by rob | Nov 14, 2017 | Events
On Thursday, November 16 from 7 pm to 8 pm, UNH Professor Vanessa Druskat will present “Your Most Important Role in a Democracy: Thinking for Yourself” at the American Independence Museum’s Folsom Tavern. The lecture is the last in the museum’s 2017 Educational Lecture Series, which was presented in partnership with People’s United Bank.
In this lecture, Druskat will discuss numerous aspects related to the concept of democracy as well as how the ideal democratic system is often (and easily) influenced by forces and tactics that manipulate and alter the thinking of voters.
“This is a timely lecture that will explore propaganda and advertising and their roles today in current politics, which is also the subject of an exhibit here that runs through this month,” said museum Executive Director Emma Bray.
At the end of the lecture, a question and answer session will take place.
“We are so grateful to People’s United Bank for presenting this series and enabling us to offer each lecture at no charge to guests,” added Bray. “We hope people will join us for this interesting and free community event.”
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, which take place at Folsom Tavern, 164 Water Street in Exeter, NH.
by rob | Oct 31, 2017 | story time
On Thursday, November 2 from 9:30 am to 12 noon, the American Independence Museum in Exeter will host the final Revolutionary Story Time session for preschool age children in 2017.
Begun in May, the series is sponsored by Exeter Hospital. Taking place at the museum’s 1775 Folsom Tavern, Thursday’s program will include 90 minutes of playtime, crafts, colonial games, and opportunities to try on colonial outfits. Previous to playtime, a costumed re-enactor will tell stories and possibly sing colonial-themed music.
“It’s a fun way to invite the community to our beautiful property and have a little fun with history, too,” said the museum’s Victoria Su, who organized the series. “We are thankful at Exeter Hospital’s support of this year’s first Revolutionary Story Time series and look forward to offering more events like this in the future.”
Home to a world-class collection, including an original and rare copy of the Declaration of Independence, the museum welcomes more than 5,500 visitors annually.
To register for Revolutionary Story Time on Thursday, November 2 from 9:30 to 12 noon at Folsom Tavern, 164 Water Street in Exeter, email [email protected].
Reservations are suggested for this free program, although donations will be gladly accepted with proceeds to benefit the museum. Due to the historic nature of the tavern, strollers are not allowed.
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.
