Making history relevant and fun, last year’s summer programs for kids proved quite popular at the American Independence Museum in Exeter, which has staff excited now that registration for this year’s programs is open.
The Museum’s summer programs include Colonial Living History, in which children, ages 8 to 11, will assume the role of real 18th century Exeter residents. The Muster Day Program will engage children (ages 8 to 11) with history for one day and provide them with the opportunity to set up colonial tents and camps as well as learn to muster with a real “Militiaman.”
New to last year’s summer offerings, the Junior Historian Program will provide older children (ages 10 to 13) with the opportunity to visit local museums and galleries in addition to participation in hands-on demonstrations in archaeology, collections management and genealogy.
“There are more ways to learn about history than just from a textbook,” said Education Manager Abigail Pietrantonio. “We want to teach children about how they can analyze things like objects, documents, buildings and more to learn about not only the distant past, but perhaps their own history as well.”
The summer programs complement the recently launched Traveling Trunk program in which the Museum can be brought directly into the classroom. Based around several possible lesson plans for teachers to use, the program is funded in part by a grant from the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation. Complete with replica period clothing, toys, historical artifacts, and more, each of the Museum’s two trunks will feature more than 70 items.
“Through our various programs, children can find the ways in which history speaks best to them—whether through dressing in 18th century clothing to learning about their own genealogy,” said Pietrantonio. “We want to engage visitors of all ages and make learning fun…There truly is something for everyone here.”
After nearly 4 years as Executive Director of the American Independence Museum in Exeter, Julie Hall Williams will be leaving in February to join The Trustees of Reservations (The Trustees), the 10th largest nonprofit in Massachusetts as Director of Annual Giving and Major Giving.
For Williams, leaving the Museum is decidedly bittersweet. “I have loved being here at the American Independence Museum and working to put us on the map as a cultural destination in the region,” she said. “I have previously worked at The Trustees of Reservations and I am excited to be intricately involved in projects that will enliven museums, beaches, trails and historic places that see almost 2 million individuals annually.”
Noting a transition and search team has already been formed by the Board of Governors, President Sue Desjardins applauded Williams for her service. She cited 2016 as “irrefutable proof” that the Museum is “clearly on the right path and moving forward with positive momentum.”
“Under Julie’s leadership, we broke a record with more than 5,000 visitors in each of the past two years and we doubled our donations through corporate and leadership giving,” she said.
Desjardins noted that under Julie’s leadership the Museum has also added a successful Ambassadors program, enhanced its facilities and collections, and expanded its programs and events, which include the American Independence Festival in July. Other milestones in the past four years have included completing the Museum’s first long range strategic business plan, expanding its web/social media presence, improving its physical plant and landscape, and comprehensively cataloguing the entire Museum collection (6,000+ pieces).
In looking ahead for the Museum, Desjardins said the key is “to keep that trajectory going upward.”
“We have detailed plans that include several large projects ready for execution in education, exhibits, programs, and events—all aimed at enhancing our standing and impact,” she said. “Our ultimate goal is that visitors leave inspired with a heightened appreciation of our Nation’s fight for independence and a renewed sense of the importance of civic engagement today.”
As for her immediate future, Williams expressed excitement at returning to The Trustees and new challenges, including lead fundraising initiatives for more than $3M in annual operating support. Founded in 1891 and celebrating its 125th Anniversary in 2016, The Trustees is the first land preservation nonprofit of its kind in the world and the Commonwealth’s largest conservation and preservation organization.
“I live locally and will continue to be a Museum member,” added Williams. “I’m still committed to the Museum.”
Expressing enthusiasm for the upcoming year at the Museum, Desjardins said the governing board’s goal is to have a new Executive Director in place by May 1, which is the beginning of the Museum’s 2017 season. In seeking to attract the best candidates possible, she said they have ‘cast a wide net’ by advertising for the position on a number of different platforms.
“Because Julie has left us in very good stead and because the Museum has a solid foundation of supporters, we are looking forward to smooth transition,” she added.
Among thousands of items, the American Independence Museum’s collection includes an original copy of the Declaration of Independence and handwritten letters by George Washington. Comprised of the Ladd-Gilman House (c.1721) and Folsom Tavern (c.1775) on more than one acre of landscaped property, the Museum hosts public educational programs and lectures, colonial artisan demonstrations, guided tours, and special events.
Educating nearly 1,600 students of varying ages in 2016, the American Independence Museum is beefing up its educational offerings with the recently launched ‘Traveling Trunk’ program. Based around several possible lesson plans for teachers to use, the program is funded in part by a grant from the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation.
Complete with replica period clothing, toys, historical artifacts, and more, each of the Museum’s two trunks will feature more than 70 items. The goal of the program is to help children better understand the importance of the Revolutionary War and its direct relationship to Americans today.
