Meet Kali, Southern New Hampshire University

Meet Kali, a dedicated scholar from Southern New Hampshire University delving into Museum Studies, specializing in Colonial America. Hailing from Grantham, NH, Kali’s upbringing steeped in homeschooling ignited her lifelong passion for American history. Now, she’s embarking on a transformative journey at the American Independence Museum, where she’s unraveling personal connections, exploring untold stories, and unraveling the rich tapestry of our nation’s heritage.

My name is Kali Kraemer, and I hail from the tiny New England hamlet of Grantham, NH. I am an honors graduate from Southern New Hampshire University where I acquired a Bachelor of Arts in American History. Growing up, I was homeschooled by my mother who, as a single parent, integrated her love for history and heritage into her teachings. From school excursions to museums and forts as well as giving Fencing instructions at Renaissance Faires, my mom incorporated these elements into nearly every aspect of my childhood.

This hands-on education sparked my curiosity and has consequently led me to a vocation in Museum Studies focused on Colonial America. Although I have researched a variety of subjects, the American Revolution is the one period I keep returning to and I am thrilled to continue investigating the impact of this socio-political conflict. It was with this era in mind that I began my scholarly journey and I believe a career in this field will allow me to collaborate with like-minded individuals while leaving a mark on the museum space. 

The pursuit of history has both enriched my academic understanding and inspired me to ask questions about how our ancestors laid the groundwork for the ideas and establishments of today. These inquiries led me on a deeply personal quest in which I uncovered details about my own forefathers and their participation in the formation of our country.

Throughout this research, names like General John Glover, Captain Nicholson Broughton, William Prescott, and Amos Farnsworth were uncovered in my family’s genealogy as were many other brave men who fought for American liberty. In addition to those individuals, I am also the great-great granddaughter of Jennie Sophia Farnsworth Broughton (née Folsom, a direct descendent of the immigrants John Folsom and Mary Gilman who arrived in the colonial world in 1638.

These ancestral discoveries and my fervor for Revolutionary America directed me to the American Independence Museum, an organization that is crucial for understanding this period in history. Furthermore, working at AIM will benefit me as I investigate the people, artifacts, and stories that form the unique fabric of our nation. Since coming on board as a Summer 2024 Intern, I have had incredible opportunities to engage with peers and academics while making American History more accessible for future generations.

Regarding research goals, there are several areas including individual stories of Exeter soldiers, the Folsom contribution to the Revolution, Exeter maritime history, and other topics that I would be ecstatic to examine. I am exhilarated to see where this path leads and am looking forward to creating an enlightened future through a complete understanding of the themes, personalities, and structures that came before.