gilman - American Independence Museum

We Are One “Daily Life” MiniCamp (SOLD OUT!)

by | Mar 13, 2023

Date: July 6, 2023
Time: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Location: AIM, 1 Governors Ln., Exeter, NH
Cost: Non-members – $55 per day or $195 for all four:
Members – $45 per day or $170 for all four

Everyday people, laborers, farmers, housewives, and even children all were deeply affected by the war and contributed to the cause. In this camp, carry out daily chores (hauling water and wood, tending the garden, cooking, etc.) and discover what life was like living in the shadow of the Revolution. This camp is designed for ages 7 to 11.

Register for Daily Life

Learn about other camps

We Are One MiniCamps
During the minicamps, campers ages 7 to 11 will immerse themselves in hands-on 18th century life, uncovering the stories of the people who helped build our nation and how they can continue to be a part of America’s unfolding story. Each week, campers will dress in colonial clothing, participate in games and activities, create projects and eat a colonial-inspired snack. Enlist for one, two, three, or all four sessions!

About American Independence Museum

Located in Exeter, NH, the American Independence Museum features a rare collection of historic artifacts that shed light on the Revolutionary War. Examples of popular items in our exhibits include a dragoon pistol, brown bess musket, and 18th century powder horn. Many of our programs offer insight into civic duties, civic engagement and civic responsibility, while we also feature a variety of things to do in NH, such as camps for kids, festivals, summer festival, reenactments, and homeschool programs. Perfect for a day trip or weekend trips, we believe in inclusivity and inclusive history and the spirit behind the phrase, ‘we the people’.

American Independence Museum Launches “We Are One”

by rob | Mar 9, 2023 | Human Interest, Programming

Reflecting its organizational emphasis on inclusivity and diversity, the American Independence Museum (AIM) has launched We Are One, a concept that will serve as its guiding principle for the next three years.

“As we prepare for the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026, We Are One will help guide how we develop programs, events, and exhibits, and how we engage with visitors,” said Jennifer Carr, executive director.

Alena Shellenbean, AIM events and marketing manager, said the very formation of the United States serves as a testament to the rationale behind We Are One. “When the Declaration of Independence was written, a lot of people thought it would fail because each colony, each would-be state, was so different,” she said. “The concern was that they might not agree on anything, let alone how to be a country.”

In the early years of the Republic, an etching printed on flyers—the 18th century version of a logo—was developed to help signify the founders’ hope for a new United States. Revealing each of the original 13 colonies as a circle interlocked with one another, the image serves as the basis for AIM’s We Are One logo.

“We have many voices, many perspectives, and they all matter, which I think our logo captures,” remarked Carr. “As we move toward the 250th anniversary of the founding of our nation, We Are One reminds us what is possible when we unite during times of division.”

Carr said this concept inspired the 2nd NH Regiment during the American Revolution. “They used this symbol on their regimental flag,” she said.

According to Carr, We Are One will find expression in four initiatives, which include Bring History to Life, Educate Children & Youth, Engage Older Adults, and Build Community. “Our programs, events, and exhibits all fall within one of these initiatives, which explain quite clearly our intentions,” explained Carr. “We believe these initiatives will resonate with people of all ages and from diverse backgrounds.”

In looking ahead, Shellenbean said she hopes that “our differences as a nation” could be looked upon as a strength rather than a weakness. “We’ve always been a country full of people with big ideas, sometimes wildly different ideas, which I think makes us stronger,” she said. “We Are One is an idea that can hold us together and make our differences into a strength.”

← American Independence Museum to Explore “What it Means to be an American” AIM to Explore African-American Soldiers’ Service During Revolutionary War →

American Independence Museum to Explore “What it Means to be an American”

by | Feb 22, 2023 | Events, Human Interest, Partnerships

On Tuesday, March 21, 6:30 p.m., at Folsom Tavern in Exeter, Joshua Tepley will facilitate “What Does it Mean to be an American?” as part of Open Questions, presented by New Hampshire Humanities. A series of thought-provoking community conversations, Open Questions explores essential questions about meaning and life that are important to Granite Staters.

“We are thrilled to host this event in our historic Folsom Tavern at no cost,” said AIM Executive Director Jennifer Carr. “As a society, it is crucial we create space for open, thoughtful dialogue, so this is the kind of conversation we want to take place on our campus.”

