The site of many American Independence Museum programs, Folsom Tavern (c. 1775) will undergo a transformation in 2020 with the creation of the Foy Family Children’s Library.
Featuring curated books, seating for children, activity table and more, the Foy Family Children’s Library is made possible by a gift from Jeff and Melissa Foy of East Kingston.
According to Jeff Foy, who has supported the museum for years as co-owner of Foy Insurance, the gift ensures “there will be a permanent place for kids at the museum.”
“My wife Melissa was an elementary school librarian before retiring and I have always loved history, so we saw a chance to combine both our passions and make a lasting impact here,” he said. “We are thrilled to be part of the museum and this project.”
In addition to a dedicated space for a children’s library, the gift will enable the museum to upgrade its entire Children’s Room, which will include high-quality games, clothes, toys and more.
“This library and space is part of a larger initiative to transform our campus into an inviting space for local community members and visitors to Exeter,” said Emma Stratton, museum Executive Director. “We are very thankful for this gift.”
Noting work will begin sometime in February or March, the Foy Family Children’s Library is expected to be complete and open for the start of the American Independence Museum’s 2020 season on May 1.
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.
The site of many American Independence Museum programs, Folsom Tavern (c. 1775) will undergo a transformation in 2020 with the creation of the Foy Family Children’s Library.
Featuring curated books, seating for children, activity table and more, the Foy Family Children’s Library is made possible by a gift from Jeff and Melissa Foy of East Kingston.
According to Jeff Foy, who has supported the museum for years as co-owner of Foy Insurance, the gift ensures “there will be a permanent place for kids at the museum.”
“My wife Melissa was an elementary school librarian before retiring and I have always loved history, so we saw a chance to combine both our passions and make a lasting impact here,” he said. “We are thrilled to be part of the museum and this project.”
In addition to a dedicated space for a children’s library, the gift will enable the museum to upgrade its entire Children’s Room, which will include high-quality games, clothes, toys and more.
“This library and space is part of a larger initiative to transform our campus into an inviting space for local community members and visitors to Exeter,” said Emma Stratton, museum Executive Director. “We are very thankful for this gift.”
Noting work will begin sometime in February or March, the Foy Family Children’s Library is expected to be complete and open for the start of the American Independence Museum’s 2020 season on May 1.
About the American Independence Museum The American Independence Museum is a history museum in Exeter, NH that features a collection of 3,000 historic artifacts that shed light on the American Revolution. Many of our programs touch on civics and the fight for independence, while we incorporate inclusivity and diversity into the experiences we create on-site and in digital formats. We feature a variety of things to do for people of all ages, including festivals, an historic tavern, guided tours and our annual American Independence Festival.
Supplying food for each of the Series’ five events, Sea Dog Brewing is expected to bring three beers, each of which are only available hyper-locally. Exeter River Red is an Irish Red Ale in which the grain bill has been enhanced to give it greater complexity; Newington Abbey Ale, a traditional Belgium Trappist Abbey Ale; and Merrimac Valley Cream Ale is a lighter smoother beer that utilized corn in addition to barley to give it a more creamy quality.
In addition to craft brew and beer, the event will feature live colonial-inspired music and entertainment. Each event in the Series take place in historic Folsom Tavern (1775), which is one of two structures on the property of the American Independence Museum, which organizes it.
“This is a chance to have a beer where George Washington had one in 1789,” said Series Organizer Victoria Su. “It’s festive, fun and family-friendly.”
Other events in the Series include Tilton Brothers Brewing (11/7) and Bad Lab Beer Co. (11/21).
“The series is even more enjoyable because it features brewers deeply invested in the community,” added Su. “By supporting us and them, you support Exeter and surrounding towns while having a great night out.”
Proceeds from the event support educational programming and care of the museum’s collection, which includes two working drafts of the US Constitution and an original copy of the Declaration of Independence.
Tickets for each Beer for History event are $15 for members and $20 for non-members, while youth (under 21) are $3. Ticket prices include beer (21+), entertainment and light snacks. $10 designated driver tickets are also available.
To purchase tickets, or learn more about Beer for History, visit independencemuseum.org.
