by rob | Nov 19, 2016 | Uncategorized
Friday and Saturday, November 25 and 26, represent closing weekend for the American Independence Museum and its 2016 season. In addition to the last days of the Revolutionary Currency Exhibit, sponsored by Optima Bank & Trust, visitors will get a last glimpse at exhibits on George Washington and the Society of the Cincinnati.
As has been the case thanks to $2,500 investments each by Two International Group and AutoFair, admission is free for veterans, active military, and their families. Following closing weekend, the Museum will host a Holiday Celebration Fundraiser.
Held during the town of Exeter’s Ring in the Season Holiday Festival, the celebration will feature live music, beer from Exeter’s own Neighborhood Beer Co., cheese and crackers, and a silent auction. The evening will also serve as a formal launch to the Museum’s inaugural Fund-A-Need campaign, which seeks financial support in specific areas of its operations.
“It’s a chance to help us make one more final push to reach our fundraising goal for 2016 and position us for growth in 2017,” said Museum Executive Director Julie Williams. “We will be expanding our education programs for kids and taking steps to better care for our collection.”
by rob | Nov 10, 2016 | Uncategorized
In honor of all those who have served and continue to serve, the American Independence Museum is open on Veteran’s Day on Friday, November 11. As has been the case the entire 2016 season, admission is free for active military, veterans and family members. Free admission is made possible as a result of Two International Group and AutoFair each gifting $2,500 to the Museum earlier this year.
“The Museum and its collection is steeped in military history,” said Museum Executive Director Julie Williams. “It is so important we remain open during this national holiday and provide free admission to those who have contributed to our freedom as a nation…We expect a busy day, too, with there being no school.”
Among thousands of items, the 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.
“Two International Group and AutoFair are both incredible supporters of our active military and veterans,” Williams added. “We are so thankful for their support.”
On Veteran’s Day, special activities will be made available for kids. To learn more about the Museum, visit www.independencemuseum.org.
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by rob | Nov 3, 2016 | Uncategorized
In 2015, the American Independence Museum in Exeter received a $1,000 gift from Optima Bank & Trust to support an exhibit that featured rare Revolutionary-era currency. Entitled “The Currency of Colonial America: the Struggle for Economic Independence,” the two-year exhibit is set to close at the end of this season in late November.
“It’s the last chance see 15 Colonial bills that help tell our nation’s story,” said Museum Executive Director Julie Williams.
Through anecdotes offered by guides at 1 pm daily, Tuesday through Saturday, the exhibit explains the Colonies’ initial struggles for their own currency, their use during the American Revolution, and the in creating a single currency. The exhibit also explores the process that went into making the bills, monetary terms and symbols and the reasons behind the use of interchangeable terms like Dollars versus Pounds.
“Optima Bank & Trust made this exhibit possible—and we are so very grateful,” added Williams.
To learn more about the Museum or its Holiday Celebration on Friday, December 2, visit www.independencemuseum.org. In celebration of the life of Jim Hayden, who served on the Board of Governors and recently passed away, the Museum will be closed on Saturday, November 12.
by rob | Oct 19, 2016 | Uncategorized
On Saturday, October 22, the American Independence Museum will host “Ghosts of Winter Street Cemetery,” as some of Exeter’s famous and infamous former residents will tell their stories and answer questions from visitors. Tours for Ghosts of Winter Street Cemetery will meet at the Cemetery—not at the museum—at the intersection of Winter Street, Front Street [Rt.111] and Railroad Avenue.
This year, changes to the Museum’s popular annual event include adding additional tour times as well as a less rigid structure, as families will be free to roam around and talk to the “ghosts” at their leisure.
“We wanted people to have more freedom this year to move about and talk to whomever they wanted when they wanted,” said Collections and Visitor Services Manager Rachel Passannante. “It should be a lot of fun.”
Ghosts of Winter Street Cemetery will take place on Saturday, October 22 with space available for tours at 2:30 pm, 3:00 pm and 3:30 pm. Tours will last approximately 30 minutes. The cost is $7.00 for non-members, $5.00 for non-member children ages 6-18. Members are $5.00 and members’ children, ages 6-18, are free. All children under the age of 6 are free.
To purchase tickets online, visit www.independencemuseum.org/ghosts-winter-street-cemetery/. For more information, call (603) 772-2622, or email or [email protected].
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 an original Purple Heart awarded by General George Washington.
by rob | Oct 14, 2016 | Uncategorized
With Sam Adams the latest to join a strong lineup of brewers, the final Beer for History event on Thursday, October 20 in Exeter, NH is expected to draw a large crowd. In addition to Sam Adams, other brewers include Moat Mountain Brewing Co., Granite State Growler Tours, Neighborhood Beer Co. (NEIGHBORHOOD), and 7th Settlement.
More than 10 varieties of beer will be available at the event, including 7th Settlement’s Peter Peter Pumpkin Brown Ale aged in Flagg Hill Bourbon oak and NEIGHBORHOOD’S Granite Acorn Autumn Lager. Live music will be performed by musicians and Living History Performers Mike Welch and Mike Haeger, as they plan to play Revolutionary era tavern music. There will also be food, games, a magic show and more at the event, which is sponsored by Hoefle Phoenix Gormley & Roberts, P.A. Attorneys at Law of Portsmouth.
“The firm has been a huge supporter of the Museum this year and has sponsored the entire Beer for History series,” said Executive Director Julie Williams. “We hope to sell out this final event.”
Beer for History will take place at the Museum’s Folsom Tavern, 164 Water Street in Exeter, on Thursday, October 20 from 5 pm to 8 pm. Tickets are $30. Members of the Museum may purchase tickets at a discounted rate of $25. Kids are free. To buy tickets, visit https://www.independencemuseum.org/AIMstaging/beer-for-history/.
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