Revolutionary Story Time continues to attract families

Presented by Exeter Hospital, the American Independence Museum’s Revolutionary Story Time provides kids, ages 3 to 5, and their caregivers with free entertainment on the first Thursday of each month, April through December.

“It’s a chance for families with young children to come and experience a space that is accessible, fun, and educational,” said museum Executive Director Emma Stratton. “There is real value in offering families this ‘third community space,’ and we are so thankful to partner with Exeter Hospital again to make this a reality.”

Featuring story-telling, live music and play-time, Revolutionary Story Time! next takes place at the museum’s Folsom Tavern on Thursday, October 3 from 2 to 4 pm.

Exeter Hospital’s Jenn McGowan said she is thrilled to see the continued growth of the program.

“We view community health from a very broad perspective, and it includes community space accessible to as many members of the community as possible,” she said. “Revolutionary Story Time is wonderful because it creates a family-friendly and safe space.”

On the first Thursday of each month through December from 2 to 4 pm at the museum’s Folsom Tavern at 164 Water Street in Exeter, kids and families are entertained by stories and live music. 

After the 30+ minute storytime program, parent-supervised playtime includes imaginary play, colonial games and period dress-up. 

Revolutionary Story Time takes place across the street from Swasey Parkway, which hosts Exeter Farmers’ Market from 2:15 pm to 6 pm every Thursday through October 31.

About the American Independence Museum
The American Independence Museum is a history museum in Exeter, NH that features a collection of 3,000 historic artifacts that shed light on the American Revolution. Many of our programs touch on civics and the fight for independence, while we incorporate  inclusivity and diversity into the experiences we create on-site and in digital formats. We feature a variety of things to do for people of all ages, including festivals, an historic tavern, guided tours and our annual American Independence Festival.

Harman Law Offices to present Re-Imagined Huzzah Family Workshop Series

Presented by Harman Law Offices, the American Independence Museum’s Huzzah Family Workshop Series this fall will present an opportunity for families to create (and eat) historically accurate food together. The series will also explore the relevance of colonial foodways to today.

At the first session on October 23 at the museum’s Folsom Tavern, families will use a variety of greens and vegetables that would have been available to colonists to prepare historically accurate salads. 

At the second session on November 20, families will make colonial cole slaw, which would have been made with vinegar as a means of preserving vegetables through the winter.

“I am delighted to sponsor this revamped series, which will engage entire families in activities that will get them thinking about history and have fun at the same time,” said Terrie Harman of Harman Law Offices.

According to museum Executive Director Emma Stratton, Harman’s support enabled the museum to devote additional time and resources to reconceive the program.

“We are very excited to work with Terrie and local restaurants to deliver an innovative new take on our Huzzah Family Workshop Series,” she said. “Creating an opportunity for families to both create a part of a meal and eat that meal in our historic Tavern is essential to connecting today.”

Both sessions are free, although there may be additional options to pre-purchase food from nearby restaurants to complement what participants make in the sessions. Details regarding times of the sessions and cost of additional food add-ons will be released soon.

About the American Independence Museum
The American Independence Museum is a history museum in Exeter, NH that features a collection of 3,000 historic artifacts that shed light on the American Revolution. Many of our programs touch on civics and the fight for independence, while we incorporate  inclusivity and diversity into the experiences we create on-site and in digital formats. We feature a variety of things to do for people of all ages, including festivals, an historic tavern, guided tours and our annual American Independence Festival.

Craft beer, live music and more at Beer for History

In a tavern that once welcomed George Washington, the American Independence Museum will launch the 4th Annual Beer for History on Thursday, September 26 with von Trapp Brewing from Stowe, VT.

von Trapp Brewing’s Sam von Trapp, who will be at the event on Thursday, September 26, said he is excited to once again “share their beer for history.”

“As brewers of fine craft beer, honoring our history and traditions is part of our DNA,” he said. “It is great to work with the American Independence Museum, which keeps history not only alive, but relevant for people of all ages.”

New Hampshire’s Revolutionary War Capital, Exeter is a town with a history that began to a large extent with the Gilman family, prosperous Exeter merchants linked to the fight for independence.

