by rob | Oct 30, 2017 | Partnerships
Presented by People’s United Bank, the American Independence Museum’s Educational Lecture series continues in the coming weeks with two exciting free talks.
At the museum’s next Lunch and Learn, “Secrets of the American Independence Museum: Collection Close-Up,” on Tuesday, November 7 at Folsom Tavern, Museum Curator Rachel Passannante will discuss their vast collection.
“We have over 3,000 artifacts and objects here with many of them not part of our regular exhibits,” she said. “This is a chance to learn more about some of our most interesting items and the stories behind them.”
“Secrets of the American Independence Museum: Collection Close-Up” will take place at the museum’s Folsom Tavern in Exeter on November 7 from 12 noon to 1 pm with attendees encouraged to bring their lunch.
On Thursday, November 16 from 7 pm to 8 pm at Folsom Tavern, the museum will host a Tavern Talk entitled “Your Most Important Role in a Democracy: Thinking for Yourself” with UNH Professor Vanessa Druscat. At this talk, she will discuss the nature of democracy as well as the notion that social science demonstrates that majorities make better decisions than those made by individuals.
Expressing appreciation at presenting sponsor People’s United Bank, which has participated in several previous lectures, museum Executive Director said these talks are aimed at laypeople with an interest in history.
“These talks are for everyone,” she said. “They are informative and fun. They represent our way to engage the community with history in creative ways.”
Due to limited space, email [email protected] to pre-register for a seat, although pre-registration is not required. There is no cost to attend these lectures. To learn more about the museum, visit www.independencemuseum.org.
by rob | Oct 24, 2017 | Partnerships
Part of the American Independence Museum in downtown Exeter, Folsom Tavern will welcome more than 100 visitors on December 1 at its Annual Holiday Celebration, which will be presented by The Provident Bank.
Featuring a silent auction, costumed re-enactors, live music and more, this year’s annual event kicks off a weekend in which the museum’s Folsom Tavern will remain open. The weekend’s festivities conclude on Sunday, as Folsom Tavern is part of Womenade of Greater Squamscott’s Holiday Home Tour for the first time.
“Folsom Tavern will be professionally decorated for the holidays—it will be stunning,” said museum Executive Director Emma Bray, who credited The Provident Bank’s support as “critical” to the weekend’s anticipated success.
“We are so grateful to partner with The Provident Bank to present a first-class holiday experience for visitors,” she added. “We look forward to exploring this partnership in the coming months.”
Will Waltrip, senior relationship manager at The Provident Bank, said he believes the museum’s educational programs enrich both local schools and inspire active citizenship. He said the museum reminds him of where he grew up as a child in Rowley, MA.
“The variety of programs that the American Independence Museum produces goes well beyond encouraging people to learn fun facts about American history,” he said. “They are urging locals to understand the historical value of their town and how investing in it can continue its rich history.”
For Bray, the value of their partnership extends well beyond that of a monetary exchange.
“Will has been to nearly every event we have hosted this year,” she said. “He and the bank have taken a meaningful look into what we are doing and have spoken with us at great length about our mission and vision here. Our strategies are aligned, which makes this partnership so special.”
Expressing enthusiasm at the partnership, Waltrip said their support of the museum reflects The Provident Bank’s overall giving strategy to help strengthen the communities served by their branches.
“By donating to the museum, it allows them to offer more programming and bring in more people to the Exeter community who will probably spend time shopping and eating in town…This contributes to the entire economic ecosystem.”
To learn more about the museum, or the upcoming event schedule, visit www.independencemuseum.org.
by rob | Oct 23, 2017 | Beer for History
On Thursday, October 12, a large crowd could be seen spilling out of Folsom Tavern in Exeter with visitors eager to experience the final event of the annual Beer for History series for 2017.
“We had an incredible turnout—and we welcomed a lot of younger people, which was great to see,” said museum Executive Director Emma Bray. “Our Tavern Scavenger Hunt was a big hit, too. Lexie’s had their food truck parked outside and Granite State Growler Tours was there—it was a fun evening.”
Sponsored by Hoefle Phoenix Gormley & Roberts, P.A. Attorneys at Law, Beer for History featured one local brewery at each of the three events with Neighborhood Beer Co. followed by 7th Settlement Brewery and most recently Earth Eagle Brewings.
