On Saturday, May 4, at 11:00 a.m., the American Independence Museum (AIM) will host an Open House at Folsom Tavern as part of an event to unveil a new pocket park in Exeter. Located across the street from AIM’s Ladd-Gilman House at 223 Water Street, the park honors Exeter’s Black Revolutionary War soldiers, their families, and the community in which they lived for more than one hundred years.
The park will also feature a Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire commemorative marker. “The Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire is thrilled to continue our marker expansion to Exeter,” said Gina Bowker, Operations Manager. “This marker will help to continue the conversations we’re having throughout the state to advance community conversations about race and bring to light the rich history and contributions of Black people in New Hampshire.”
Local author RM Allen, who serves on Exeter’s Black Heritage Pocket-Park committee, said she is thrilled to see the park finally come to fruition. “The park celebrates Exeter’s rich Black history from the Revolutionary War era to over 100 years later, which was and still is, publicly underrepresented,” she noted. “Hopefully, this high-visibility park will open the door to more acknowledgment, research, and celebration as well as visits from the descendant community.”
The commemorative event begins with a ceremony at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 4 at 223 Water St., across from AIM’s Ladd-Gilman House. The ceremony will be followed by an Open House at 11:00 a.m. at AIM’s Folsom Tavern at 164 Water St in Exeter. The event is funded by the profits from Allen’s local mystery book series.
The Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire promotes awareness and appreciation of African American history and life in order to build more inclusive communities today. To learn more, visit blackheritagetrailnh.org.
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’.