American Independence Museum to Host Open Play

American Independence Museum to Host Open Play

by | Jan 31, 2024 | Events, Family Friendly, For Kids

This winter and fall, the American Independence Museum (AIM) will host Open Play (AIM) at the Foy Family Library at Folsom Tavern (c. 1775). Made possible by a gift from Jeff and Melissa Foy just before the pandemic, the Foy Family Library features a coloring station, 18th-century play kitchen, dress-up clothes, and a reading nook.

“We are very grateful to Jeff and Melissa, whose vision for this library has now come full circle,” noted Jennifer Carr, AIM Executive Director. “Open Play is the first of many programs this year that will focus on opening up our campus to the public,”

This focus is captured in AIM’s We Are One, a 3-year organizational theme that connects the museum’s programs, events, and exhibits. The central message behind We Are One is that all voices and perspectives matter. “We want people to view AIM as not just a place to learn, but a place to gather and build community with one another,” said Carr.

Beginning Tuesday, February 6, Open Play will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. every Tuesday through April at AIM’s Folsom Tavern, 164 Water St., Exeter. Open Play is $5 per family.

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’.

Eventide Foundation To Support Accessibility at American Independence Museum

Eventide Foundation To Support Accessibility at American Independence Museum

by | Dec 7, 2023 | Grants

In mid-December, the American Independence Museum (AIM) received a $6,500 grant from Eventide Foundation, which will enhance accessibility at the nonprofit institution in 2024 and beyond.

“Currently, our campus does not have any outside seating or places where visitors can comfortably gather, which impacts older adults in particular,” explained Jennifer Carr, AIM Executive Director. “This grant from Eventide will help us address this critical need.”

In addition to outside benches and portable tables, the grant will help cover most of the cost to place a portable bathroom on the AIM campus for the 2024 season. Currently, AIM’s Folsom Tavern does not have an accessible bathroom, which presents a significant accessibility barrier for many visitors.

“A portable, handicapped-accessible bathroom outside Folsom Tavern will not only enhance accessibility but also unlock immediate opportunities to revamp our programs and facility rentals,” Carr said. “We want the museum to serve as a gathering spot for community members and tourists…This grant helps us take a big step forward in that direction.”

In addition to its Accessibility Initiative, AIM is also deepening its commitment to We Are One, its 3-year organizational theme. The central message behind We Are One is that all voices and all lives matter.

“We acknowledge that our nation has a complicated history where not everyone has enjoyed freedom or liberty,” noted Carr. “We explore this history in the hopes we can develop a shared understanding regarding how we can move forward together.”

To support AIM’s Accessibility Initiative, click here or the button below.

Support Accessibility

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’.

Join AIM at OTTO Pizza

Join AIM at OTTO Pizza

by | Nov 24, 2023

darkened restaurant exterior with lit sign that reads OTTO

Date: Monday, December 18
Time: 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Location: OTTO Pizza, 33 Water St, Exeter, NH

Join us at OTTO Pizza for an AIM fundraiser.  We will be there to catch you up on AIM, and find out how your December is going. 10% of all food sales that evening will benefit AIM.

Have a slice for a good cause!

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’.

Silent Auction 2023

Silent Auction 2023

by | Nov 18, 2023

Two tables decorated for a winter holiday event.
Date: Thursday, November 30th
Time: 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Location: Folsom Tavern, 164 Water St.
Cost: Free ($10 donations appreciated)
Join us as we ring in the season, as Folsom Tavern will be decorated for the season to the public for a Holiday Tavern Open House, presented by M&T Bank.

At this event, we will feature hot beverages and snacks in addition to informal presentations about colonial drinks (coffee and tea).We will also have a gift shop set up within Folsom Tavern, so be prepared to do some shopping, too!

We will also feature an exciting Silent Auction with proceeds to benefit our educational and public programming for people of all ages. Click the buttion to bid on our Silent Auction Online.

View Silent Auction
This event is sponsored by:
M&T Bank

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 Bring History to Life

American Independence Museum to Bring History to Life

by | Nov 5, 2023 | Events, Family Friendly, Living History, Programming

On Saturday, Nov. 11, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., the American Independence Museum (AIM) will host Rebels in the Republic, a living history event at Folsom Tavern (1775) with costumed reenactors. Set in 1786, the event will reveal through actor portrayals the different perspectives that existed at the time over currency, debt, and who should pay for the war just won. “In the first decades of the United States, there was no national currency, and individual states’ currency was hard to come by,” said AIM’s Alena Shellenbean, who is organizing the event.

The event, which takes place throughout the day, will also address the voices that were not part of the decision-making process, including women, children, Indigenous peoples, Black Americans, and various religious minorities. “This is an immersive experience that will look and feel like you are right in the middle of the 1780’s,” said Shellenbean. “People of all ages will have a wonderful time.”

Rebels in the Republic is sponsored by Service Credit Union. Tickets to the event are $8 for adults, $6 for seniors (65+), and free for children under 12, members and military/veterans. 

Buy Tickets

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’.

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