“From our wonderful sponsor to the brewers who donated the beer and volunteered their time, our second annual Beer for History series was a great success,” added Bray. “We are very thankful that this community event continues to grow and we look forward to an even more successful series in 2018.”
Kevin Baum of Hoefle Phoenix Gormley & Roberts, P.A. Attorneys at Law said he is also enthused at the continued growth of the series, which he believes helps to highlight Exeter’s “rich cultural heritage.”
“This is a rich, vibrant community that has a lot to offer people of all ages,” he said. “Located in the center of this historic downtown, the museum serves as the gateway to all this town has to offer.”
Held at the museum’s Folsom Tavern in Exeter, Beer for History featured craft brews, hors d’oeuvres, games, and more. Founded in 1991, the nonprofit American Independence Museum features living history exhibits and a large collection that includes one of 26 surviving copies of the Declaration of Independence and two rare drafts of the U.S. Constitution.
by rob | Oct 20, 2017 | Uncategorized
Recently, Service Credit Union renewed their longstanding partnership with the American Independence Museum with an investment of $5,000 to support its Traveling Trunk program, which delivers an experiential learning opportunity into the classroom. As a result of Service Credit Union’s support, school districts throughout New Hampshire will have access to the program at no cost for the remainder of the 17/18 school year.
Museum Executive Director Emma Bray referred to Service Credit Union’s support as “a huge boost.”
“This is an incredible opportunity for us to extend learning outside our museum walls and engage students in the subject of history,” she said. “We are so thankful for Service Credit Union’s partnership.”
In electing to sponsor the Traveling Trunk program, David Van Rossum, President/CEO of Service Credit Union, said he believes in the larger vision of the museum, which is to encourage civic engagement in all citizens.
“This is an important program that will get students thinking about American history, the factors that led to the Revolutionary War, why it happened,” he said. “The biggest thing is that it will encourage discussion among students and a deeper understanding of what our freedoms mean today.”
As for the educational rationale behind the program, Bray said it reflects the 4 ‘Cs’ of 21st century learning, which are collaboration, communication, critical thinking and creativity.
“These are the skills that are required in today’s world—and the subject of history can help develop them in today’s students,” she said
In the trunk, students will be able to access more than 70 high-quality replica items, while teachers will be guided by a curriculum designed by the museum.
“The objective behind the program is to encourage research, judgments on the accuracy and reliability of sources, and a deeper awareness of multiple perspectives,” added Bray. “History is a lot more than memorizing dates.”
In addition to educating 5th through 8th grade students—although the curriculum can be modified to suit younger persons—the program also provides free family passes to the museum.
“We want to actively engage the whole family—and what better way to do that then to get them here for a tour?” noted Bray, who said both organizations share a core value.
“We both believe in serving our communities—and that belief drives us both,” she added. “We are very excited and thankful at this opportunity to educate students and families on the importance of Revolutionary history and its relevance to today.”
Currently, the Traveling Trunk program is at Little Harbour School in Portsmouth.
by rob | Oct 17, 2017 | Events
A family-friendly event, Ghosts of Winter Street Cemetery provides visitors with the opportunity to learn about some of Exeter’s most famous residents from the colonial period with emphasis on the Folsom and Gilman families. Taking place at Winter Street Cemetery on Saturday, October 21 at the intersection of Winter Street, Front Street [Rt.111] and Railroad Avenue in Exeter, the event will feature costumed re-enactors.
“You will meet a sailor, tavern owners and more,” said Victoria Su, event manager at the museum. “It’s informative and fun—and all the re-enactor ‘ghosts’ will share details of their lives in and around Exeter in the 1700s. “You can ask them questions and chat with them. It’s a very unique experience.”
According to Su, 45-minute tours will take place at 1:00 pm, 1:30 pm, 2:00 pm and 2:30 pm. The cost is $10.00 for non-members, $7.00 for non-member children, ages 6-18. Members are $5.00 and $3.00 members’ children, ages 6-18. All children under the age of 6 are free.
A new twist to this year’s event is that admission to Ghosts of Winter Street Cemetery also provides access to the museum’s Ladd-Gilman House at One Governor’s Lane in Exeter.
To purchase tickets online, visit www.independencemuseum.org. For more information, call (603) 772-2622, or email or [email protected].
