A $10,000 grant from the Cogswell Benevolent Trust will support the American Independence Museum in its efforts to effect critical masonry repairs to the back portion of the Ladd-Gilman House’s attached caretaker’s cottage. The restoration project is part of a larger multi-year drainage and grounds work project that began in 2019.
“Water was pooling in our basements, which created a humid environment that is detrimental to collections care and storage,” said museum Executive Director Emma Stratton. “It’s very important we develop a permanent solution to this issue.”
This issue compromised the structural integrity of the foundation of caretaker’s cottage, where the museum’s offices and archives are located.
“We are very thankful for the support of the Cogswell Benevolent Trust in its continued support of our collection care efforts,” said Stratton, who said this phase of the project involves other related repairs.
These repairs include tying the gutter system on the caretaker’s cottage to an existing drainage system in the newly rebuilt retaining wall and re-grading the grounds.
“We are also completing a pathway between both of our historic buildings and adding handrails to all public entrances. We look forward to making our grounds more accessible to the public,” she added.
Built in 1721, the Ladd-Gilman House is a National Historic Landmark property that was home to Nicholas Gilman, Jr., a signer of the Constitution. The home also served as Governor’s mansion when Nicholas’ brother, John Taylor Gilman, was Governor of New Hampshire. Their father—Nicholas Gilman, Sr.—served as the state’s first Treasurer.
Built in 1775 by Samuel Folsom and visited by George Washington in 1789, Folsom Tavern was the site of the formation of the New Hampshire chapter of the Society of the Cincinnati in 1783. The nation’s oldest patriotic organization, the Society was founded by officers of the Continental Army and their French counterparts who served together in the American Revolution.
“This is a big year for the museum, as we plan to celebrate the 300th anniversary of the Ladd-Gilman House and our 30th anniversary as a museum,” said Stratton.
The project is expected to be complete by the end of the year.
To learn more about the museum, including its Patriot’s Day Membership Drive, visit independencemuseum.org.
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.
It may be the offseason for the American Independence Museum, but that does not mean staff are “off,” according to Executive Director Emma Stratton, who cited two recent new hires as proof.
“Like many organizations, our operations shifted dramatically from in-person to digital engagement last year, which has created new staffing opportunities,” she said.
These new opportunities include program assistant and content and marketing manager, roles that will be filled by Emma Scheinmann and Sabina Ion, respectively.
“I am thrilled to have Sabina and Emma join our team,” said Stratton. “Both possess a strong museum background, exceptional skills and demonstrated success in their areas of expertise.”
Each expressing enthusiasm at joining the current staff at the Museum, Scheinmann and Ion said they plan to proverbially “hit the ground running.”
“I am excited to rework all education and public engagements to be mission and collections driven and to show the public value of museums,” noted Scheinmann.
A trained archaeologist who “[loves] digging into the past,” Ion said she looks forward to enhancing and developing the Museum’s content strategy.
“I will promote and showcase all the wonderful programming the team has been creating and the fascinating items in the Museum collection,” she said.
Noting she received a Master of Arts in Museum Education from Tufts University in May 2020, Scheinmann added, “I see myself as a facilitator for learning with the Museum as my toolbox.”
In looking ahead to the 2021 season, which begins on May 1, Stratton cited digital engagement as an increasingly important focus of the Museum’s education and public programs.
“As the Museum celebrates its 30th anniversary, we are renewing our focus on civic engagement, too,” she added. “This mission will be reflected in our work, and we look forward to sharing more with the public this year.”
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.
In January, Ozzie Ayscue of Exeter was elected president of its Board of Governors. The appointment follows two years of service on the board during which time Ayscue said he became increasingly motivated by the museum’s mission.
“The mission really resonated with me, especially the part about ‘encouraging and inspiring civic engagement today,’” he said. “It is vitally important to find clever ways to help people to slow down and gain a deeper understanding of the people, places and ideas of American Independence from all sides. With that base of knowledge, people will be more excited to engage in civic life in a constructive manner.”
He also expressed interest in the museum’s assets, which include a Broadside copy of the Declaration of Independence printed on July 4, 1776 and working drafts of the US Constitution with handwritten corrections.
“The potential for storytelling and enabling an intimate experience with these and many other amazing items are a huge opportunity for the museum,” he said.
While not an Exeter native, Ayscue said he is also excited at the prospect to give back to a town that helped lay the foundation for his future.
“I first experienced Exeter and New Hampshire as a 3-year boarding student at Phillips Exeter Academy,” he said. “I never imagined I would return here later in life, but I am glad I did.”
As for his role as president of the Board of Governors, Ayscue said his first goal is to support museum staff and the important work that is already underway. Some of this work includes the Traveling Trunk program, presented by Service Credit Union, and the planning behind the 3rd Beer for History.
“Beer for History is sponsored by Hoefle Phoenix Gormley & Roberts—and we are thrilled at this renewed partnership and the many partners who help advance our mission,” he said. “Our events and programs reflect a steady effort to enliven visitors’ museum experience so they come away with something a little deeper and different each time they visit.”
Home to a world-class collection of 3,000 historic artifacts, the museum welcomes more than 5,000 visitors annually and distinguishes itself with educational school programs and events that make history fun and relevant.
To learn more about the museum, which opens for the 2018 season on Saturday, May 5 with free admission for NH residents, visit www.independencemuseum.org.
