• Junior Roleplayer Program
• Two-week program: July 7 - 11 and July 14 - 17
• 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. plus festival 7/19
• Ladd-Gilman House and Folsom Tavern
• Children ages 10+
• $350 nonmembers, $310 members

Love history? Like to act, read and research? Through our new Junior Roleplaying Program you'll learn about history as you develop a character who lived in Exeter during the American Revolution. Price includes 36 hours of instruction, proper costume outfitting, snacks, and a performance during the American Independence Festival on July 19. Reservations necessary.

• Opening Day!
• Wednesday, May 14
• 10 am - 4 pm
• $5 adults, $3 students, members free

The American Independence Museum, with tours of both the Ladd-Gilman House and the Folsom Tavern, opens for the season.

• A Star-Spangled Evening with the American Independence Musem
• Sunday, June 1
• 5 - 8 p.m.
• Bonta, Hampton, NH
• Reservations necessary; call 603/772-2622 for details.
• $100 per person, $85 per person for members

This dazzling evening features a fabulous dinner, fine wines, followed by a fast-paced live auction of a brilliant array of items! Proceeds benefit our education programs.

• Archaeology Camp
• Two sessions offered: July 28 - Aug. 1 or Aug. 11
• 9 am - 3 pm
• Children ages 10-13
• $300 non-members
• $275 members

Be a history detective! Test your investigative and research skills by becoming an archaeologist for a week! Campers conduct their own archaeological excavation at a simulated site on museum grounds while learning Exeter history and the daily life of our ancestors. Discover history through the objects left behind. Snacks included. Sponsored by Exeter Hospital.

• Revolutionary Adventure
• One week program: July 7 -11
• 9 am - 3 pm, plus Saturday morning, July 19
• Ages 8-11
• $300 non-members, $275 members

What was it like to live during the American Revolution? Find out during this weeklong summer camp. Learn about 18th-century life with Mrs. Ann Taylor Gilman, military muster techniques with Colonel Samuel Folsom, and much more! Then escort George Washington during the annual American Independence Festival on Saturday, July 19. Reservations necessary. Sponsored by Exeter Hospital.

• American Independence Festival
• Saturday, July 19
• 10 am - 5 pm
• American Independence Museum, downtown Exeter, Swasey Parkway
• $5 for events on museum grounds

On July 16, 1776, twenty-two year old John Taylor Gilman read the Declaration of Independence to the townspeople of Exeter. Help us celebrate America's freedom with our popular festival! Join the crowd escorting George Washington down Water Street, listen to the public reading of the Declaration (complete with hecklers!) chat with Mrs. Abigail Adams and other historic role-players, step to the stirring music of the Lincoln Fife and Drum and delight in the maneuvers and cannon firings of militias. Visit the traditional New Hampshire artisans village, view our original Dunlap Broadside and early drafts of the U.S. Constitution and stroll Swasey Parkway to see local arts and crafts. Enjoy plenty of food, music, sidewalk sales and children's activities, then stay for the town's evening fireworks and live band!

• Purple Heart Day
• Thursday, August 7
• 10am - 4pm; last tour offered at 3pm
• The Ladd-Gilman House and the Folsom Tavern
• Free admission for all military veterans and active duty personnel

General George Washington issued an order on August 7, 1782, allowing those soldiers who proved themselves in honor to sew a "purple heart" onto their uniform. Official records show that only three Purple Hearts were issued by Washington. On exhibit will be a Purple Heart found in Deerfield, NH and donated to the American Independence Museum by Society of the Cincinnati member William L. Willey. Also on display will be a World War II Purple Heart which was awarded to J. Phillip Webber and donated to AIM.

• At Home with the Gilmans
• Saturday, August 16
• Tours on the hour beginning at 10 am
• Ladd-Gilman House
• $5 non-members, $3 students, free for members

This special tour examines the role the Gilman family played in early New Hampshire history. Learn about Colonel Nicholas Gilman, who served as New Hampshire's treasurer from his own home during the American Revolution, and his sons, John Taylor Gilman, who read the Declaration of Independence to Exeter at age 22, and Nicholas Gilman, Jr., who signed the U.S. Constitution. The Gilman-Garrison House, an Historic New England property located at 12 Water Street in Exeter, will also be open for tours. (separate fee)

• Autumn Craft Classes
• Saturdays, Sept 13, Oct. 4, and Nov. 8
• 10am - 2pm
• Folsom Tavern Assembly Room
• To be determined; may vary by class

Try your hand at historic handcrafts! Participants will learn a craft from an accomplished artist. Please check back later for details.

• Sixth Annual Constitution Forum
• Wednesday, Sept. 17
• 7pm
• Phillips Exeter Academy, Assembly Hall
• Students; adults
• Free admission

On September 17, 1787, thirty-nine brave men changed the course of history by signing our U.S. Constitution. Join us for our annual lecture annual focusing on current issues related to the U.S. Constitution. Please check back for details.

• Two Taverns at Twilight
• Thursday, September 18
• 6:30-8pm
• Folsom Tavern, Gilman Garrison House, Exeter
• $15, members of Historic New England and AIM
• $25 general admission; $15 members of AIM or Historic New England

Enjoy a twilight tour of Historic New England’s Gilman Garrison House, Exeter’s “other” Gilman home, located at 12 Water Street, then view the Folsom Tavern by candlelight. Refreshments included. Pre-registration through Historic New England at 603/436-3205 or www.historicnewengland.org. Note: this event sold out last year so reserve your spot early!

• Closing Day
• Saturday, October 25
• 10am - 4pm; last tour offered at 3pm
• Ladd-Gilman House and Folsom Tavern
• $5 adults, $3 students, members free

Thank you for another wonderful season!

• Breakfast with George Washington
• Saturday, November 1
• Seatings at 9:30, 10:30 and 11:30 a.m.
• Folsom Tavern
• Families
• $10 adults, $8 children

President George Washington visited the Folsom Tavern on November 4, 1789 and he'll return to join us for a traditional 18th century "collation". Admission price includes food, children's craft, and a tour of the American Independence Museum, offered on the hour. Reservations necessary. Space is limited so reserve early!

• American Girl Holiday!
• Saturday, December 6; December 13
• 10 or 11 am, 1 or 2 pm; each session last approximately 2 hours
• Ages 7 - 11; paying adult must accompany child
• $20 per person; reservations necessary

Learn the holiday traditions of three girls, Felicity Merriman, Samantha Parkington, and Molly McIntire from the popular American Girls book series. See the festive decoration in both the Ladd-Gilman House and the Folsom Tavern, enjoy refreshments, and make a craft. Be sure to bring your doll!