As part of its three-year theme, We Are One, the American Independence Museum is developing programs and events focused on ‘building community,’ an initiative that will find diverse expression at this year’s American Independence Festival.
“We are thrilled to welcome two Black women who will present performances that address different perspectives on freedom and independence,” said Jennifer Carr, executive director of the American Independence Museum (AIM).
Actor, dramatist, historian, and storyteller Gwendolyn Quezaire-Presutti will perform as Ona Judge, who was enslaved by George Washington and sought freedom in New Hampshire. Historian and Owner and Executive Artistic Director of Hidden Women, Tammy Denease will portray Elizabeth “Mumbet” Freeman, the first enslaved African American to file and win a freedom suit in Massachusetts.
Both presentations are made possible by financial support from New Hampshire Humanities, which seeks to strengthen communities and foster civic engagement by providing opportunities for lifelong learning, meaningful conversations, and critical thinking.
According to Carr, inclusion of these performances at this year’s Festival, which takes place on Saturday, July 15, reinforce AIM’s intent to inspire visitors “to walk away with questions.” “We encourage everyone to question what they believe about America’s founding and look at history from different perspectives,” she said.
In addition to these performances, this year’s Festival will feature military reenactments, Marketplace, Traditional Artisans Village, games, beer garden, food, and more. “It’s an immersive experience,” said Alena Shellenbean, who organizes the Festival.
This year’s Festival is also free, courtesy of presenting sponsor Service CU. “One of the museum’s biggest initiatives is to build community, which is what we at Service CU also try to do every day,” said Jaime Yates, community relations manager.
Citing AIM’s focus on education, Yates said their sponsorship of the Festival is meant to scale the museum’s educational impact. “Not to mention, Service CU has a rich history here in New England as well,” she added.
Expressing appreciation for the support provided by Service CU, Carr said she hopes Festival visitors leave with a deeper, more nuanced sense of history. “The American Revolution was not just about heroics, but a very human experience,” she said. “What does this human experience mean? I hope visitors explore this question more deeply after they experience our Festival.”
In addition to Service CU and New Hampshire Humanities, other sponsors include Kennebunk Savings and NH State Council on the Arts. Presented by Service CU, the 33rd American Independence Festival takes place on Saturday, July 15 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in historic Exeter, NH. Admission is free.
Event Details
Time: 10 a.m.
Location: American Independence Museum, 1 Governors Lane., Exeter, NH
Cost: FREE!
On the grounds of the American Independence Museum, visitors can experience life in colonial New Hampshire and celebrate the founding of the United States.
Presenting Sponsor
About American Independence Museum
Located in Exeter, NH, the American Independence Museum features a rare collection of historic artifacts that shed light on the Revolutionary War. Examples of popular items in our exhibits include a dragoon pistol, brown bess musket, and 18th century powder horn. Many of our programs offer insight into civic duties, civic engagement and civic responsibility, while we also feature a variety of things to do in NH, such as camps for kids, festivals, summer festival, reenactments, and homeschool programs. Perfect for a day trip or weekend trips, we believe in inclusivity and inclusive history and the spirit behind the phrase, ‘we the people’.