According to Carr, such open-dialogue conversations take on special meaning at Folsom Tavern, which was built in 1775. “Taverns like Folsom Tavern were the hub of colonial society and where debates and conversations took place that often found their way into politics,” she added. “This discussion at our tavern is unique because it provides historical context to the need for respectful discussions.”

Each program in Open Questions is facilitated by philosophy professors who explore essential questions about meaning and life. With research interests in free will, personal identity, ontology (the study of being), and the intersection between philosophy and science fiction, Tepley is an Associate Professor and Chair of the Philosophy Department at Saint Anselm College. He received his B.A. in Philosophy from Bucknell University (2004) and his Ph.D. in Philosophy from the University of Notre Dame (2013).

Part of AIM’s ongoing Tavern Talk series, “What Does it Mean to be an American?” takes place on Tuesday, March 21, 6:30 p.m., at Folsom Tavern, 164 Water St., Exeter, NH. Discussions in AIM’s Tavern Talk series are open-dialogue, moderated discussions facilitated by various experts and practitioners from diverse backgrounds. Pre-registration is encouraged, but not required.

← Alena Shellenbean Joins American Independence Museum Staff American Independence Museum Launches “We Are One” →

Event Details

Joshua Tepley to facilitate Open Questions: What Does it Mean to be an American?

Date: March 21, 2023
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Location: Folsom Tavern, 164 Water St., Exeter, NH
Cost: FREE
Capacity: 30

Open Questions is a series of thought-provoking community conversations presented by New Hampshire Humanities. This series explores essential questions about meaning and life that are important to Granite Staters. Each program is facilitated by philosophy professors who will explore essential questions about meaning and life. Preregistration is highly encouraged.

Preregister Here

About Joshua Tepley

Dr. Joshua Tepley is an Associate Professor and Chair of the Philosophy Department at Saint Anselm College, where he has taught for the last decade. He received his B.A. in Philosophy from Bucknell University (2004) and his Ph.D. in Philosophy from the University of Notre Dame (2013). His research interests include free will, personal identity, ontology (the study of being), and the intersection between philosophy and science fiction.

This program is made possible by a grant from New Hampshire Humanities. Learn more at www.nhhumanities.org.

About the American Independence Museum

Located in Exeter, NH, the American Independence Museum features a rare collection of historic artifacts that shed light on the Revolutionary War. Examples of popular items in our exhibits include a dragoon pistol, brown bess musket, and 18th century powder horn. Many of our programs offer insight into civic duties, civic engagement and civic responsibility, while we also feature a variety of things to do in NH, such as camps for kids, festivals, summer festival, reenactments, and homeschool programs. Perfect for a day trip or weekend trips, we believe in inclusivity and inclusive history and the spirit behind the phrase, ‘we the people’.

Alena Shellenbean Joins American Independence Museum Staff

by | Feb 21, 2023 | Human Interest

In 2023, the American Independence Museum (AIM) is enhancing its program and event offerings to attract and engage a wider audience, an effort exemplified in recently hiring Alena Shellenbean as Events and Marketing Manager. “One of my goals is to bring AIM to so many more folks that would enjoy it,” she said.

Noting she plans to develop “a robust marketing program,” Shellenbean said her primary focus will be on how to enhance AIM’s events. “I want to help create events that ask important questions and bring to life important stories about the formation of our country.”

AIM’s biggest event is its American Independence Festival, which happens this year on Saturday, July 15. “Exeter is such an amazing community. I look forward to all the partnerships that make the Festival a town-wide celebration.”

One of these partnerships is with the New Hampshire State Council on the Arts, which presents the Festival’s Traditional Artisan Village. Held on AIM grounds with more than a dozen Traditional Artisans and Folklife Reenactors, the Village is an element of the Festival with which Shellenbean is particularly acquainted.

“My prior event experience was running events at Strawbery Banke Museum for 7 years and being production manager and stage manager at various Renaissance Faires for the past 15 years,” she explained.

Shellenbean also boasts 25 years experience in reenacting and living history experience herself. “I’ve been dressing in the clothes, performing the skills, and teaching visitors about life in various eras of history,” she said.