“We tell this story at the museum and how Exeter played a role in founding our nation,” added Stratton. “Beer for History is our way of celebrating this unique history in a fun, family-friendly way.”

Beer for History is presented by Donahue Tucker & Ciandella.

“We are thrilled to be part of this series both this year and next,” said Lizabeth MacDonald of Donahue Tucker & Ciandella. “Community and our shared history are two very important things to us, and Beer for History combines them both.”

In addition to von Trapp Brewing on Thursday, September 26, Beer for History features Throwback Brewery (10/10), Sea Dog Brewing (10/24), Tilton Brothers Brewing (11/7), and Bad Lab Beer Co. (11/21). Sea Dog Brewing will provide food at each event, which will also include colonial-inspired live music and games.

“It’s a lot of fun and a chance to experience history in an engaging way,” said Stratton. “We also have some of the best brewers involved, too…We are grateful to be involved in such a community .”

Tickets for each event are $15 for members and $20 for non-members. Series tickets are $60 and $80 for members and nonmembers, respectively, while youth (under 21) are $3. Ticket prices include beer (21+), entertainment and light snacks.

About the American Independence Museum
The American Independence Museum is a history museum in Exeter, NH that features a collection of 3,000 historic artifacts that shed light on the American Revolution. Many of our programs touch on civics and the fight for independence, while we incorporate  inclusivity and diversity into the experiences we create on-site and in digital formats. We feature a variety of things to do for people of all ages, including festivals, an historic tavern, guided tours and our annual American Independence Festival.

American Independence Museum to offer Homeschool Days

On Friday, September 27, October 18 and November 15, respectively, the American Independence Museum in Exeter will host Homeschool Day: Colonial Living Days for homeschool students. 

In the 90-minute program, facilitated by 18th century re-enactors, students of all ages will learn about various facets of everyday colonial life. Activities in the program include colonial games, quill writing, discussions about the lives of militia men and more.

“In the program, students are encouraged to collaborate with others, make inquiries and work as teams–it is a great 21st Century educational experience,” said museum Executive Director Emma Stratton.

Homeschool Day: Colonial Living Days will take place on Friday, September 27, October 18 and November 15 from 12:30 pm to 2:00 pm at the museum’s Folsom Tavern in downtown Exeter. 

The cost is $5 for adults, $8 for students and free for children 2 and under. Pre-registration is required and space is limited.

About the American Independence Museum
The American Independence Museum is a history museum in Exeter, NH that features a collection of 3,000 historic artifacts that shed light on the American Revolution. Many of our programs touch on civics and the fight for independence, while we incorporate  inclusivity and diversity into the experiences we create on-site and in digital formats. We feature a variety of things to do for people of all ages, including festivals, an historic tavern, guided tours and our annual American Independence Festival.

American Independence Museum’s Genealogy Workshop Series continues on Saturday, September 21

Sponsored by the William W. Treat Foundation, the next workshop in the American Independence Museum’s Genealogy Workshop Series takes place on Saturday, September 21.

Entitled “Researching Early New England Ancestry,” the workshop will explore how to locate and use published town vital records, church, colony, court, probate, land, military, and tax records.

“In some cases, these records have survived from the 17th century and been abstracted and published,” noted museum Executive Director Emma Stratton. “This workshop will teach attendees how to find and use them to support their own research.”

Presented in partnership with New England Historic Genealogical Society (NEHGS), the workshop will take place from 1 to 4 pm at the museum’s Folsom Tavern on Saturday, September 21.

Fees are $20 for museum/NEHGS members and $30 for ‘not-yet’ members. Space is limited, reservations are required.

The final workshop in the series, “Writing Your Family History: Taking the First Steps,” takes place on November 16.

To purchase workshop tickets, visit independencemuseum.org.

About the American Independence Museum
The American Independence Museum is a history museum in Exeter, NH that features a collection of 3,000 historic artifacts that shed light on the American Revolution. Many of our programs touch on civics and the fight for independence, while we incorporate  inclusivity and diversity into the experiences we create on-site and in digital formats. We feature a variety of things to do for people of all ages, including festivals, an historic tavern, guided tours and our annual American Independence Festival.

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