by emma | May 29, 2019 | Events
On Saturday, June 15 from 10 am to 4 pm, the American Independence Museum, Historic New England’s Gilman Garrison House, and Exeter Historical Society will be open for free.
At the American Independence Museum, visitors can take self-guided and docent-led tours on a first come, first served basis with colonial games outside, weather permitting. Gilman Garrison House will offer guided tours on the hour, while Exeter Historical Society will host an open house and offer guided walking tours of historic downtown Exeter at 11 am and 1 pm.
“This is the first time in recent memory that the three sites have collaborated for a town-wide event and celebration of Exeter’s unique history,” said Emma Bray, executive director of the American Independence Museum. “We are very excited to offer this opportunity to NH residents.”
Home to a world-class collection of 3,000 historic artifacts, the American Independence Museum welcomes more than 5,000 visitors annually and offers educational school programs and events that make history fun and relevant.
Built in 1709 by the Gilman family, the Gilman Garrison House is an unusual structure, featuring walls constructed of massive sawn logs, a pulley above the main entrance, and view ports that reveal its architectural evolution.
The Exeter Historical Society offers regular programs of local historical interest and is a repository for documents, maps, photos, artifacts and other ephemera pertaining to Exeter, New Hampshire.
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.
by emma | May 23, 2019 | Events
While many can claim their ancestors served our nation, much less is likely known about their service, which is the subject of the next workshop in the American Independence Museum’s Genealogy Workshop Series.
Presented in partnership with the New England Historic Genealogical Society (NEHGS), the workshop takes place on Saturday, June 8 from 1 to 4 pm in the museum’s Folsom Tavern.
At the workshop, entitled “Researching Veteran Ancestors: American Civil War, World War I, and World War II,” David Allen Lambert, chief NEHGS genealogist, will provide practical tools, tips, and strategies to research veteran ancestors.
“The New England Historic Genealogical Society is the foremost authority in this kind of research,” said museum Executive Director Emma Bray. “This is your chance to learn from and speak with a leading expert and researcher.”
Upcoming workshops include “Researching Early New England Ancestry” (9/21) and “Writing Your Family History: Taking the First Steps” (11/16).
Individual workshop fees are $20 for museum and NEHGS members and $30 for ‘not-yet’ members. Reservations are required.
The museum’s Genealogy Workshop Series is sponsored by the William W. Treat Foundation.
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.
by emma | May 16, 2019 | Exhibits
Building on the success of last year’s series, the American Independence Museum will host three Architecture Tours in 2019, scheduled for May 29, June 13, and September 24.
A ‘behind the scenes’ look at the ca. 1721 Ladd-Gilman House and ca. 1775 Folsom Tavern, the Architecture Tour provides insight into the evolution of both buildings, respective decorative styles and architectural features.
“There is so much history behind these structures that we thought it would be fun to take people into areas of the buildings you won’t find on a standard tour,” said museum Executive Director Emma Bray.
Among many interesting historical footnotes, the Ladd-Gilman House was home to NH’s fifth Governor, John Taylor Gilman, who served in such capacity for a total of 14 years from 1794 to 1816. In 1985, a Dunlap Broadside, the first official printing of the Declaration of Independence, was re-discovered in its attic.
Originally built in the center of downtown Exeter where Me & Ollie’s exists today, Folsom Tavern is now “down the hill” from the Ladd-Gilman House and boasts a unique history of its own. In addition to where the New Hampshire Chapter of the Society of the Cincinnati was founded in 1783, Folsom Tavern welcomed George Washington in 1789 where he “partook in a collation” served by the Folsom family.
The Architecture Tour will take place from 10:30 am to 12 pm on Wednesday, May 29, Thursday, June 13, and Tuesday September 24.
Due to the historic nature of both buildings, they are not handicap accessible. Tickets are $10 for non-members and $5 for members.
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.
by emma | May 15, 2019 | story time
With its Traveling Trunk program criss-crossing the nation in its mission to educate youth, the American Independence Museum has made “impressive progress” locally with Revolutionary Story Time!, presented by Exeter Hospital.
Designed for kids, ages 3 to 5, and their families, the series is free and is helping to create what museum Executive Director Emma Bray described as “a third community space.”
“We have a great space for kids and families, and this series helps to open up our property to others who might not know much about us,” she said. “Revolutionary Story Time! is free and accessible to all in our local communities.”
The next Revolutionary Story Time! takes place on Thursday, June 6 from 2 to 4 pm during which time children are entertained by books, live music and stories.
After the initial 30 minute story time, families are invited to “stay and play” for parent-supervised playtime, which includes imaginary play, colonial games and period dress-up.
“It is so much fun to see kids and their families here for this program,” added Bray. “I’m thrilled we can partner with Exeter Hospital to provide this space at no charge to families.”
Due to the historical nature of the Tavern, strollers are not encouraged, as the building is not handicapped accessible. Reservations are accepted but not required.
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.
by emma | May 10, 2019 | Events
Sponsored by People’s United Bank, the 2019 Lecture Series kicks off on Wednesday, May 15 at 6:30 pm at the American Independence Museum’s Folsom Tavern.
Entitled “Moved and Seconded: Town Meeting in New Hampshire, the Present, the Past, and the Future,” this first lecture will be led by Rebecca Rule, who has hosted “The New Hampshire Authors Series” on NHPTV.
“At the lecture, people will hear many interesting stories of the rituals, traditions, and history of town meeting,” said Emma Bray, museum executive director. “Town meetings are unique to New England, so this is a neat chance to hear about the perennial characters, literature, humor, and wisdom of this uniquely New England institution.”
Open for the 2019 season, the American Independence Museum features a collection that is particular interest to active military and veterans, both groups recently granted free admission this year courtesy of Chinburg Properties.
“Our collection helps tell the story of how our nation was founded and the sacrifices of our nation’s first military,” said museum Executive Director Emma Bray. “Anyone who has ever served will find our collection and the stories behind many of our objects especially interesting.”
In addition to active military and veterans, the gift from Chinburg Properties enables their families to take tours and access programs and events at no charge in 2019.
“We have worked very hard this offseason to modernize aspects of our exhibits, which will better engage people of all ages and learning styles,” said Bray. “Chinburg Properties is helping us reach people who may not otherwise know about us or be able to visit.”
For Jennifer Chinburg of Chinburg Properties, the investment in the museum directly benefits the surrounding communities.
“From their collection to education programs and family events, we believe in what the museum is doing in our communities,” she said. “We are honored to be able to support their work in the community as well as the sacrifices made by active military, veterans and their families.”
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.
