exeter nh - American Independence Museum

RiverWoods Exeter renews partnership with AIM

by ion | Jun 8, 2022 | Events, Family Friendly, Festival, Living History, Partnerships

RiverWoods Exeter, a nationally-accredited charitable not-for-profit continuing care retirement community, will sponsor the 32nd American Independence Festival on Saturday, July 16. Presented by the American Independence Museum, the festival features a Traditional Artisans Village, historic reenactors, activities, and the opportunity to view one of 26 remaining copies of an original print of the Declaration of Independence.

Regarding the sponsorship, Interim Executive Director Jennifer Carr referred to RiverWoods Exeter as “an integral part of this annual festival.” “They have been part of this festival for years, so it’s wonderful to have them contribute again to a celebration of our nation’s history and the Exeter community,” she said.

Referring to the festival as “one of the most unique and truly special summer celebrations offered on the Seacoast,” Deb Riddell, Executive Director of RiverWoods Exeter, said they are “thrilled” to again support it. She said supporting the festival stems from RiverWoods Exeter’s founders, two Seacoast area women who wove a commitment to the local community into the fabric of their founding principles

“RiverWoods Exeter is not just a business located within the borders of the town,” she explained. “We are a neighborhood of nearly 600 engaged citizens, many of whom are active in the local community and care deeply about the Town of Exeter. They volunteer locally in many capacities, and feel a sense of civic duty and pride about our town.”

According to Carr, inspiring civic duty is one of the primary objectives of the museum itself. “We want visitors of any age to walk away from the festival, or any event or program here, and consider more deeply their responsibility as citizens,” she said. “A democracy works better when its citizens are engaged.”

To learn more about the 32nd annual American Independence Festival, visit https://www.independencemuseum.org/AIMstaging/american-independence-festival/.

About the American Independence Museum

Located in Exeter, NH, the American Independence Museum features a rare collection of historic artifacts that shed light on the Revolutionary War. Examples of popular items in our exhibits include a dragoon pistol, brown bess musket, and 18th century powder horn. Many of our programs offer insight into civic duties, civic engagement and civic responsibility, while we also feature a variety of things to do in NH, such as camps for kids, festivals, summer festival, reenactments, and homeschool programs. Perfect for a day trip or weekend trips, we believe in inclusivity and inclusive history and the spirit behind the phrase, ‘we the people’.

A Fond Farewell to AIM Executive Director

by ion | May 20, 2022 | Governance

After five years of inspirational leadership, American Independence Museum Executive Director Emma Stratton will be leaving as of Friday, May 20, to pursue a new professional opportunity.

Under her directorship, the American Independence Museum grew tremendously. The museum expanded their public programming and digital presence, especially on social media, during her time as Executive Director. Her leadership was the driving force behind improvements to the museum’s historic properties and a major groundworks project to create a community-oriented museum campus.

In a direct address to the museum community, Stratton said, “I want to thank you all for your tremendous support over my five years at the museum. You have helped us grow in unimaginable ways, despite the challenges COVID presented.”

While the museum board begins the search for the next Executive Director, Collections Manager & Curator Jen Carr will serve as Acting Executive Director.

“As we look toward the future and the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, we are eager to build on Emma’s legacy by expanding our mission to share New Hampshire’s revolutionary past. We are excited for what lies ahead!” noted Carr.

The museum will continue to share information as the search progresses.

Learn more about the American Independence Museum, visit www.independencemuseum.org.

About the American Independence Museum

Located in Exeter, NH, the American Independence Museum features a rare collection of historic artifacts that shed light on the Revolutionary War. Examples of popular items in our exhibits include a dragoon pistol, brown bess musket, and 18th century powder horn. Many of our programs offer insight into civic duties, civic engagement and civic responsibility, while we also feature a variety of things to do in NH, such as camps for kids, festivals, summer festival, reenactments, and homeschool programs. Perfect for a day trip or weekend trips, we believe in inclusivity and inclusive history and the spirit behind the phrase, ‘we the people’.

Traveling Trunk Looking for a Lift in 2022/23 School Year

by ion | May 11, 2022 | For Kids, Free, Partnerships

Logging 18,350 miles and educating 520 secondary students throughout the U.S. in 2021, the Traveling Trunk program has been an educational staple at the American Independence Museum since 2016. Registration for the program for the 2022/23 school year opened on May 1.

