The main lawn of the American Independence Museum is undergoing a major renovation project. After celebrating a successful Independence Festival, work immediately began to create a larger campus between the museum’s two buildings in order to facilitate more community events on museum grounds.
This work is part of a larger multi-year drainage and grounds work project that began in 2019. Plans include leveling a large portion of the Folsom Lawn, extending pathways connecting the Ladd-Gilman House and Folsom Tavern, and a new set of granite stairs. This preservation work was able to move forward thanks to an in-kind donation of labor by Sargent.
“We at Sargent are proud to take a part in improving access to the long and proud heritage the American Independence Museum affords our citizens and visitors, especially at such an important time in our country’s introspection about life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness,” said Sargent CEO Herb Sargent.
Work is expected to be completed by the beginning of September in advance of the 300th-anniversary celebrations of the Ladd-Gilman House. The new outdoor space will host a silent auction and birthday party on the evening of Friday, September 17 and family-friendly activities during a community celebration on Saturday, September 18.
“We are extremely grateful to Sargent for completing the work in time to celebrate our anniversaries with our community. Sargent’s generosity ensures the preservation and growth of the American Independence Museum. We look forward to welcoming the public to our anniversary events in September.”
Once the leveling project is complete, work will continue on foundation repairs and drainage improvements around the campus. The museum remains open to the public during construction.
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.