ion - American Independence Museum

A Fond Farewell to AIM Executive Director

by ion | May 20, 2022 | Governance

After five years of inspirational leadership, American Independence Museum Executive Director Emma Stratton will be leaving as of Friday, May 20, to pursue a new professional opportunity.

Under her directorship, the American Independence Museum grew tremendously. The museum expanded their public programming and digital presence, especially on social media, during her time as Executive Director. Her leadership was the driving force behind improvements to the museum’s historic properties and a major groundworks project to create a community-oriented museum campus.

In a direct address to the museum community, Stratton said, “I want to thank you all for your tremendous support over my five years at the museum. You have helped us grow in unimaginable ways, despite the challenges COVID presented.”

While the museum board begins the search for the next Executive Director, Collections Manager & Curator Jen Carr will serve as Acting Executive Director.

“As we look toward the future and the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, we are eager to build on Emma’s legacy by expanding our mission to share New Hampshire’s revolutionary past. We are excited for what lies ahead!” noted Carr.

The museum will continue to share information as the search progresses.

Learn more about the American Independence Museum, visit www.independencemuseum.org.

About the 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’.

Traveling Trunk Looking for a Lift in 2022/23 School Year

by ion | May 11, 2022 | For Kids, Free, Partnerships

Logging 18,350 miles and educating 520 secondary students throughout the U.S. in 2021, the Traveling Trunk program has been an educational staple at the American Independence Museum since 2016. Registration for the program for the 2022/23 school year opened on May 1.

Shipped throughout the U.S., the trunk contains 70+ high quality reproduction items that range from clothing to replica personal care items and games. Hands-on learning, noted Program Manager Sarah Jaworski, is the intent behind the program, which is offered at no charge to schools.

“Teachers are provided with suggestions and ideas on activities to go along with the curriculum,” she said.

While aimed toward students in the 3rd through 5th grade, the program’s curriculum is flexible and can be customized for all grade levels. Developed with initial seed funding from the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, the program relies on corporate funding to pay for associated shipping costs and replacement of replica educational items.

The only caveat with the upcoming school year, however, is the museum is currently looking for corporate support. “Shipping is the biggest expense along with the extra time needed to prepare a trunk to travel,” said Museum Executive Director Emma Stratton, who estimated the program’s annual costs at $5,000.

As for the benefits of sponsoring the trunk—either monthly or for an entire school year—Stratton said the program is unique in that it provides insight into New Hampshire’s colonial history. “This is a chance for students to learn more about not just New Hampshire, but Exeter’s status and role during the years leading up to and after the Revolutionary War.”

To learn more about the Traveling Trunk, including sponsorship opportunities, email Jaworski at [email protected], or visit independencemuseum.org.

About the 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’.

2022 Season Begins Wednesday, May 4

by ion | Apr 27, 2022 | Events, Exhibits, Programming, Tours

For the first time since May of 2019, the American Independence Museum will reopen its doors in May in anticipation of a full operating season.

The museum campus comprises the Ladd-Gilman House (c. 1721), which was home to the longest serving New Hampshire Governor, John Taylor Gilman, and the Folsom Tavern (c. 1775). The museum is home to a world class collection of 3,000 historic artifacts including a copy of the Dunlap Broadside, the first official printing of the Declaration of Independence.

The museum will be open Wednesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Guided tours will be offered on the hour. The Folsom Tavern will only be open for guided tours. This property can be visited at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. when the museum is open. Tours of the Ladd-Gilman House will begin at 10 a.m., 12, 2, and 3 p.m. Visitors interested in a self guided tour of the Ladd-Gilman House are encouraged to do so at any point during the museum’s open hours.

During the offseason, museum staff developed new interpretations to create a more interactive self-guided tour experience. In addition to incorporating new aspects of New Hampshire’s Revolutionary Era history, guests can now scan QR codes and watch pre-recorded museum content that thematically connects to different spaces in the Ladd-Gilman House.

A new exhibit will highlight how the core values of the American Revolution carry on into the modern day. “The impact of the American Revolution is seen throughout time and in unexpected places. Our latest exhibit explores events inspired by the Revolution and encourages guests to find its legacy in the twenty-first century,” described Museum Curator Jennifer Carr.

The Children’s Room in the Folsom Tavern was adapted during the off-season to provide a more immersive and hands-on experience for young museum visitors. Highlights include 18th-century replica children’s clothing, colonial games, a historic play kitchen, and a cozy reading nook.
“This space offers families a child-friendly space to explore and discover,” said Sarah Jaworksi, Program Manager.

To learn more about the 2022 open season, visit www.independencemuseum.org/visit

About the 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’.

American Independence Museum Welcomes New Board Members

by ion | Apr 14, 2022 | Governance

Along with preparations for the new open season, the American Independence Museum welcomed Joe Pace and Susan Parker to the Board of Governors.

Pace grew up in nearby Stratham, NH, and has been civically minded from an early age, serving as an Exeter Selectman beginning in 2000 at the age of 24, and currently continues to serve as a Selectman, this time for Kensington. Always interested in history, Pace holds a B.A. in History from the University of New Hampshire and taught 8th grade U.S. History at a private school in Maryland.

Another native Granite Stater, Parker has worked for both state and local government for 23 years, predominantly advocating for those with disabilities. She now spends her time engaged in local board service and pursuing her interests in historic preservation, genealogy and history.

Executive Director Emma Stratton noted, “The American Independence Museum looks forward to drawing on the expertise of these two talented individuals to further our museum mission of sharing the diverse stories of Revolutionary Era New Hampshire and continuing a strong tradition of civic engagement.”

About the 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’.

Patriot’s Day Membership Drive at AIM

by ion | Apr 5, 2022 | Exhibits, For Adults, Governance

April 19th, also known as Patriot’s Day, commemorates the encounters at Lexington and Concord that traditionally mark the start of the American Revolution. Nearly 250 years later, Patriot’s Day is the perfect time for history lovers and community members to begin marking their calendars for a summer of historic fun. This date also serves as a reminder to current and future members to prepare for the upcoming season and support the museum by purchasing a membership.

“Renewing your membership helps sustain our museum, ensuring that we continue to share different perspectives of the Revolutionary era, encourage critical thinking as we encounter the past, and inspire civic engagement in our community,” said JoAnn Keeler, Membership Manager.

There are many benefits of museum membership including unlimited access to free museum tours, invitations to members-only events, free admission to the Independence Festival, a 10% discount in the gift store, and reciprocal member benefits to over 300 partner institutions.

Although the museum will not open until May, this year the staff intends to share the process of reopening the museum, rotating new collections items onto display, and incorporating more interactive experiences through their various social media channels.

“These past two years have shown us that our museum community stretches far beyond the Seacoast area. We’ve enjoyed providing engaging and informative content to both museum members and supporters that would not traditionally get to visit our premises,” said Sabina Ion, Content and Marketing Manager.

Membership begins at $25 for individuals, with a variety of levels available for those who wish to support the museum at a higher level or wish to receive member benefits for additional people.

To join or renew your museum membership, visit https://www.independencemuseum.org/AIMstaging/membership/

About the 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’.