by emma | Oct 3, 2018 | Partnerships
While ‘leverage’ is a key concept in the for-profit sector, it also explains how the American Independence Museum in Exeter develops corporate partnerships.
“We try to create opportunities to engage our sponsors in ways that benefit them both internally and externally,” said museum Executive Director Emma Bray. “It is why we call them ‘partnerships’ now rather than ‘sponsorships.’ It is not about asking for money. It is about working together for a common shared vision.”
For Bray, this shared vision is a vibrant, dynamic Exeter.
“This community is growing–from the work by TEAM to promote arts and culture to other organizations working for a brighter future, this is an exciting time for Exeter,” she said.
For Ruffner Real Estate’s Florence Ruffner, who has served on the museum’s board and financially supported the museum for years, a vibrant Exeter benefits everyone.
“I love this town and think we have a hidden gem here,” she said. “I believe this is a wonderful place to work and live. I think the museum is an important part of our continued growth.”
Karin Behrens-Bouvier, financial advisor with Edward Jones in Exeter, said she elected to support the museum because of her love of history.
“I was drawn to start my business here because of Exeter’s historical significance,” she said. “Supporting the museum seems like a great way to demonstrate my appreciation for its history.”
Jeff Foy of Foy Insurance said he appreciates the diversity of programming developed by the museum in recent years.
“It gets people into town to discover for themselves why all of us really love this town,” he said.
According to Bray, engaged corporate partners serve as the museum’s strongest “sales force.”
“It is one thing for us to advocate for our mission, but to have our partners do it for us is incredible,” she said.
This engagement with corporate partners sometimes creates entirely new programs.
“We are beginning to work with RiverWoods Exeter to create a volunteer program for their residents,” said Bray. “This is an outstanding opportunity for them and for us as an organization.”
Other partnerships help push programs over the proverbial top, which is the case with the museum’s Traveling Trunk program. Educating more than 500 kids in schools in the past academic school year alone, the program was initially funded by the NH Charitable Foundation and has since been supported by Service Credit Union.
“This Traveling Trunk program has been in Florida, New Jersey and places throughout the Northeast,” said Bray. “This experiential education program would not exist without our partners and Service Credit Union’s continued support.”
Entering its second year of partnership with the museum as a supporter of Revolutionary Story Time!, Exeter Hospital also supported the American Independence Festival this past July.
“Exeter Hospital has been great, as we have found a way to work together in programs and events that enhance the fabric of our community,” said Bray.
Other partners, like Bob Mitchell, not only invest financial resources through their businesses to support the museum, but substantial time.
“Bob is instrumental in our festival in July,” said Bray. “His vision literally helped to create our Traditional Artisans Village, which is now supported by the New Hampshire State Council on the Arts.”
The museum also offers a successful Lecture Series, which provides afternoon Lunch & Learns and evening Tavern Talks. The series has been presented by People’s United Bank for the past two years.
“They often attend our lectures and speak at them,” she said. “It is wonderful to create opportunities for our partners to speak directly with our members and visitors.”
As a result of a partnership with Chinburg Properties, the museum now offers free admission for veterans, active military and their families.
“Partnerships enhance our accessibility, program infrastructure and financial stability,” said Bray. “In return, we attract more people into town who in turn make investments of their own into the town’s economy…There is a business case for why museums can serve as a hub for a town–and I think we have that here in Exeter with support from our partners and donors.”
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 | Sep 27, 2018 | Beer for History
On Thursday, October 4, Earth Eagle Brewings of Portsmouth will pour its craft beer at the next Beer for History, which features a different brewer every other week at four different events through November 1.
Sponsored by Hoefle Phoenix Gormley & Roberts, P.A. Attorneys at Law, Beer for History takes place in Folsom Tavern (c.1775), an historic tavern in downtown Exeter that once served George Washington.
In addition to craft beer, Beer for History features music, light snacks and some form of historic entertainment, which may include colonial tavern games, colonial trivia, and/or escape room.
Proceeds from Beer for History benefit the American Independence Museum, which is home to Folsom Tavern and the Ladd-Gilman House (c.1721).
