history museum - American Independence Museum

Successful Tour Season Ends Soon

by jen | Nov 9, 2021 | Tours

Located in historic downtown Exeter, the American Independence Museum has welcomed nearly 800 visitors on tours during their abbreviated 2021 season. With tours ending on Saturday, November 20, visitors still have a few days to experience the museum’s Ladd-Gilman House, Folsom Tavern, or behind-the-scenes Architecture tour.

In tours of the Ladd-Gilman House, docents lead visitors on an hour-long exploration of important moments in United States history as seen through the lens of New Hampshire. Visitors not only explore events that shaped the foundation of the nation, but also the diverse array of people who contributed to the cause of independence.

In tours of Folsom Tavern, visited in 1789 by George Washington, visitors will learn its unique history as well as the different kinds of experiences that took place in taverns in colonial and revolutionary history.

After remaining closed for the 2020 season due to the pandemic, the American Independence Museum refined their tours to incorporate new and under-represented stories. “The 2021 season brought a renewed focus on inclusive storytelling at the museum, and we are thrilled to share these new stories with visitors through our many tour offerings,” noted Executive Director Emma Stratton.

Tours are $8 for adults, $6 for seniors, students, educators and first responders, $4 for children (6-18), and free for museum members and veterans.

To register for tours, visit independencemuseum.org/

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.

Beer for History Welcomes The Czar’s Brewery

by jen | Nov 5, 2021 | Beer for History, For Adults, Partnerships

On Thursday, November 18, the American Independence Museum will host Beer for History, sponsored by Donahue Tucker & Ciandella, with The Czar’s Brewery as the featured brewer. Located in historic downtown Exeter, capital of New Hampshire during the Revolutionary War, The Czar’s Brewery offers everything from brown, blonde, and pumpkin ales to IPA’s, hefeweizens, and more.

“We are thrilled to have them as our featured brewer,” noted museum Program Manager Sarah Jaworski. “We love how their playfulness and creativity in naming beers give a nod to history.”

The Czar’s Brewery is owned by Henry Vance, longtime director for the Associated Grocers of New England, an independent grocers’ cooperative.

“This is the first time we have partnered with Henry. Czar’s is our neighbor, located just across the street from the museum. We are so excited to highlight them!” added Jaworski.

Sponsored by Donahue Tucker & Ciandella, Beer for History with The Czar’s Brewery takes place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, November 18 outside at the American Independence Museum’s Folsom Tavern Lawn, 164 Water St., Exeter, NH. Tickets are $15 for members and $20 for non-members, while youth (under 21) are $5. Ticket prices include beer (21+), entertainment, and light snacks.

Visit https://www.independencemuseum.org/AIMstaging/event/beer-for-history-czars/ to purchase tickets.

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.

Go Behind the Scenes with an Architectural Tour

by jen | Nov 3, 2021 | Tours

They sure don’t build them like they used to. The American Independence Museum is providing visitors with a peek “behind the scenes” to see how their two 18th century properties have weathered the challenges of time.

“Over time the architecture of our buildings changed to match the needs of those living here and to fit popular styles. We are excited to explore those changes in our architecture tours and give guests an opportunity to see areas of the museum that are rarely open to the public,” said museum Curator Jennifer Carr.

Among many interesting historical footnotes, the ca. 1721 Ladd-Gilman House was home to NH’s longest-serving Governor, John Taylor Gilman, who served in such capacity off and on for 14 years from 1794 to 1816. In 1985, a Dunlap Broadside, the first official printing of the Declaration of Independence, was re-discovered in its attic.

Originally built in the center of downtown Exeter where Me & Ollies exists today, the ca. 1775 Folsom Tavern is now “down the hill” from the Ladd-Gilman House and boasts a unique history of its own. In addition to where the New Hampshire Chapter of the Society of the Cincinnati was founded in 1783, Folsom Tavern welcomed George Washington in 1789 where he “partook in a collation” served by the Folsom family.

Architecture tours take place on Fridays at 12:30 and 2 p.m. through November 19.

Due to the historic nature of both buildings, they are not handicap accessible. Tickets are $10 for non-members and $5 for members. Pre-registration is recommended, masks are required.

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.

Beer For History Czar’s Brewery

by jen | Oct 28, 2021

Beer for History featuring Czar's Brewery 11/18

Purchase Beer For History Tickets

$15 AIM Members
$20 Non-members
$ 5 children under 21

What’s a tavern without beer? Join us for Beer for History as we bring the spirt of Folsom Tavern alive. This week’s event will feature Czar’s Brewery.

Different programming will be ‘on tap’ at each event including music, trivia or colonial tavern games.

Held outside on the lawn of the Folsom Tavern, 164 Water Street, Exeter, NH 03833 featuring tents and campfires for sitting or mingling.

UNH BrewLab to headline next Beer for History

by jen | Oct 23, 2021 | Beer for History, Events, For Adults

On the heels of a successful kickoff in October with Pipe Dream Brewing from Londonderry, Beer for History, sponsored by Donahue Tucker & Ciandella, will welcome UNH BrewLab on Thursday, November 4 from 6 to 8 p.m. Featuring craft beer, colonial-inspired games and trivia, Beer for History is appropriate for all ages.

“It takes place outside on our Folsom Tavern Lawn, so there is plenty of space for families with kids to enjoy late autumn in Exeter,” noted museum Executive Director Emma Stratton. “There will also be tents and campfires, so it will be a very festive environment.”

At this Beer for History, UNH BrewLab is expected to bring three beers, including “Harvest Thyme Brown Ale,” which is brewed using the ‘unloved’ bread ends from the UNH dining hall fresh baked bread. The thyme added to the beer comes from the Farm To You NH program, a student-run farm on campus.

“Stormy Seas Oatmeal Stout” is a full bodied oatmeal stout with dark roasty notes and a hint of sweet aroma from local maple syrup additions. Local oats give it a nice smooth creaminess. A hoppy farmhouse style beer, “Wildcat Wheat” is brewed with wheat and orange peels and dry hopped with Citra hops, which elicit ‘sweet aromas.’

“You will also get the chance to talk with some of the student brewers,” noted Stratton, who said the purpose behind Beer for History is two-fold.

“We want to get people excited about history and the programs we offer, but we also want to be a gathering spot for locals and visitors alike,” she added. “Beer for History has always been a place where everyone can gather and have a terrific time.”

Beer for History with UNH BrewLab takes place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, November 4 outside at the American Independence Museum’s Folsom Tavern Lawn, 164 Water St., Exeter, NH. Tickets are $15 for members and $20 for non-members, while youth (under 21) are $5. Ticket prices include beer (21+), entertainment and light snacks.

To purchase tickets visit https://www.independencemuseum.org/AIMstaging/event/beer-for-history-unh/

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.