by emma | Aug 9, 2018 | Events
Although in a town as historic as Exeter (375+ years old), it is impossible to cover its entire history in one event, the American Independence Museum is trying to provide folks with a peek “behind the scenes.”
On Friday, August 24, the museum will host the third of four Architectural Tours this season. It will provide visitors with the opportunity to see areas of both 18th century buildings on the property that are not typically open to the public.
Among many interesting historical footnotes, the ca. 1721 Ladd-Gilman House was home to NH’s first Governor, John Taylor Gilman, who served in such capacity off and on for 14 years from 1794 to 1816. In 1985, a Dunlap Broadside, the first official printing of the Declaration of Independence, was re-discovered in its attic.
“The Ladd-Gilman House has been home to many interesting characters and events through the years,” noted museum Executive Director Emma Bray.
Originally built in the center of downtown Exeter where Me & Ollies exists today, the ca. 1775 Folsom Tavern is now “down the hill” from the Ladd-Gilman House and boasts a unique history of its own. In addition to where the New Hampshire Chapter of the Society of the Cincinnati was founded in 1783, Folsom Tavern welcomed George Washington in 1789 where he “partook in a collation” served by the Folsom family.
“The Society still owns our properties, so this tie to history is still evident today,” added Bray. “Folsom Tavern was undoubtedly a gathering spot for many, including politicians and soldiers, during the Revolution.”
During the Architectural Tour, visitors will learn how the two buildings have changed through the years, their decorative styles and architectural features. The tour takes place at 10:30 am on Friday, August 24.
Due to the historic nature of both buildings, they are not handicap accessible. Tickets are $10 for non-members and $5 for members.
Home to a world-class collection of 3,000 historic artifacts, the museum welcomes more than 5,000 visitors annually and distinguishes itself with educational school programs and events that make history fun and relevant.
by emma | Aug 8, 2018 | Events, Partnerships
Located next to each other in downtown Exeter, the American Independence Museum and People’s United Bank are more than simply neighbors, but partners as they present the next Lunch & Learn on Wednesday, August 15.
Entitled, “Global Perspectives on the Revolution: The Exhibit Up-Close,” the presentation will be facilitated by the museum’s Collections Manager, Rachel Passannante, who will discuss their “global theme” and 2018 special exhibit.
“So much of our programming relates to our theme, Global Perspectives on the Revolution, which helps frame the importance the war had on other nations,” she said. “Our special exhibit this year tells that story, so I look forward to talking to people about it and then taking them on a tour of the museum to show it to them.”
For the past two years, People’s United Bank has helped present the museum’s evening talks with an expansion in 2018 to include the Lunch & Learn series, which takes place at noon at Folsom Tavern.
“Education is so important to us, and we love the museum’s focus on engaging the community,” said Marc Ouellette, vice president, senior market manager at People’s United Bank. “We are proud to partner with them to bring these talks and discussions to the community at no charge.”
Tavern Talks are additionally supported by a Humanities-To-Go grant from the NH Humanities Council.
Lunch & Learns are held in Folsom Tavern, 164 Water Street, Exeter, NH and are free and open to the public, who are welcome to bring lunch to eat during the presentation.
by emma | Aug 2, 2018 | Beer for History
When it comes to good craft beer and history, the American Independence Museum in Exeter has the market cornered with its third Beer for History series, which kicks off on September 20 with Neighborhood Beer Co.
Sponsored by Hoefle Phoenix Gormley & Roberts, P.A. Attorneys at Law since its inception in 2016, Beer for History will feature a different brewer at each subsequent event. Earth Eagle Brewings is the featured brewer on October 4 with Throwback Brewery and von Trapp Brewing from Stowe, VT on October 18 and November 1, respectively.
According to museum Executive Director Emma Bray, each brewer in the series is well known and regarded for its “well-crafted brews.”
“Beer for History is known for bringing in high-quality brewers,” she said. “This event is perfect for folks who simply love a good beer. It’s also fun for history lovers, as we’ve worked unique history programming into the event in creative and fun ways.”
In addition to craft beer, each event will include Colonial Tavern Games, Colonial Trivia, and/or Escape Room as well as music and light snacks. Lexie’s Burger Bus will be on hand selling local food at all events except October 4, as the museum will announce a partnership with another local food truck for that event soon.
This year, Throwback Brewery and von Trapp Brewing join Beer for History for the first time, which excites Bray.
“Throwback and von Trapp both have unique histories themselves, so it is fun to connect our history with their history through this event,” she said.
All Beer for History events take place at the museum’s historic Folsom Tavern from 6pm to 8pm. Built in 1775, Folsom Tavern has served as backdrop to several noteworthy events in its long history, including a visit by George Washington in 1789.
“Have a beer where George Washington ate–not many museums can say that,” added Bray.
Tickets for each event are $15 for members and $20 for non-members. Series tickets are $50 and $70 for members and nonmembers, respectively, while children (under 21) are $3. Ticket prices include beer (21+), entertainment, light snacks and more.
To purchase tickets, or learn more about Beer for History, visit www.independencemuseum.org.
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