In recent years, the American Independence Museum has made an effort to develop programs and events that relate to a modern audience, which is reflected in its selection of Civic Engagement as its 2019 theme.
“What is civic engagement and what does that look like for someone in our community?” rhetorically noted Emma Bray, executive director at the museum. “In this current political climate, I cannot think of a more responsible or relevant question to ask ourselves.”
In addition to developing exhibitions and events throughout the year that touch on this theme, the museum will also partner with organizations and entities whose mission reflects this theme.
On Wednesday, January 30 at 7PM at the Congregational Church in Exeter, the museum and ‘We the People’ will co-host a free panel discussion, “Our Social Contract: Civic Engagement in a Modern Democracy.”
Featuring panelists from academia, secondary education, the media, new citizen support services, and voter information and advocacy, the discussion will explore many subjects that relate to civic engagement.The panel will be moderated by Wayne L’Esperance, director of the Center for Civic Engagement at New England College.
The panel is presented by ‘We the People,’ a free lecture and film series exploring issues that intersect with current events, ethics and religion. ‘We the People’ is co-sponsored by the Congregational, Episcopal and Unitarian Universalist churches of Exeter in association with Phillips Exeter Academy and Water Street Bookstore.
“It is important we collaborate with others to promote and discuss this theme, which really hits at the heart of who we are as Americans,” added Bray.
For more information about We the People, visit WTPexeter.weebly.com, or call (603) 475-2143.
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.
The American Independence Museum in Exeter, NH has received a $80,000 grant award from the NH Land and Community Heritage Investment Program (LCHIP) to support the rehabilitaiton of the Ladd-Gilman House (c.1721).
Home of the State Treasurer for New Hampshire and State Treasury from 1785 to 1789, the Ladd-Gilman House also served as home of the Granite State’s first Governor beginning in 1800. The complete scope of the project includes archaeology, perimeter excavation and regrading, foundation repointing, replacement of a modern stone retaining wall, restoration of rotten sills and the addition of storm doors.
“Upgrades will also be made to utility systems to help plan for future growth and enhance the structure’s energy efficiency,” said museum Executive Director Emma Bray, who expressed excitement at the award.
“We are so appreciative of LCHIP’s investment in this project at the Ladd-Gilman House, which celebrates its 300th anniversary in 2021,” she added.
The forty-two projects that received matching grants from LCHIP are spread across the state. Sixteen natural resource conservation projects will be supported by $2 million, while twenty-six historic resource projects will receive $1.9 million, all in matching grants.
Grant recipients are required to provide at least one matching dollar from another source for every dollar received from the state through LCHIP. This year, they will provide more than $3.70 for each state dollar.
The smallest grant is $7,500 for a planning study to help the Great North Woods Committee for the Arts explore what is needed to convert the former Shrine of Our Lady of Grace into a cultural and arts center. The largest grant of $350,000 will help the Southeast Land Trust of New Hampshire create the Birch Ridge Community Forest in New Durham.
The eighteen-member LCHIP Board of Directors selects the grant recipients as the culmination of a rigorous application and review process.
LCHIP’s Board Chair, Amanda Merrill of Durham said, “The LCHIP Board and staff have the responsibility and privilege of helping to protect natural, cultural and historic resources across New Hampshire. It is a pleasure to work with dedicated colleagues from local government, citizens groups and non-profits to preserve the places that make our state special.”
Specific details of the project, which will begin in the spring of 2019, will be released soon.
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.
With a full house in attendance for the first Colonial Holiday Tea this past at the American Independence Museum Folsom Tavern in Exeter, the final event in the series takes place on Saturday, December 8.
At the event, guests enjoy a more rustic version of a Victorian Tea with assorted finger sandwiches, scones, and cookies, which were prepared by colonial inspired caterers, For the Love of Food and Drink.
According to Executive Director Emma Bray, the event provides a fun entrypoint to “those who may not know about the museum.”
“It takes place at Folsom Tavern where George Washington once dined, so it is fun to sit and relax in this historic environment,” she said. “If you want to visit the museum in 2018, this is your last chance.”
For Bray, this past Saturday’s attendance both delighted and surprised staff.
“Any time you start a new program, you are never quite sure what might happen,” she said. “We were thrilled at the response and expect another full house this Saturday.”
At the event, which features a seating at 11am and 2pm, guests may also try their hand at making mulling spices and lavender sachets as well as practice writing with a quill pen.
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.
Featuring a silent auction, which includes getaways, gift certificates to area restaurants and more, the American Independence Museum’s Holiday Open House on Friday, November 30 from 5 to 8 pm will also benefit veterans.
In lieu of paying an admission fee, visitors are asked to bring toiletries, travel-size hygiene items, card games and individually packaged snacks that Pease Greeters will distribute to active military leaving or returning home.
At the event, the Exeter Chapter of the New Hampshire State Organization Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) will provide visitors with the opportunity to write personalized holiday cards that will be delivered to veterans.
Museum Executive Director Emma Bray cited several reasons as to why supporting active military and veterans is important. In 1783, the NH chapter of the Society of the Cincinnati was founded at the museum’s Folsom Tavern. 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.
“It’s important we give back to the men and women who have given our nation so much,” said Bray, who noted the Society owns both museum buildings and some objects in its collection.
In 2018, financial support from Chinburg Properties enabled the museum to provide free admission to active military, veterans and their families.
“While we are celebrating the end of a wonderful season, the holidays are also a time for reflection and gratitude,” added Bray. “We want to take an opportunity during our Holiday Open House to remember those who helped form our nation and those who help preserve our freedoms today.’
Held at Folsom Tavern, 164 Water Street in Exeter, Holiday Open House is part of the museum’s Ring in the Season events, sponsored by Buxton Water.
“Sponsors like Chinburg Properties and event presenter Buxton Water enable us to achieve so much,” she added. “We have much to be thankful for. We hope people of all ages will join us for this wonderful event.”
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.
Held at Folsom Tavern on Friday, November 30 from 5 pm to 8 pm, Holiday Open House marks the beginning of a busy weekend for the American Independence Museum.
“It’s a weekend where we hope people who have yet to experience the tavern or our museum will come and visit us,” said Executive Director Emma Bray.
Holiday Open House is part of the museum’s Ring in the Season events, sponsored by Buxton Water.“We are so appreciative for their support,” added Bray. “Donna [Buxton] has always been a champion of the museum, so we are happy to have her as part of such a festive occasion. Folsom Tavern is the perfect backdrop for a holiday gathering.”
At the Holiday Open House, the museum will feature light snacks and adult refreshments, live seasonal music and a pop-up gift shop that will feature many local, handmade products perfect for holiday gift giving. The evening’s highlight is its silent auction, which will feature getaways, gift certificates to area restaurants and more.
Proceeds from the evening will support museum programs, some of which include Revolutionary Story Time! and Traveling Trunk, sponsored by sponsored by Exeter Hospital and Service Credit Union, respectively.
“We encourage curiosity, fun and engagement here,” said Bray. “I hope we see new faces throughout the weekend.”
Other programs that will take place during the weekend include Colonial Holiday Tea on Saturday, December 1 at Folsom Tavern. At this event, guests may “sip delicious teas and dine on small bites” provided by colonial-inspired caterer, For the Love of Food and Drink. Colonial Holiday Tea will also take place on Saturday, December 8 at Folsom Tavern.
On Sunday, December 2, the Tavern will be open from 10 am to 5 pm during which time visitors will be able to pick up tickets for Womenade of Greater Squamscott’s Exeter Area Holiday Home Tour. The museum’s pop-up gift shop will also be open and holiday refreshments will be available.
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.
