by emma | Apr 10, 2019 | Events
This spring, perimeter excavation will begin outside the Ladd-Gilman House (c.1721) at the American Independence Museum, work that will kick off a number of projects to rehabilitate its structure.
“For many years, the Ladd-Gilman House has suffered from water infiltration from an old roof, a deteriorating foundation and other deferred maintenance issues,” explained museum Executive Director Emma Bray.
Such issues, she noted, compromise the building’s internal environment, which jeopardizes some of the museum’s “most rare and delicate artifacts.”
“In our effort to better care for our historic building and our 3,000 objects housed in it, we must address the moisture getting into our building,” she said.
The complete scope of the project includes archaeology, perimeter excavation and regrading, foundation repointing, repair of a modern stone retaining wall, restoration of rotten sills and the addition of storm doors.
In addition to an $80,000 grant award from New Hampshire’s Land and Community Heritage Investment Program (LCHIP), the museum received support from other sources, including $20,000 from the Samuel P. Hunt Foundation and $10,000 from the William W. Treat Foundation. “LCHIP and several very generous matching donor partners have made our day,” noted Ozzie Ayscue, president of the museum’s Board of Governors. “This grant puts a literal foundation under the 1721 Ladd-Gilman House and American Independence Museum collection and a figurative one under a spirited and forward-looking organization.”
Expressing thanks for “the financial contribution of many,” Bray said the project is particularly important given the upcoming 300th anniversary of the Ladd-Gilman House and 30th anniversary of the museum, both occurring in 2021.
“As stewards of this property, it is most fitting that we undertake this work to ensure the long term integrity of this house,” she said.
Home of the State Treasurer for New Hampshire and State Treasury from 1785 to 1789, the Ladd-Gilman House also served as home of the Granite State’s fifth Governor beginning in 1794. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Properties.
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 | Apr 2, 2019 | Events
On Saturday, April 20, the American Independence Museum will host “Using DNA in Your Family History Research,” the first of 4 workshops in its Genealogy Workshop Series, sponsored by the William W. Treat Foundation.
In this initial workshop, presented by the New England Historic Genealogical Society (NEHGS), attendees will learn how DNA testing, which is becoming increasingly popular, can be used as a tool in genealogical research.
“The goal of the workshop is to explain the tests, show people what tools are available for research, and how to use them to identify ancestors and previously unknown relatives,” said the museum’s Victoria Su.
Each workshop in the series will feature experts from NEHGS, founded in 1845 and the nation’s leading resource for family history research.
At the workshops, which take place at the museum’s Folsom Tavern in Exeter from 1-4 pm, attendees are encouraged to bring laptops and tablets. Other workshops in the series take place on June 8, September 21 and November 16.
Individual workshop fees are $20 for museum/NEHGS members and $30 for ‘not-yet’ members. Series tickets are $70 for museum/NEHGS members and $100 for ‘not-yet’ members. Tickets are available for purchase online.
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 | Mar 28, 2019 | story time
On Thursday, April 4, the American Independence Museum in Exeter will host Revolutionary Story Time!, an enrichment program that brings children, ages 3 to 5, and their families onto its one-acre campus for free entertainment.
“Our costumed re-enactor tells stories and sings songs–it’s a program that often sees some older kids, too,” said the museum’s Victoria Su.
After the 30+ minute program, parent-supervised playtime includes , imaginary play, colonial games, and period dress-up.
The program takes place from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Folsom Tavern, 164 Water Street in Exeter, NH. 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.
“We want families to see our space as theirs,” added Su. “Revolutionary Story Time! is a great gateway into the museum.”
Revolutionary Story Time! takes place the first Thursday of each month through December. 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.
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 | Mar 26, 2019 | Exhibits
With the 2019 season just around the proverbial corner–opening day is May 1–American Independence Museum staff are hard at work developing a full calendar of programs and events, but they are not alone.
“Volunteers work alongside staff in so many areas of our operation,” said Emma Bray, executive director. “We could not do what we do without their time and expertise.”
Some volunteers, such as Bill Jennison, work as tour guides.
“It is not everyday you get to come to an historic town and work within a 300-year-old building and interact with people and rare objects,” he said. “I consider it a privilege to come and work here.”
Rachel Passannante, collections and visitor services manager, said Jennison has additionally taken on the role of general handyman.
“Bill has been incredibly reliable,” she said. “His personality is infectious and he always makes the day enjoyable. He absolutely loves history, and I am glad we can be an outlet for him and other guides to share their knowledge and love of history.”
For Jennison, who lives in Exeter, there is no other place where he would want to spend his free time.
“Seeing the staff working at making this place run and it succeeding is great,” he said.“It’s a great environment with great people.”
Bray added, “Volunteers provide so much value to the museum. Great people like Bill help energize staff, too.”
The American Independence Museum features more than 3,000 items in its collection, including one of only 26 surviving copies of the Dunlap Broadside of the Declaration of Independence.
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 | Mar 20, 2019 | Uncategorized
On any given day in the summer, the American Independence Museum in Exeter welcomes dozens of visitors, including youth who participate in lively engaging programs with costumed re-enactors.
“Our Revolutionary Kids Summer Camp provides kids with a fun, interactive learning experience,” said Education Manager Abigail Pietrantonio. “It’s fun for kids to interact with colonial re-enactors and experience life as an 18th century resident of Exeter. It is a unique program.”
It is a program that also resonates with parents, including Mary Ann Cappiello, whose daughter Ella participated in the program for two years before volunteering her time for the past two years.
“She came to camp because she loved all the hands-on learning experiences and wearing 18th century clothing, but it also definitely helped deepen her knowledge and her love of history,” she said.
This love of history, she said, is crucial given the marginalization of social studies education at the elementary level.
“I want to do something about that,” said Cappiello, who noted she herself has become involved in the museum by serving on its education committee.
“[It] connects me with other local educators who care about history and want to help the museum make a difference in the lives of community members and visitors from all over the world,” she added.
Expressing excitement at the museum’s summer camp in 2019, Pietrantonio said she hopes Ella’s experience can entice others between the ages of 9 and 11.
“It’s a fun program that enables kids to step back in time and really use their imaginations,” she said.
The American Independence Museum features more than 3,000 items in its collection, including one of only 26 surviving copies of the Dunlap Broadside of the Declaration of Independence.
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 also 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.
