Take A Tour With Us
Museum Tours (Thur-Sat, 10 am – 4 pm)
Ladd-Gilman House (c. 1721)
With or without a guide, explore important moments in our nation’s history as seen through the lens of New Hampshire and untold stories from voices beyond the battlefield.
Guided Tours (May through October 31)
Thur-Sat: 12 pm and 2 pm
Folsom Tavern (c. 1775)
Guided tours examine the role taverns played in colonial and revolutionary history and the different experiences people there. Self-guided tours are not possible at this time.
Guided Tours
Thur-Sat: 1 pm
Ladd-Gilman House tours are 60 minutes and Folsom Tavern Tours are 30 minutes. Want to experience a guided tour of both buildings? We also offer Value Visit: Ladd-Gilman House & Folsom Tavern Guided Tours (90-minutes). Click the button below to book your tour!
Group Tours
Private group tours are available to any group with over 10 attendees. Tours will be led by our trained docent and include a tour of Ladd-Gilman house (60 minutes) and Folsom Tavern (30 minutes). We recommend that you allow a minimum of 2 hours for your guided tour to provide ample time for guests to gather and travel between both buildings. Group tours may be arranged anytime during our open hours, Wednesday– Saturday, May through November. Please note that group tours are only offered April – November.
Group Tour Add-Ons
Tavern Lunch
Lunch will be arranged by the Museum and set up in the Folsom Tavern for your convenience. Typical bagged lunch includes sandwich, chips, cookie and a drink.
Tavern Light Breakfast
Come and eat where George Washington had breakfast! A light breakfast will be arranged by the Museum, set up in the Folsom Tavern for your convenience. Coffee, tea, juice, and an assortment of breakfast pastries will be provided from local Exeter shops.
FAQ’s
What types of tours do you offer?
We currently offer guided and self-guided tours. Self-guided tours mean that you visit the museum on your own time and at your own pace, without a docent leading you. Self-guided tours are only available in the Ladd-Gilman House. Click here to learn more.
Where do tours begin?
All tours begin at the Ladd-Gilman House at 1 Governor’s Lane, the yellow house on the hill. The main entrance to the museum faces the M&T Bank parking lot.
Where can I find parking?
The museum parking lot is located on Spring Street. There is also free two-hour parking on Water Street and municipal lots throughout town.
Where can I see the Dunlap Broadside?
A reproduction of the Dunlap Broadside is currently on view in the Ladd-Gilman House. The original is stored in a secure, off-site location and is typically on display during our American Independence Festival.
What’s in Folsom Tavern?
The Folsom Tavern was built in 1775 and offers a hands-on, immersive 18th century Tavern experience. We invite you to sit in the chairs, play the games on the tables, and experience what Tavern life was like in the time of the Revolutionary War.
What’s in the Ladd-Gilman House?
The Ladd-Gilman House was 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.
Are your structures accessible?
The Ladd-Gilman House and Folsom Tavern are almost 300 years old historic buildings. The buildings are not easily accessible to those in wheelchairs or using walkers. The Tavern's second floor is only accessible by stairs and many rooms have narrow doorways. Please call (603) 772-2622 for more information or any questions you might have about on-site accessibility.
*2024 note: We are actively working to make Folsom Tavern accessible to all people. We currently have a portable restroom and lavatory outside Folsom Tavern. We are also currently developing digital exhibits that can be accessed remotely. Stay tuned for more updates!
