This week we will focus on learning how the Revolution affected the lives of women and their contributions to the cause. As Abigail Adams said, “Remember the ladies.”
This week’s summer camp will feature two live zoom meetings that will include live demonstrations and a show-and-tell of 18th century life and objects.
Receive your very own American Independence Museum tote filled with books, toys, games, and activities each week.
Weekly Schedule:
Tuesday, 9:30-10:15: Zoom meeting to discuss your activities for the week
During the Week: Complete activities, which may include watching online videos, visiting local sites, at home activities, or reading a book.
Friday, 9:30-11: Zoom meeting for online show-and-tell demonstrations and activities
School may be out for summer, but it’s time to hit the hornbook! Learn what an 18th century classroom was like in this interactive online program. Schoolmaster Mike will share tools used by students during the 18th century, such as a hornbook and quill pen.
Following his presentation with an active question and answer period, participants will be led in a fun 18th century movement break and a quill writing exercise. Receive your very own 18th century packet with quill pen, dry ink packet, ink well, slate and chalk and one adult and child admission ticket (good through the 2021 season) in an American Independence Museum tote bag.
Colonial school kit may be shipped for an additional flat fee of $10 or picked up at our gift shop at no additional charge
* Have more than one student? Select any additional supplies needed to add to your tote when you purchase your tickets.
Families with elementary school aged children are invited to join our 3:00 or 3:30 tour created with them in mind! Don your Halloween costume as we become detectives using the cemetery to uncover stories of the past. At the end of the tour you will receive a colonial treat!
The American Independence Museum invites you to Winter Street Cemetery to celebrate the waning light and autumn season on Saturday, October 24. Your colonial tour guide will meet you at the Winter Street Cemetery, where you will see the final resting place and the graves of many of Exeter’s famous and infamous revolutionary residents, hear their stories, and learn about this historic cemetery.
All ticket prices include a free pass to visit the museum in 2021.
A day just for homeschoolers! History comes alive as students travel to the 18th century to learn about daily life in the colonies.Possible activities include:
Don colonial clothing and learn about the wardrobe of a colonial child
Hear about the day in the life of a militia man from a local Revolutionary War participant
Try out some colonial games, including hoops and graces
Participate in a mock one-room school house demonstration
This is not a drop-off program. Parents must accompany children for the duration of the program.
Admission for the program must be paid in advance. Payment may be completed either online or at the museum. No refunds will be made unless the Museum cancels the event.
Please arrive at least 15 minutes prior to scheduled program for check-in.
The event will take place rain or shine. Please ask your students to dress appropriately for the weather, as some activities may take place outside.
Due to the historic nature of the buildings, the museum is not handicap accessible.
Parking is quite limited, so carpooling is encouraged. Two hour on-street parking is available and the Museum’s parking lot is located on Spring Street (behind Folsom Tavern). Please do not park in the lot located near the Ladd-Gilman House (yellow building) and bank or bank parking lot.
Please feel free to utilize museum grounds for lunch, but please be sure to take any trash with you.
The site of many American Independence Museum programs, Folsom Tavern (c. 1775) will undergo a transformation in 2020 with the creation of the Foy Family Children’s Library.
Featuring curated books, seating for children, activity table and more, the Foy Family Children’s Library is made possible by a gift from Jeff and Melissa Foy of East Kingston.
According to Jeff Foy, who has supported the museum for years as co-owner of Foy Insurance, the gift ensures “there will be a permanent place for kids at the museum.”
“My wife Melissa was an elementary school librarian before retiring and I have always loved history, so we saw a chance to combine both our passions and make a lasting impact here,” he said. “We are thrilled to be part of the museum and this project.”
In addition to a dedicated space for a children’s library, the gift will enable the museum to upgrade its entire Children’s Room, which will include high-quality games, clothes, toys and more.
“This library and space is part of a larger initiative to transform our campus into an inviting space for local community members and visitors to Exeter,” said Emma Stratton, museum Executive Director. “We are very thankful for this gift.”
Noting work will begin sometime in February or March, the Foy Family Children’s Library is expected to be complete and open for the start of the American Independence Museum’s 2020 season on May 1.
Home to a world-class collection of 3,000 historic artifacts, the museum welcomes more than 5,000 visitors annually and distinguishes itself with educational school programs and events that make history fun and relevant.
