things to do in nh - American Independence Museum

33rd American Independence Festival

by | Mar 10, 2023

Two young children sit on the grass in front of two reenactors demonstrating 18th century tailoring

Date: July 15, 2023
Time: 10 a.m.
Location: American Independence Museum, 1 Governors Lane., Exeter, NH
Cost: FREE!

Celebrate the anniversary of the arrival of the Declaration of Independence to New Hampshire on July 16th, 1776 at the 33rd American Independence Festival on Saturday July 15th in downtown Exeter, NH. Free Admission!

On the grounds of the American Independence Museum, visitors can experience life in colonial New Hampshire and celebrate the founding of the United States.

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Presenting Sponsor

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’.

American Independence Museum Launches “We Are One”

by rob | Mar 9, 2023 | Human Interest, Programming

Reflecting its organizational emphasis on inclusivity and diversity, the American Independence Museum (AIM) has launched We Are One, a concept that will serve as its guiding principle for the next three years.

“As we prepare for the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026, We Are One will help guide how we develop programs, events, and exhibits, and how we engage with visitors,” said Jennifer Carr, executive director.

Alena Shellenbean, AIM events and marketing manager, said the very formation of the United States serves as a testament to the rationale behind We Are One. “When the Declaration of Independence was written, a lot of people thought it would fail because each colony, each would-be state, was so different,” she said. “The concern was that they might not agree on anything, let alone how to be a country.”

In the early years of the Republic, an etching printed on flyers—the 18th century version of a logo—was developed to help signify the founders’ hope for a new United States. Revealing each of the original 13 colonies as a circle interlocked with one another, the image serves as the basis for AIM’s We Are One logo.

“We have many voices, many perspectives, and they all matter, which I think our logo captures,” remarked Carr. “As we move toward the 250th anniversary of the founding of our nation, We Are One reminds us what is possible when we unite during times of division.”

Carr said this concept inspired the 2nd NH Regiment during the American Revolution. “They used this symbol on their regimental flag,” she said.

According to Carr, We Are One will find expression in four initiatives, which include Bring History to Life, Educate Children & Youth, Engage Older Adults, and Build Community. “Our programs, events, and exhibits all fall within one of these initiatives, which explain quite clearly our intentions,” explained Carr. “We believe these initiatives will resonate with people of all ages and from diverse backgrounds.”

In looking ahead, Shellenbean said she hopes that “our differences as a nation” could be looked upon as a strength rather than a weakness. “We’ve always been a country full of people with big ideas, sometimes wildly different ideas, which I think makes us stronger,” she said. “We Are One is an idea that can hold us together and make our differences into a strength.”

← American Independence Museum to Explore “What it Means to be an American” AIM to Explore African-American Soldiers’ Service During Revolutionary War →

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.

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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’.

American Independence Museum to Explore “What it Means to be an American”

by | Feb 22, 2023 | Events, Human Interest, Partnerships

On Tuesday, March 21, 6:30 p.m., at Folsom Tavern in Exeter, Joshua Tepley will facilitate “What Does it Mean to be an American?” as part of Open Questions, presented by New Hampshire Humanities. A series of thought-provoking community conversations, Open Questions explores essential questions about meaning and life that are important to Granite Staters.

“We are thrilled to host this event in our historic Folsom Tavern at no cost,” said AIM Executive Director Jennifer Carr. “As a society, it is crucial we create space for open, thoughtful dialogue, so this is the kind of conversation we want to take place on our campus.”

According to Carr, such open-dialogue conversations take on special meaning at Folsom Tavern, which was built in 1775. “Taverns like Folsom Tavern were the hub of colonial society and where debates and conversations took place that often found their way into politics,” she added. “This discussion at our tavern is unique because it provides historical context to the need for respectful discussions.”

Each program in Open Questions is facilitated by philosophy professors who explore essential questions about meaning and life. With research interests in free will, personal identity, ontology (the study of being), and the intersection between philosophy and science fiction, Tepley is an Associate Professor and Chair of the Philosophy Department at Saint Anselm College. He received his B.A. in Philosophy from Bucknell University (2004) and his Ph.D. in Philosophy from the University of Notre Dame (2013).

Part of AIM’s ongoing Tavern Talk series, “What Does it Mean to be an American?” takes place on Tuesday, March 21, 6:30 p.m., at Folsom Tavern, 164 Water St., Exeter, NH. Discussions in AIM’s Tavern Talk series are open-dialogue, moderated discussions facilitated by various experts and practitioners from diverse backgrounds. Pre-registration is encouraged, but not required.

← Alena Shellenbean Joins American Independence Museum Staff American Independence Museum Launches “We Are One” →

Event Details

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

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 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’.

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’.