She also operates Tentsmiths, makers of historical canvas tents, with her partner. “I have spent the last three years bringing the business into the 21st century,” said Shellenbean, who bought Tentsmiths 3 years ago. “I created an e-commerce website so customers can order online, set up manufacturing software to reduce error, and updated all social media.”

Citing her partner will continue to run the business now that she is back in the “museum world,” Shellenbean expressed enthusiasm for her role at AIM. “I am excited to be here with the opportunity to use all my skills at such a worthy institution,” she said.

About the American Independence Museum

Located in Exeter, NH, the American Independence Museum features a rare collection of historic artifacts that shed light on the Revolutionary War. Examples of popular items in our exhibits include a dragoon pistol, brown bess musket, and 18th century powder horn. Many of our programs offer insight into civic duties, civic engagement and civic responsibility, while we also feature a variety of things to do in NH, such as camps for kids, festivals, summer festival, reenactments, and homeschool programs. Perfect for a day trip or weekend trips, we believe in inclusivity and inclusive history and the spirit behind the phrase, ‘we the people’.

Massachusetts Society of the Cincinnati Makes Investment in Inclusive History at the American Independence Museum

by rob | Feb 8, 2023 | Exhibits, Human Interest, Partnerships

In 2023, the American Independence Museum will embark on an ambitious project that will result in permanent new exhibits that present diverse and unexpected perspectives of the Revolutionary War and Colonial life. The project is made possible by a grant from the Massachusetts Society of the Cincinnati, which has made substantial investments in the Museum over the years.

“We are incredibly grateful for the support of Massachusetts Society of the Cincinnati, as their continued support and friendship enables us to continue to meet our mission,” said Museum Executive Director Jennifer Carr.

American Independence Museum Staff looking at Indigenous artifacts in collection

The Museum’s mission is intricately connected with that of the Massachusetts Society of the Cincinnati, which is one of 14 chapters of The Society of the Cincinnati. The nation’s oldest patriotic organization, The Society was founded in 1783 by officers of the Continental Army and their French counterparts who served together in the American Revolution. Its mission is to promote knowledge and appreciation of the achievement of American independence and foster fellowship among its members.

“Our museum and our collection is owned by the New Hampshire Society of the Cincinnati, which was founded in our very own Folsom Tavern in 1783,” explained Carr. “It’s wonderful and unique that we have such a terrific partnership with another chapter.”

In 2023, though, this partnership will significantly deepen in a project she described as “transformational.” “This grant will fund substantial research into our collection and help us expand it through the acquisition of new items,” she said.

The goal of the grant-funded project is to create exhibits that highlight underrepresented voices in Revolutionary history, including those of women, Indigenous Americans, free Black population, enslaved persons, and soldiers. It is not just the end product(s) of the grant that excite Carr, but also its methodology.

“The grant enables us to hire a professional researcher to help lead the project,” she explained. “This researcher will be from an underrepresented group, which we feel is appropriate given our intent to create more inclusive stories and exhibits in the museum.”
According to Carr, the Museum’s focus on inclusive storytelling has already begun. As examples, she cited some of the Indigenous artifacts in exhibits already on display in the museum uncovered during an archaeological dig in 2019. These items range from a 2,700 year-old projectile point (arrowhead) to stone flakes created as a result of knapping (the product of producing stone weapons) and pieces of Indigenous pottery.

“Many of these items are ‘pre-contact’ and allow us to acknowledge the Indigenous presence on the land and share their history with visitors from across the world,” said Carr.

Regarding next steps in the project, Carr said they plan to hire an external researcher sometime by mid March. Her hope is that the project can begin in earnest by April. “We are excited to take this big step forward and thankful to have the continued support of the Massachusetts Society of the Cincinnati behind us every step of the way,” she said.

← New Staff Highlight 2023 at American Independence Museum Alena Shellenbean Joins American Independence Museum Staff →

About the American Independence Museum

Located in Exeter, NH, the American Independence Museum features a rare collection of historic artifacts that shed light on the Revolutionary War. Examples of popular items in our exhibits include a dragoon pistol, brown bess musket, and 18th century powder horn. Many of our programs offer insight into civic duties, civic engagement and civic responsibility, while we also feature a variety of things to do in NH, such as camps for kids, festivals, summer festival, reenactments, and homeschool programs. Perfect for a day trip or weekend trips, we believe in inclusivity and inclusive history and the spirit behind the phrase, ‘we the people’.