by emma | Sep 26, 2019 | story time
Presented by Exeter Hospital, the American Independence Museum’s Revolutionary Story Time provides kids, ages 3 to 5, and their caregivers with free entertainment on the first Thursday of each month, April through December.
“It’s a chance for families with young children to come and experience a space that is accessible, fun, and educational,” said museum Executive Director Emma Stratton. “There is real value in offering families this ‘third community space,’ and we are so thankful to partner with Exeter Hospital again to make this a reality.”
Featuring story-telling, live music and play-time, Revolutionary Story Time! next takes place at the museum’s Folsom Tavern on Thursday, October 3 from 2 to 4 pm.
Exeter Hospital’s Jenn McGowan said she is thrilled to see the continued growth of the program.
“We view community health from a very broad perspective, and it includes community space accessible to as many members of the community as possible,” she said. “Revolutionary Story Time is wonderful because it creates a family-friendly and safe space.”
On the first Thursday of each month through December from 2 to 4 pm at the museum’s Folsom Tavern at 164 Water Street in Exeter, kids and families are entertained by stories and live music.
After the 30+ minute storytime program, parent-supervised playtime includes imaginary play, colonial games and period dress-up.
Revolutionary Story Time takes place across the street from Swasey Parkway, which hosts Exeter Farmers’ Market from 2:15 pm to 6 pm every Thursday through October 31.
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.
by emma | Jul 24, 2019 | story time
Presented by Exeter Hospital, Revolutionary Story Time! turns Folsom Tavern at the American Independence Museum into a place for kids, ages 3 to 5, the first Thursday of each month, April through December.
At the next Revolutionary Story Time! on Thursday, August 1 from 2 to 4 pm, museum Executive Director Emma Bray said families and caregivers can expect everything from story-telling to live music.
“We have a colonial re-enactor who really engages with the kids,” she said. “It’s a lot of fun.”
After the initial 30 minute story time, families are invited to “stay and play” for parent-supervised playtime, which includes imaginary play, colonial games and period dress-up.
“Kids and families can play outside on our lawn, too,” added Bray. “This is a great way to spend the afternoon and then walk right over to the Farmers’ Market afterwards on Swasey Parkway.”
Due to the historical nature of the Tavern, strollers are not encouraged, as the building is not handicapped accessible. Reservations are accepted but not 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.
by emma | Jun 27, 2019 | Events
In July, children and families are a big focus at the American Independence Museum in Exeter.
On Tuesday, July 2, The Provident Bank is sponsoring free admission for residents of any age from SAU 16, which includes Brentwood, East Kingston, Exeter, Kensington, Newfields, and Stratham. On Saturday, July 6, free admission will also be made available to SAU 16 residents, courtesy of Kennebunk Savings.
“Both banks are also sponsoring the free admission for SAU 16 residents on the first Tuesday and Saturday in August, respectively,” said museum Executive Director Emma Bray. “This is a wonderful opportunity for local residents to see first hand the improvements we have made within our museum as well as our new exhibits.”
Presented by Exeter Hospital, a special patriotic sing-along edition of Revolutionary Story Time! takes place on Thursday, July 4 from 11am to 1 pm. At this event, families and guests of all ages are invited to Folsom Tavern to celebrate Independence Day with song led by a colonial reenactor, patriotic cake, and colonial games. The event is free and part of a year long series, which takes place on the first Thursday of each month through December.
The largest event annually hosted by the museum, the American Independence Festival takes place on Saturday, July 13 and is expected to attract thousands. Presented by Newburyport Bank, the event features everything from traditional craft demonstrations and battle re-enactments to a beer garden, live music, games, local food, art and craft marketplace, and more.
The Festival also marks the conclusion of the museum’s Revolutionary Kids Camp, which begins Tuesday, July 9. In this full-day living history experience, youth (ages 9 – 12) immerse themselves in the past and assume the role of a real 18th century Exeter resident, complete with colonial clothing. At the Festival, youth show off what they have learned in camp, which concludes Friday, July 12.
“It’s a busy month for us and one in which I hope we see many new faces,” added Bray. “We want people to see the museum as ‘their’ space.”
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.
by emma | May 15, 2019 | story time
With its Traveling Trunk program criss-crossing the nation in its mission to educate youth, the American Independence Museum has made “impressive progress” locally with Revolutionary Story Time!, presented by Exeter Hospital.
Designed for kids, ages 3 to 5, and their families, the series is free and is helping to create what museum Executive Director Emma Bray described as “a third community space.”
“We have a great space for kids and families, and this series helps to open up our property to others who might not know much about us,” she said. “Revolutionary Story Time! is free and accessible to all in our local communities.”
The next Revolutionary Story Time! takes place on Thursday, June 6 from 2 to 4 pm during which time children are entertained by books, live music and stories.
After the initial 30 minute story time, families are invited to “stay and play” for parent-supervised playtime, which includes imaginary play, colonial games and period dress-up.
“It is so much fun to see kids and their families here for this program,” added Bray. “I’m thrilled we can partner with Exeter Hospital to provide this space at no charge to families.”
Due to the historical nature of the Tavern, strollers are not encouraged, as the building is not handicapped accessible. Reservations are accepted but not 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.
by emma | Apr 25, 2019 | Events
On Wednesday, May 1, the American Independence Museum opens for 2019 with a full week of programs capped off by Spring Tea in Folsom Tavern on Saturday, May 4 at 11am and 2pm.
The event, which features tea, assorted finger sandwiches, scones, and desserts by colonial inspired caterers, For the Love of Food and Drink, follows similar themed events in December.
“Our Holiday Tea sold out,” said the museum’s Victoria Su, who organizes the event. “This is a great way to celebrate spring and enjoy the ambiance of Folsom Tavern, which once entertained George Washington in his visit to Exeter in 1789.”
Earlier in the week on Thursday, May 2 from 2pm to 4pm, Folsom Tavern will also host Revolutionary Story Time!, presented by Exeter Hospital.
Designed to entertain kids, ages 3 to 5+, and their families, the free series provides, entertainment and live music. After the 30+ minute program, parent-supervised playtime includes imaginary play, colonial games and period dress-up.
According to Emma Bray, the upcoming 2019 season at the museum may be its busiest ever. This year, much of the museum’s programs and events are conceptually linked by a Civic Engagement theme.
“From our Lecture Series, presented by People’s United Bank, to our Genealogy Workshop series and more, we have an interesting lineup of programs this year that I think will surprise people,” she said. “We want the museum to strive for relevance–whether as an educational resource or a place for the entire family to gather.”
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.
