The Ladd-Gilman House

A tour of the Ladd-Gilman House (c. 1721), a registered National Landmark property, offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the Gilman Family between 1720 and 1820.

Trace the lives of the Gilmans and the course of early New Hampshire history through key events such as Colonial rebellion against the British, the move of New Hampshire's capital to Exeter during the Revolution, the colony's declaration of independence, and the founding of a new nation. You'll also learn about the Society of the Cincinnati in the State of New Hampshire, a fraternal civic organization founded in 1783 at our Folsom Tavern.

The Collections

The highlights of the museum's collections are two original drafts of the U.S. Constitution (Committee of Style and Committee of Detail) and the Dunlap Broadside of the Declaration of Independence. Together, these documents are compelling records of our fledgling country's political beliefs.

Other important items in the collection include letters and documents by General George Washington, General Henry Knox; and Major Pierre Charles L'Enfant; portraits of George Washington and other statesmen; furnishings, tableware, silver and decorative arts from the 18th and 19th centuries; and 18th century weapons and military ephemera.

The Exhibit Rooms

Exhibit rooms focus on specific areas of interest related to the collections and are examples of period rooms as well as formal exhibits. All rooms in the Ladd-Gilman House honor an original member of the Society of the Cincinnati in the State of New Hampshire or their descendants.

The Gookin Room introduces visitors to 18th century Exeter, when the town was a bustling, dynamic seaport, and to the Ladd and Gilman families. Panels in the room reveal the history of the house. It is named for Lt. Daniel Gookin of North Hampton, NH who served from 1776 to 1782.
The Treasury explains the circumstances that led to the Revolution, including taxation without representation. The NH State Treasury moved to this house in 1775 and Nicholas Gilman Sr. served as State Treasurer during the Revolution when Exeter was the state capital. In subsequent years two of his sons, John and Nathaniel, also served as the State Treasurer.
The Sullivan Room, named for Major General John Sullivan of Durham, NH, discusses the writing of the Declaration and a reproduction of our Dunlap Broadside is on exhibit. The room contains 18th century furniture and decorative arts. General Sullivan led the attack on Fort William and Mary and also brought a NH regiment to Bunker Hill.
The Cilley Room explains New Hampshire's role in the war, its militia and the Northern Campaign of the Revolution are explored using prints, weaponry and military papers. Colonel Joseph Cilley came from Nottingham, NH, and served in both the French and Indian War and the American Revolution.
The Treat Room focuses on the creation of the United States Constitution, and copies of our Drafts of the Constitution are on display. The history of the Society of the Cincinnati in the State of New Hampshire is also explained and items belonging to original members are on display. Captain John Harvey of Northwood was an original member of the Society and is now represented his descendants, the Treat family.
The Gilman Bedroom shows how the room was furnished when the Society used the house as its clubhouse in the early 1900s and is named for John Taylor Gilman who served as Governor of New Hampshire for a total of 14 years.
The Fogg Room houses changing exhibits; a new show is installed each year. Major Jeremiah Fogg of Kensington served in the 2nd NH regiment and later was a member of the NH State Senate.