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.
by emma | May 6, 2019 | Events
On Friday, May 10, the American Independence Museum in Exeter will host its popular Homeschool Day: Colonial Living Days for homeschool students.
In the 90-minute program, students of all ages will learn from 18th century re-enactors who will each provide glimpses into various facets of everyday colonial life.
Some examples of activities may include: learning about the wardrobe of a colonial child; trying out some colonial games; discussing the day in the life of a militia man or writing with a quill pen.
“This program has seen much success over the past few years and we’re excited to continue providing home school families with enrichment opportunities at our museum,” said Education Manager Abigail Pietrantonio.
Homeschool Day: Colonial Living Days will take place on Friday, May 10 from 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm at the museum’s Folsom Tavern in downtown Exeter. The cost is $5 for adults, $8 for students and free for children 2 and under. Pre-registration is required and space is limited.
by emma | May 1, 2019 | Events
Featuring live music, colonial-inspired beer, food trucks, games for kids, traditional artisans, art and craft fair, and colonial battle re-enactments, the 29th Annual American Independence Festival on Saturday, July 13 will delight people of all ages.
“This a fun and unique family festival that showcases not only the wonderful community of Exeter and the greater Seacoast, but talent from across the region,” said museum Executive Director Emma Bray. “Our art and craft fair alone brings in top vendors from New Hampshire Made and throughout region.”
For those interested in American colonial history, the festival features a working Artisans’ Village, sponsored by the New Hampshire State Council on the Arts.
“It’s a chance to interact with artisans who create items with the same tools and techniques as the colonial craftspeople who would have lived and worked in the area,” said the museum’s Victoria Su, who organizes the event.
Featuring colonial-inspired beer and beer garden outside the museum’s Folsom Tavern (c.1775) in which George Washington once enjoyed a libation, the festival also includes an original copy of a Dunlap Broadside printing of the Declaration of Independence. One of just 26 known to still exist, the Declaration of Independence will be available for viewing on just this one day.
“It is always very special and exciting to have the Declaration on view during the Festival. ,” said Bray, who noted visitors may also see two original working drafts of the US Constitution. “Being up close with these important founding documents is a wonderful way for guests to connect to the history of New Hampshire’s and nation’s Revolutionary history.” For Florence Ruffner of Ruffner Real Estate, which is sponsoring the parade with George Washington that marches through the center of historic downtown Exeter, the festival is unlike any event in the region.
“It is such a wonderful festival and perfect for families,” she said. “I think Exeter is a beautiful, dynamic town, and this event really showcases it for locals and tourists.”
In total, more than 4,000 visitors are expected to descend upon downtown Exeter, which includes numerous shops and restaurants that remain open during the festival. Just one hour north of Boston and one hour southwest of Portland, Maine, Exeter is accessible from both locations by train.
Tickets for the festival, which takes place on Saturday, July 13, are $10 for adults; $5 for ages 6 to 18; and free for children under 6, active and retired military, veterans, and Museum members.
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.
The museum is a member of the 17-member NH Heritage Museum Trail, which connects the public with culturally rich heritage institutions in New Hampshire. For more information about the NH Heritage Museum Trail, visit nhmuseumtrail.org.
