by rob | Oct 20, 2017 | Uncategorized
Recently, Service Credit Union renewed their longstanding partnership with the American Independence Museum with an investment of $5,000 to support its Traveling Trunk program, which delivers an experiential learning opportunity into the classroom. As a result of Service Credit Union’s support, school districts throughout New Hampshire will have access to the program at no cost for the remainder of the 17/18 school year.
Museum Executive Director Emma Bray referred to Service Credit Union’s support as “a huge boost.”
“This is an incredible opportunity for us to extend learning outside our museum walls and engage students in the subject of history,” she said. “We are so thankful for Service Credit Union’s partnership.”
In electing to sponsor the Traveling Trunk program, David Van Rossum, President/CEO of Service Credit Union, said he believes in the larger vision of the museum, which is to encourage civic engagement in all citizens.
“This is an important program that will get students thinking about American history, the factors that led to the Revolutionary War, why it happened,” he said. “The biggest thing is that it will encourage discussion among students and a deeper understanding of what our freedoms mean today.”
As for the educational rationale behind the program, Bray said it reflects the 4 ‘Cs’ of 21st century learning, which are collaboration, communication, critical thinking and creativity.
“These are the skills that are required in today’s world—and the subject of history can help develop them in today’s students,” she said
In the trunk, students will be able to access more than 70 high-quality replica items, while teachers will be guided by a curriculum designed by the museum.
“The objective behind the program is to encourage research, judgments on the accuracy and reliability of sources, and a deeper awareness of multiple perspectives,” added Bray. “History is a lot more than memorizing dates.”
In addition to educating 5th through 8th grade students—although the curriculum can be modified to suit younger persons—the program also provides free family passes to the museum.
“We want to actively engage the whole family—and what better way to do that then to get them here for a tour?” noted Bray, who said both organizations share a core value.
“We both believe in serving our communities—and that belief drives us both,” she added. “We are very excited and thankful at this opportunity to educate students and families on the importance of Revolutionary history and its relevance to today.”
Currently, the Traveling Trunk program is at Little Harbour School in Portsmouth.
by rob | Oct 17, 2017 | Events
A family-friendly event, Ghosts of Winter Street Cemetery provides visitors with the opportunity to learn about some of Exeter’s most famous residents from the colonial period with emphasis on the Folsom and Gilman families. Taking place at Winter Street Cemetery on Saturday, October 21 at the intersection of Winter Street, Front Street [Rt.111] and Railroad Avenue in Exeter, the event will feature costumed re-enactors.
“You will meet a sailor, tavern owners and more,” said Victoria Su, event manager at the museum. “It’s informative and fun—and all the re-enactor ‘ghosts’ will share details of their lives in and around Exeter in the 1700s. “You can ask them questions and chat with them. It’s a very unique experience.”
According to Su, 45-minute tours will take place at 1:00 pm, 1:30 pm, 2:00 pm and 2:30 pm. The cost is $10.00 for non-members, $7.00 for non-member children, ages 6-18. Members are $5.00 and $3.00 members’ children, ages 6-18. All children under the age of 6 are free.
A new twist to this year’s event is that admission to Ghosts of Winter Street Cemetery also provides access to the museum’s Ladd-Gilman House at One Governor’s Lane in Exeter.
To purchase tickets online, visit www.independencemuseum.org. For more information, call (603) 772-2622, or email or [email protected].
by rob | Oct 10, 2017 | Beer for History
On Thursday, October 12, the American Independence Museum will host its last Beer for History event in 2017 at Folsom Tavern on Water Street in Exeter.
Sponsored by Hoefle Phoenix Gormley & Roberts, P.A. Attorneys at Law, the event represents an ambitious collaboration between the museum and many brewers since the series began in 2016.
“Hoefle Phoenix Gormley & Roberts made this possible with financial support and their belief in our mission, while brewers have donated beer, time and resources—it’s a wonderful collaboration,” said museum Executive Director Emma Bray.
Some of the brewers that have been involved in Beer for History include Neighborhood Beer Co., 7th Settlement Brewery, Moat Mountain Brewing Co., and D.L. Geary Brewing Co. At this last Beer for History, Earth Eagle Brewings from Portsmouth will be featured.
