history museum - American Independence Museum

Opening Day 2023

by | Mar 3, 2023

American Independence Museum sign with two flag on either side, the Society of the Cincinnati Flag and an Open Flag

Date: May 3, 2023
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Location: American Independence Museum,
1 Governors Lane, Exeter, NH

American Independence Museum opens for the season! Guided or self-guided tours take visitors through a docent-led exploration of important moments in our nation’s history as seen through the lens of New Hampshire and untold stories from voices beyond the battlefield.

Learn More

Tours are available of two buidlings. the Ladd-Gilman house, built in 1721 as a private residence and now serves as a history museum. Throughout our two floors of exhibits you will find hundreds of objects that tell the story of New Hampshire’s role in the fight for Independence. In The Folsom Tavern, tours examine the place taverns held in colonial and revolutionary history and the different experiences people had in taverns. This is an immersive, sensory-friendly tour and is recommended for all ages.

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’.

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

by rob | Feb 22, 2023

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 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’.

Holiday Tavern Open House

by ion | Nov 7, 2022

Two tables decorated for a winter holiday event.

Date: Thursday, December 1
Time: 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Location: Folsom Tavern, 164 Water St.
Cost: Free

Join us as we ring in the season, as Folsom Tavern will be decorated for the season and open to the public.

Light refreshments will be served, a make and take craft will be available, and a silent auction will be held. Items include a private behind the scenes tour of the Ladd-Gilman House, an American Girl Teas in the Tavern, a private party in the Tavern as well as curated gifts. Everyone is welcome for this family-friendly, festive event.

Holiday Tavern Open House is presented by:

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’.

Questioning “Does Truth Matter?” with the American Independence Museum

by ion | Mar 5, 2022 | Events, For Adults, Free, Human Interest

The American Independence Museum is pleased to announce the first virtual Tavern Talk of 2022 on Wednesday, March 23 at 6:30 p.m. featuring guest speaker Dr. Joshua Tepley presenting “Does Truth Matter?” Tepley is an Associate Professor of Philosophy at St. Anselm College, whose research interests include concepts of free will and personal identity, as well as the intersection of philosophy with science fiction and pop culture. Tepley has supported the museum in the past as a program participant and presenter.

“This Tavern Talk will touch on the timeless concept of truth, questions that both past and present Granite State citizens grapple with,” said museum Program Manager Sarah Jaworski.

The coexistence of multiple truths and experiences ties directly to the American Independence Museum’s mission of sharing the diverse stories of New Hampshire during the American Revolution.

“Our work at the museum requires examining multiple perspectives to find out what happened in the past. We understand that no singular truth exists. We are delighted to have Dr. Tepley share his ideas on truth with us,” said museum Executive Director Emma Stratton.

Participants will have the opportunity to share their concepts of truth as Tepley leads the group in a thought-provoking community conversation.

Tavern Talks are also supported by a Humanities-To-Go grant from the NH Humanities Council.
Click here to register for the zoom presentation on Wednesday, March 23, 6:30 p.m.

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.

Tavern Talk: Does Truth Matter?

by ion | Feb 25, 2022

This virtual event is free. Registration required.

What is truth? Does truth exist? Does truth matter? This event is a facilitated discussion of these and related questions about one of the oldest topics in philosophy: truth. After a brief introduction to some basic concepts and distinctions, Dr. Tepley will lead the audience in a conversation about these questions. The goal is not to tell attendees what to believe but rather to give them the opportunity explore these questions, and possible answers to them, together as a group. If you like big ideas and stimulating conversation, then this event is for you. Come ready to think, to share, and to learn!

Register for Does Truth Matter?