About the American Independence Museum The American Independence Museum is a history museum in Exeter, NH that features a collection of 3,000 historic artifacts that shed light on the American Revolution. Many of our programs touch on civics and the fight for independence, while we incorporate inclusivity and diversity into the experiences we create on-site and in digital formats. We feature a variety of things to do for people of all ages, including festivals, an historic tavern, guided tours and our annual American Independence Festival.
On Wednesday, October 23 at the first of two workshops in the American Independence Museum’s Huzzah Family Workshop Series, presented by Harman Law Offices, participants will create an historically accurate colonial salad.
In addition to making a salad, participants will also learn about urban foraging today from Leslie Stevens, a UNHCE Master Gardener, Natural Resources Steward, and owner of Sturgeon Creek Farm in Eliot, Maine. Currently on the boards of Seacoast Permaculture and Seacoast Eat Local, Stevens has taught children and their families to grow food for more than 10 years.
“This is a chance to discover how America’s early colonists used a variety of grown and harvested greens, including herbs and flowers, to create delicious salads,” said museum Executive Director Emma Stratton. “We feel this will be very popular with people of all ages.”
Advanced registration is encouraged, while participants may also elect to upgrade and pre-buy dinner prepared by Laney & Lu, or bring their own picnic to enjoy.
“This workshop is all about local food, so we are so thankful to have Laney & Lu join us,” added Stratton.
At the second workshop of the Series, families will make colonial cole slaw, which would have been made with vinegar, and discover various methods of food preservation for the winter months.
To register for Huzzah! Family Workshop: Colonial Salad, which takes place in the museum’s Folsom Tavern from 5 p.m. to 7p.m. on Wednesday, October 23, visit independencemuseum.org.
About the American Independence Museum The American Independence Museum is a history museum in Exeter, NH that features a collection of 3,000 historic artifacts that shed light on the American Revolution. Many of our programs touch on civics and the fight for independence, while we incorporate inclusivity and diversity into the experiences we create on-site and in digital formats. We feature a variety of things to do for people of all ages, including festivals, an historic tavern, guided tours and our annual American Independence Festival.
On Saturday, October 26, the American Independence Museum will host “Ghosts of Folsom Tavern and Winter Street Cemetery Tour.”
The tour will begin at Folsom Tavern where Colonel & Mrs. Folsom will introduce guests to their 1775 home and business. Guests will also have the opportunity to meet Elizabeth Ewer, a 19th century spiritualist who lived in the tavern. Participants will then walk or drive to Winter Street Cemetery to meet their colonial tour guide, who will reveal the Folsoms’ final resting place and discuss the graves of many of Exeter’s famous and infamous revolutionary residents.
“This is autumnal-themed, non-scary fun during the Halloween season that is appropriate for all ages,” noted the museum’s Victoria Su, who organizes the event.
Among Exeter’s earliest settlers, the Folsoms arrived with the Gilman family with whom they were related. The history of both families–and that of Exeter and its role in the Revolutionary War–feature prominently in the exhibits and collection at the American Independence Museum.
Ghosts of Folsom Tavern and Winter Street Cemetery Tour will take place on Saturday, October 26 from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. in Folsom Tavern with Winter Street Cemetery tours every 30 minutes beginning at 4 p.m. through 5:30 p.m. Cemetery tours will last approximately 45 minutes and guests attending the later two tours are encouraged to bring flashlights.
The cost is $13 for non-members and $10 for non-member children, ages 6-18. Members are $8 and members’ children, ages 6-18, are $5. All children under the age of 6 are free.
Ticket prices include a visit to the museum day of the event (must visit Ladd-Gilman House before 3:30pm), activities and check in at Folsom Tavern with seasonal refreshments and cemetery tour.
About the American Independence Museum The American Independence Museum is a history museum in Exeter, NH that features a collection of 3,000 historic artifacts that shed light on the American Revolution. Many of our programs touch on civics and the fight for independence, while we incorporate inclusivity and diversity into the experiences we create on-site and in digital formats. We feature a variety of things to do for people of all ages, including festivals, an historic tavern, guided tours and our annual American Independence Festival.
