American Independence Museum Invite Guests to “Spill the Tea”

American Independence Museum Invite Guests to “Spill the Tea”

On Saturday, March 23 at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., the American Independence Museum (AIM) will host “Spilling the Tea: Drinks that Fueled a Revolution” in Folsom Tavern (c. 1775).

“We will also serve ‘liberty teas,’ which were made by colonists from locally sourced herbs during boycotts of British tea,” said AIM’s Sarah Jaworski. “Tea played a symbolic role in the struggle for liberty and independence.”

In addition to beverages, “Spilling the Tea: Drinks that Fueled a Revolution” will feature catered food by For the Love of Food & Drink with whom AIM has previously partnered on several occasions. “It’s a chance to have a fun experience with costumed reenactors, wonderful food, and tea in beautifully restored Folsom Tavern,” added Jaworski. “This will be the first of several similarly-themed events this year that highlight coffee, chocolate, and tea in fun and creative ways.”

Tickets range from $17 to $40 with a seating at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 23.

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’.

American Independence Museum to Host Open Play

American Independence Museum to Host Open Play

This winter and fall, the American Independence Museum (AIM) will host Open Play (AIM) at the Foy Family Library at Folsom Tavern (c. 1775). Made possible by a gift from Jeff and Melissa Foy just before the pandemic, the Foy Family Library features a coloring station, 18th-century play kitchen, dress-up clothes, and a reading nook.

“We are very grateful to Jeff and Melissa, whose vision for this library has now come full circle,” noted Jennifer Carr, AIM Executive Director. “Open Play is the first of many programs this year that will focus on opening up our campus to the public,”

This focus is captured in AIM’s We Are One, a 3-year organizational theme that connects the museum’s programs, events, and exhibits. The central message behind We Are One is that all voices and perspectives matter. “We want people to view AIM as not just a place to learn, but a place to gather and build community with one another,” said Carr.

Beginning Tuesday, February 6, Open Play will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. every Tuesday through April at AIM’s Folsom Tavern, 164 Water St., Exeter. Open Play is $5 per family.

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’.

American Independence Museum to Bring History to Life

American Independence Museum to Bring History to Life

On Saturday, Nov. 11, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., the American Independence Museum (AIM) will host Rebels in the Republic, a living history event at Folsom Tavern (1775) with costumed reenactors. Set in 1786, the event will reveal through actor portrayals the different perspectives that existed at the time over currency, debt, and who should pay for the war just won. “In the first decades of the United States, there was no national currency, and individual states’ currency was hard to come by,” said AIM’s Alena Shellenbean, who is organizing the event.

The event, which takes place throughout the day, will also address the voices that were not part of the decision-making process, including women, children, Indigenous peoples, Black Americans, and various religious minorities. “This is an immersive experience that will look and feel like you are right in the middle of the 1780’s,” said Shellenbean. “People of all ages will have a wonderful time.”

Rebels in the Republic is sponsored by Service Credit Union. Tickets to the event are $8 for adults, $6 for seniors (65+), and free for children under 12, members and military/veterans. 

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’.

American Independence Museum to Host Service Credit Union Day

American Independence Museum to Host Service Credit Union Day

Service Credit Union has sponsored the American Independence Museum (AIM) through several key initiatives in 2023, including free admission for all visitors to the American Independence Festival in July. This partnership continues with Service Credit Union Day on Veteran’s Day, Saturday, Nov. 11, in which AIM will offer free admission to all Service Credit Union staff and members.

“This is a wonderful way for us to share with Service Credit Union some of the new, inclusive stories we have been developing in our museum,” said AIM Executive Director Jennifer Carr. “We are so grateful we have this chance to educate and inspire the entire Service Credit Union community given how much they do for others.”

In addition to supporting organizations in areas in which their branches are located, Service CU meets community needs outside its existing reach through the Service CU Impact Foundation. In its first four years, the Impact Foundation has raised more than $2.2 million to support three focus areas: education, human services, and veterans.

Service CU’s Manuela Fraser (l) and Sean Hladick (r)

Regarding Service Credit Union Day, Sean Hladick, Community Relations Specialist at Service CU, said it is crucial they give back to their communities, including their employees and their families. “We’re grateful to the American Independence Museum for all they do to preserve and celebrate history, and are very excited for this partnership and opportunity,” said Hladick.

Presenting Sponsor

Service CU

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’.

Beer for History to Feature The Czar’s Brewery and UNH Brewlab

Beer for History to Feature The Czar’s Brewery and UNH Brewlab

On Thursday, November 2 and 16 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., the American Independence Museum’s Beer for History series will feature The Czar’s Brewery and UNH Brewlab, respectively.

Presented by Donahue Tucker & Ciandella, Beer for History is family-friendly and features music, trivia, Escape Room, and colonial tavern games with seating available both inside and outside the museum’s Folsom Tavern (c. 1775). “These are fun events with proceeds that support our education and public programs as part of our We Are One initiative to promote inclusive and diverse perspectives on colonial history,” said Jennifer Carr, executive director. “Have a beer for a wonderful cause.”

Tickets for each upcoming Beer for History event is $10, while youth (under 21) are free. Beer for History events take place at the American Independence Museum’s Folsom Tavern, 164 Water St., Exeter, NH. Ticket prices include beer (21+), Escape Room, and light snacks.

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’.

American Independence Museum to Host Ghosts of Winter Street Cemetery

American Independence Museum to Host Ghosts of Winter Street Cemetery

On Saturday, October 21, the American Independence Museum will host Ghosts of Winter Street Cemetery, an annual family-friendly event that takes visitors on a tour through Winter Street Cemetery in Exeter.

Led by a colonial tour guide, the tours provide insight into some of Exeter’s most famous and infamous revolutionary residents. Primarily used from the 1740’s to 1870’s, Winter Street Cemetery is the final resting place of many prominent members of Exeter, including governors, pioneering business women, Revolutionary and Civil War veterans, politicians, and others. “It’s a wonderful and family-friendly way to spend a little bit of time learning about local history in this festive, Halloween-themed event,” said AIM’s Alena Shellenbean.

Held every 30 minutes from 4:00 p.m. through 5:30 p.m. with a family tour at 3:00 p.m., Ghosts of Winter Street Cemetery takes place on Saturday, October 21. Tours are approximately 45 minutes, and guests are encouraged to bring flashlights for the last two tours.

The cost is $10 for non-members and $7 for non-member children, ages 6-18. Members are $5 and $3 for members’ children, ages 6-18, are $3. All children under 6 are free. Family tours at 3:00 p.m. are $15 for a non-member family of four, while member families (up to four) are $10. Children are encouraged to dress for Halloween and will receive a special colonial treat. Ticket price includes a cemetery tour and a return pass to visit the museum. 

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’.

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