“Brewers have a passion for history and honoring their roots,” noted Bray. “Beer and history are interconnected.”
In addition to craft beer, attendees can enjoy colonial games, music and light snacks in a restored tavern that was built in 1775.
“Folsom Tavern was at the very heart of Exeter’s political and community scene in the 1770’s,” said Bray. “This is a chance to experience the place in a way that directly connects people with America’s colonial past.
Held at the museum’s Folsom Tavern at 164 Water Street in Exeter, Beer for History will take place on Thursday, October 12 from 6 pm to 8 pm with tickets priced at $20 for nonmembers and $15 for members. Admission includes beer, hors d’oeuvres, games, and more. Families are welcome.
Tickets are available online and at the door. To buy tickets or learn more, visit https://www.independencemuseum.org/AIMstaging/beer-for-history.
by rob | Oct 5, 2017 | Programming
On Saturday, October 14, the American Independence Museum will host a genealogy workshop entitled, “Writing Your Family History: Taking the First Step.”
The workshop will be presented Penny Stratton, a veteran of the book publishing industry who retired as publications director of the New England Historic Genealogical Society (NEHGS) in June of 2016. Among the more than 65 titles she managed at NEHGS are The Great Migration Directory, Genealogist’s Handbook for New England Research, and the award-winning Descendants of Judge John Lowell of Newburyport, Massachusetts.
At “Writing Your Family History: Taking the First Step,” Stratton will assist individuals interested in tracing their roots or those who have already begun a project. The informative presentation will be followed by time for questions, advice, and expert support.
The workshop will take place on Saturday, October 14 from 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm. The fee is $15 for members and $20 for non-members. Attendees are encouraged to bring their projects and laptops with them, as workshop time will be provided at the end of the session.
Founded in 1991, the nonprofit American Independence Museum features living history exhibits and a vast collection, including one of 26 surviving copies of the Declaration of Independence, two rare drafts of the U.S. Constitution, and handwritten letters by General George Washington. One of the museum’s areas of focus include shedding light on the Folsom, Ladd and Gilman families, each of whom played leading roles in Exeter and New Hampshire colonial history.
The Museum is owned by the Society of the Cincinnati in the State of New Hampshire, the nation’s oldest veterans’ organization that traces its membership lineage to the Revolutionary War.
by rob | Oct 3, 2017 | Beer for History
On Thursday, October 12 at the American Independence Museum’s Folsom Tavern, the last Beer for History in 2017 will take place with Portsmouth-based Earth Eagle Brewings as the featured brewer. Combining craft brews and colonial games the second annual seasonal event series seeks to inspire a new generation of lovers of history.
“We want to engage people in what we do here and show that history can be fun” said museum Executive Director Emma Bray. “I think we have done that with Beer for History, which has attracted people of all ages, including some younger folks—Folsom Tavern is a beautiful and historic backdrop for any event.”
Since the first Beer for History took place in May of 2016, the series has been sponsored by Hoefle Phoenix Gormley & Roberts, P.A. Attorneys at Law.
“They appreciate the history of the tavern and our museum,” she said. “They want to see downtown Exeter thrive—and with more art, music and culinary options all within a 5-minute walk of our property, we believe we are part of an emerging cultural scene here.”
Sue Desjardins, president of the Board of Governors at the museum, referred to their Folsom Tavern as one of the town’s “original gathering places.” She cited George Washington’s stop at the Tavern in the late 1700’s as one example of Exeter’s rich history.
“The fact that we have one of the original gathering places right here in Exeter, which today serves beer brewed by our very generous local craft beer makers—well, that’s pretty special,” she said.
Expressing appreciation for the continued support of Hoefle Phoenix Gormley & Roberts, P.A. Attorneys at Law, Bray said she hopes this last Beer for History encourages newcomers.
“This is a warm and welcoming place—we want to share our shared history with everyone while at the same time foster meaningful partnerships with local businesses,” she said. “This is your last chance to check out Beer for History this year.”
Held at the museum’s Folsom Tavern at 164 Water Street in Exeter, Beer for History will take place on Thursday, October 12 from 6 pm to 8 pm with tickets priced at $20 for nonmembers and $15 for members. Admission includes beer, hors d’oeuvres, games, and more. Families are welcome.
Tickets are available online and at the door.