Shipped throughout the U.S., the trunk contains 70+ high quality reproduction items that range from clothing to replica personal care items and games. Hands-on learning, noted Program Manager Sarah Jaworski, is the intent behind the program, which is offered at no charge to schools.

“Teachers are provided with suggestions and ideas on activities to go along with the curriculum,” she said.

While aimed toward students in the 3rd through 5th grade, the program’s curriculum is flexible and can be customized for all grade levels. Developed with initial seed funding from the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, the program relies on corporate funding to pay for associated shipping costs and replacement of replica educational items.

The only caveat with the upcoming school year, however, is the museum is currently looking for corporate support. “Shipping is the biggest expense along with the extra time needed to prepare a trunk to travel,” said Museum Executive Director Emma Stratton, who estimated the program’s annual costs at $5,000.

As for the benefits of sponsoring the trunk—either monthly or for an entire school year—Stratton said the program is unique in that it provides insight into New Hampshire’s colonial history. “This is a chance for students to learn more about not just New Hampshire, but Exeter’s status and role during the years leading up to and after the Revolutionary War.”

To learn more about the Traveling Trunk, including sponsorship opportunities, email Jaworski at [email protected], or visit independencemuseum.org.

About the American Independence Museum

Located in Exeter, NH, the American Independence Museum features a rare collection of historic artifacts that shed light on the Revolutionary War. Examples of popular items in our exhibits include a dragoon pistol, brown bess musket, and 18th century powder horn. Many of our programs offer insight into civic duties, civic engagement and civic responsibility, while we also feature a variety of things to do in NH, such as camps for kids, festivals, summer festival, reenactments, and homeschool programs. Perfect for a day trip or weekend trips, we believe in inclusivity and inclusive history and the spirit behind the phrase, ‘we the people’.

Members Evening

by ion | Apr 21, 2022

Invitation to a Members Only Event taking place May 12, 2022 5-7 p.m. at the American Independence Museum.

Date: Thursday, May 12
Time: 5-7 p.m.
Location: Ladd-Gilman Terrace
This event is members only

RSVP Now

The American Independence Museum invites our members to a special after hours event where they will have the opportunity to go on tours of the museum and celebrate the 2022 season opening over light refreshments.

About American Independence Museum

Located in Exeter, NH, the American Independence Museum features a rare collection of historic artifacts that shed light on the Revolutionary War. Examples of popular items in our exhibits include a dragoon pistol, brown bess musket, and 18th century powder horn. Many of our programs offer insight into civic duties, civic engagement and civic responsibility, while we also feature a variety of things to do in NH, such as camps for kids, festivals, summer festival, reenactments, and homeschool programs. Perfect for a day trip or weekend trips, we believe in inclusivity and inclusive history and the spirit behind the phrase, ‘we the people’.

American Independence Museum Welcomes New Board Members

by ion | Apr 14, 2022 | Governance

Along with preparations for the new open season, the American Independence Museum welcomed Joe Pace and Susan Parker to the Board of Governors.

Pace grew up in nearby Stratham, NH, and has been civically minded from an early age, serving as an Exeter Selectman beginning in 2000 at the age of 24, and currently continues to serve as a Selectman, this time for Kensington. Always interested in history, Pace holds a B.A. in History from the University of New Hampshire and taught 8th grade U.S. History at a private school in Maryland.

Another native Granite Stater, Parker has worked for both state and local government for 23 years, predominantly advocating for those with disabilities. She now spends her time engaged in local board service and pursuing her interests in historic preservation, genealogy and history.

Executive Director Emma Stratton noted, “The American Independence Museum looks forward to drawing on the expertise of these two talented individuals to further our museum mission of sharing the diverse stories of Revolutionary Era New Hampshire and continuing a strong tradition of civic engagement.”

About the American Independence Museum

Located in Exeter, NH, the American Independence Museum features a rare collection of historic artifacts that shed light on the Revolutionary War. Examples of popular items in our exhibits include a dragoon pistol, brown bess musket, and 18th century powder horn. Many of our programs offer insight into civic duties, civic engagement and civic responsibility, while we also feature a variety of things to do in NH, such as camps for kids, festivals, summer festival, reenactments, and homeschool programs. Perfect for a day trip or weekend trips, we believe in inclusivity and inclusive history and the spirit behind the phrase, ‘we the people’.