In an effort to spread community awareness of Beer for History and provide the public with a “taste” of the series, the museum will participate in a special history trivia night at Shooter’s Pub in Exeter on Thursday, September 27 at 7:30 pm.
Admission for Beer for History events, which take place form 6 to 8 pm, is $15 for members and $20 for non members. Ticket prices include beer (21+), entertainment, colonial tavern games, light snacks and more.
Throwback Brewery and von Trapp Brewing are the featured brewers for October 18 and November 1, respectively. Lexie’s Burger Bus will be present at every Beer for History except for 10/4.
by emma | Sep 27, 2018 | Events
At the next evening lecture at the American Independence Museum, Saint Anselm College students Sarah Hummel (2019) and Matthew Solomon (2020) will discuss an exhibit they designed at the New Hampshire Institute of Politics.
The exhibit, entitled “The American Precedents” provides insight into five precedents established by George Washington. Using archival material, they investigated how five precedents – the Inauguration, non-partisanship, reluctance in foreign relations, establishment of a Cabinet or series of advisers, and President’s role in the economy – have withstood the test of time.
In their lecture, they will discuss these precedents and the extent to which they were followed in the Clinton, Bush, Obama, and Trump administrations.
Presented by People’s United Bank, the evening Tavern Talk and afternoon Lunch & Learn series provides insight and analysis on subjects that touch on, yet extend far beyond, the Revolutionary War.
“This series reflects our 2018 theme of global perspective on the Revolutionary War, which helps demonstrate how colonial history is incredibly relevant to events today,” said museum Executive Director Emma Bray. “This latest lecture is fascinating and also connects our mission with research by emerging scholars.”
In addition to People’s United Bank, Tavern Talks are additionally supported by a Humanities-To-Go grant from the NH Humanities Council. Programs are free and open to the public.
“The American Precedents” takes place at 6:30 pm on Thursday, September 27 at Folsom Tavern, 164 Water Street, Exeter.
Home to a world-class collection of 3,000 historic artifacts, the museum welcomes more than 6,000 visitors annually and distinguishes itself with educational school programs and events that make history fun and relevant.
by emma | Sep 24, 2018 | Beer for History
After months of planning and preparation, the American Independence Museum is set to “tap” its first Beer for History event on Thursday, September 20 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
To celebrate this year’s 4-event series, which is presented by Hoefle Phoenix Gormley & Roberts, P.A. Attorneys at Law, the museum is offering the chance to win 2 tickets to the Exeter Powder Keg Beer & Chili Festival for anyone who purchases a series ticket on or before September 20.
Series tickets are $50 for members and $70 for non-members, while children (under 21) are $3. Tickets for individual events are $15 for members and $20 for non members. Ticket prices include beer (21+), entertainment, light snacks and more.
Each Beer for History event features a different brewer. Neighborhood Beer Co. kicks off the series on September 20 followed by Earth Eagle Brewings, Throwback Brewery and von Trapp Brewing on October 4, October 18 and November 1, respectively.
At each event, brewers will pour tastings of up to three different craft brews. Types of beer expected at the first event include Neighborhood Beer Co.’s Granite Acorn Autumn Lager and Mow Money Lawnmower IPA.
In addition to craft beer, Beer for History features music, light snacks and some form of historic entertainment, which may include colonial tavern games, colonial trivia, and/or escape room write Sambla. Lexie’s Burger Bus will be present at every Beer for History except for 10/4.
by emma | Sep 20, 2018 | Events
Through the years, many visitors would ask about the history behind the buildings on the American Independence Museum property, a curiosity that may be satiated at the next Architectural Tour on September 25.
A new offering in 2018, this tour provides visitors with glimpses into spaces at both the Ladd-Gilman House (c. 1721) and Folsom Tavern (c. 1775) that generally remain inaccessible to the public. The feedback from visitors, according to museum Executive Director Emma Bray, has been positive.
“These tours are engaging and take people behind-the-scenes into places like our attic and collections storage , all of which help tell the story of this museum and Exeter itself,” she said.
The tour will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, September 25 and begin at the Ladd-Gilman House. Due to the historic nature of the buildings, they are not handicap accessible.
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.
Tickets for the Architectural Tour are $10 for non-members and $5 for members. To purchase a ticket, visit www.independencemuseum.org.
