learn more about the American Independence Festival on July 16, 2016, or to purchase tickets, click HERE.
