In 2021, inclusivity and diversity will inform much of the programming and exhibits at the American Independence Museum, an emphasis that underscores Folsom Tavern Tours.

In these tours, Curator Jennifer Carr said visitors can expect to learn how many kinds of people used and experienced colonial taverns.

“A tavern was experienced differently by an enslaved person compared to a white merchant or woman, for instance,” she said.

Executive Director Emma Stratton said the museum is actively working to interpret history through diverse perspectives and to help with our understanding of the present.

“‘Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness’ is a complicated subject that has different meanings to different people in our history as a nation,” she said.

Built in 1775 by Samuel Folsom, Folsom Tavern boasts a unique history, as George Washington visited it in 1789. Folsom Tavern was also the site to the founding of the Society of the Cincinnati in the State of New Hampshire in 1783. The nation’s oldest patriotic organization, the Society was founded by officers of the Continental Army and their French counterparts who served together in the American Revolution.

“Visitors will learn about this fascinating history, too,” added Carr.

Folsom Tavern Tours also feature audio recordings that replicate sounds that may have been heard in 18th century taverns. After the guided tours, which will last approximately 45-minutes, visitors will be encouraged to remain on-site and enjoy 1-acre landscaped property.

Home to a world-class collection of 3,000 historic artifacts, the museum is currently developing a variety of public and education programs in virtual and online formats to encourage digital inclusion for all ages.

All tours are limited and masks and pre-registration are required. Tours will be held every hour on the hour on Thursdays 10-12 and Fridays/Saturdays 10-3.

To register for Folsom Tavern tours, visit independencemuseum.org/visit/.

About the American Independence Museum
The American Independence Museum is a history museum in Exeter, NH that features a collection of 3,000 historic artifacts that shed light on the American Revolution. Many of our programs touch on civics and the fight for independence, while we incorporate  inclusivity and diversity into the experiences we create on-site and in digital formats. We feature a variety of things to do for people of all ages, including festivals, an historic tavern, guided tours and our annual American Independence Festival.