Logging 18,350 miles and educating 520 secondary students throughout the U.S. in 2021, the Traveling Trunk program has been an educational staple at the American Independence Museum since 2016. Registration for the program for the 2022/23 school year opened on May 1.

Shipped throughout the U.S., the trunk contains 70+ high quality reproduction items that range from clothing to replica personal care items and games. Hands-on learning, noted Program Manager Sarah Jaworski, is the intent behind the program, which is offered at no charge to schools.

“Teachers are provided with suggestions and ideas on activities to go along with the curriculum,” she said.

While aimed toward students in the 3rd through 5th grade, the program’s curriculum is flexible and can be customized for all grade levels. Developed with initial seed funding from the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, the program relies on corporate funding to pay for associated shipping costs and replacement of replica educational items.

The only caveat with the upcoming school year, however, is the museum is currently looking for corporate support. “Shipping is the biggest expense along with the extra time needed to prepare a trunk to travel,” said Museum Executive Director Emma Stratton, who estimated the program’s annual costs at $5,000.

As for the benefits of sponsoring the trunk—either monthly or for an entire school year—Stratton said the program is unique in that it provides insight into New Hampshire’s colonial history. “This is a chance for students to learn more about not just New Hampshire, but Exeter’s status and role during the years leading up to and after the Revolutionary War.”

To learn more about the Traveling Trunk, including sponsorship opportunities, email Jaworski at [email protected], or visit independencemuseum.org.

About the 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’.