In 2023, the American Independence Museum will embark on an ambitious project that will result in permanent new exhibits that present diverse and unexpected perspectives of the Revolutionary War and Colonial life. The project is made possible by a grant from the Massachusetts Society of the Cincinnati, which has made substantial investments in the Museum over the years.

“We are incredibly grateful for the support of Massachusetts Society of the Cincinnati, as their continued support and friendship enables us to continue to meet our mission,” said Museum Executive Director Jennifer Carr.

The Museum’s mission is intricately connected with that of the Massachusetts Society of the Cincinnati, which is one of 14 chapters of The Society of the Cincinnati. The nation’s oldest patriotic organization, The Society was founded in 1783 by officers of the Continental Army and their French counterparts who served together in the American Revolution. Its mission is to promote knowledge and appreciation of the achievement of American independence and foster fellowship among its members.

“Our museum and our collection is owned by the New Hampshire Society of the Cincinnati, which was founded in our very own Folsom Tavern in 1783,” explained Carr. “It’s wonderful and unique that we have such a terrific partnership with another chapter.”

In 2023, though, this partnership will significantly deepen in a project she described as “transformational.” “This grant will fund substantial research into our collection and help us expand it through the acquisition of new items,” she said.

The goal of the grant-funded project is to create exhibits that highlight underrepresented voices in Revolutionary history, including those of women, Indigenous Americans, free Black population, enslaved persons, and soldiers. It is not just the end product(s) of the grant that excite Carr, but also its methodology.

“The grant enables us to hire a professional researcher to help lead the project,” she explained. “This researcher will be from an underrepresented group, which we feel is appropriate given our intent to create more inclusive stories and exhibits in the museum.”
According to Carr, the Museum’s focus on inclusive storytelling has already begun. As examples, she cited some of the Indigenous artifacts in exhibits already on display in the museum uncovered during an archaeological dig in 2019. These items range from a 2,700 year-old projectile point (arrowhead) to stone flakes created as a result of knapping (the product of producing stone weapons) and pieces of Indigenous pottery.

“Many of these items are ‘pre-contact’ and allow us to acknowledge the Indigenous presence on the land and share their history with visitors from across the world,” said Carr.

Regarding next steps in the project, Carr said they plan to hire an external researcher sometime by mid March. Her hope is that the project can begin in earnest by April. “We are excited to take this big step forward and thankful to have the continued support of the Massachusetts Society of the Cincinnati behind us every step of the way,” she said.

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’.