“While the curriculum is designed with middle school students in mind, teachers can easily adapt it to fit younger or older students,” said Education Manager Abigail Pietrantonio.”
Expressing hope that she can also teach in the classroom, Pietrantonio said she looks forward to helping make history relevant for today’s students. “Historical knowledge is important for today’s student,” she added.
According to the Museum’s Rob Levey, the key now is to engage corporate sponsors.
“We know school budgets are tight—and for a very nominal investment by sponsors, we can deliver a unique educational experience for students across the state,” he said. “Abby has done a remarkable job researching and developing the curriculum.”
According to Pietrantonio, she has already received numerous calls from teachers about the program.
“There is certainly interest in it,” she added. “With support, I know we can get this program into the classroom and provide an educational experience that is fun and unique.”
The last visitors have made their way through the rooms at the American Independence Museum this year with last week’s Holiday Celebration serving as the capstone event for 2016. This year, more than two dozen corporate sponsors supported the operations at the Museum. Major sponsors included Two International Group, AutoFair, Geico Service Credit Union, Hoefle Phoenix Gormley & Roberts, P.A. Attorneys at Law and Ruffner Real Estate.
“These organizations and so many others have played a vital role in our continued efforts to sustainably care for our collection and develop innovative programs for kids through our school programs,” said Museum Executive Director Julie Williams.
Citing substantial costs associated with caring for its collection, Williams said 2017 represents a “watershed year” for its operations.
“To ensure our sustainability and value to the surrounding communities, we are looking to expand our community outreach and deliver outstanding educational programming,” she said.
“We are also working with grant funders and other partners to develop a sustainability plan whereby we can modify the internal environment within which our collection is housed,” she said. “We have a responsibility to make sure the items in our possession may be enjoyed for generations to come.”
She cited the Museum’s recent Holiday Celebration as anecdotal evidence that Exeter and the surrounding towns see value in its operations and role as a hub for the larger Seacoast community.
“We had more than 200 visitors, which pushed our attendance for the year to over 5,000 people,” said Williams, who said Neighborhood Beer Co.’s continued support made a difference, too.
“People love those guys and their beer, which makes it so much fun to collaborate,” she added. “In total, we raised nearly $3,000—it was a huge night for us.”
Comprising the Ladd-Gilman House (c.1721) and Folsom Tavern (c.1775) on more than one acre of landscaped property, the Museum hosts public and educational programs and lectures, colonial artisan demonstrations, guided tours, and special events. The Museum is also part of the “Experience New Hampshire Heritage: The Portsmouth to Plymouth Museum Trail.”
On Friday, December 2, more than 100 visitors are expected at the American Independence Museum’s Holiday Celebration, which closes out the 2016 season and serves as a critical fundraiser.
At the celebration (admission is free), visitors will have the opportunity to participate in the Museum’s inaugural Fund-A-Need campaign. Areas of need include collection stewardship as well as educational programming and online exhibits.
“In 2017, we plan to roll out new exhibits and programs designed to inspire civic engagement by all people in our communities,” said Museum Executive Director Julie Williams. “We want to be relevant.”
As with many of its special themed events in 2016, Neighborhood Beer Co. will be present and pouring some of its popular beers in support of the Museum’s mission.
“We love collaborating with the Museum and doing whatever we can to support one of this town’s most historical organizations,” said Neighborhood Beer Co.’s Joe Berwanger. “This celebration is going to be a lot of fun.”
In addition to craft beer, the celebration will feature live holiday music from carolers at the Portsmouth Christian Academy and a silent auction featuring items from Exeter Inn, Laney & Lu Cafe and more.
\
“I’m very happy to be involved with the celebration,” said Jennifer Desrosiers, owner of Laney & Lu Cafe, a vibrant food community café in downtown Exeter. “In additional to the Independence Museum, Exeter is home to many wonderful shops, galleries, and of course, restaurants. This is a lovely time of year to stroll around our beautiful town.”
Expressing gratitude at the support the Museum received from the local business and corporate sector in 2016, Williams said she looks forward to building upon that in 2017.
“We want to work with as many individuals and businesses as possible to enhance not just what we offer as a museum, but the town of Exeter itself,” she said. “We want to help promote this town as a destination for visitors—this town has a lot of charm.”
Major sponsors of the Museum in 2016 include Hoefle Phoenix Gormley & Roberts, P.A. Attorneys at Law of Portsmouth, Service Credit Union, Two International Group, AutoFair and Ruffner Real Estate.
The Museum’s Holiday Celebration will take place at Folsom Tavern, 164 Water Street in Exeter, from 5pm to 8pm on Friday, December 2. Admission is free. For more information, visit
www.independencemuseum.org.
