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Category: Partnerships

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von Trapp Brewing Returns to Beer for History

Building Community

On Thursday, May 2, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., von Trapp Brewing returns to the American Independence Museum (AIM) to kick off its 2024 season at a special spring Beer for History.

Presented by Donahue, Tucker & Ciandella, Beer for History features music, trivia, and/or colonial tavern games with seating available inside and outside the historic Folsom Tavern (c. 1775). Beer for History events are family-friendly and help raise funds to support AIM. 

“It’s a chance to gather with friends in a festive atmosphere in a tavern that once welcomed George Washington,” noted Program Manager Sarah Jaworski. “Beer for History events also support our preservation and education initiatives, so it’s also a great way to support a local nonprofit with a big mission.”

Beer for History with von Trapp Brewing takes place from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 2 at the American Independence Museum’s Folsom Tavern, 164 Water St., Exeter, NH. Tickets for Beer for History events are $18 and $16 for members while those under 21 are free.

Ticket prices include beer (21+), and light snacks. To purchase tickets, click the button below.

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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M&T Bank Supports “Educating Children & Youth” at American Independence Museum

One of four initiatives within the American Independence Museum’s (AIM) We Are One multi-year campaign leading up to the nation’s 250 anniversary, “Educating Children & Youth” has a new sponsor in M&T Bank. Recently, M&T Bank presented AIM with a $2,500 check. “We are so grateful for their support of this initiative, which helps youth develop a deeper understanding of not just Revolutionary history, but its relevance to today,” said AIM Program Manager Sarah Jaworski.

According to Marc Ouellette, Senior Vice President and Retail Regional Manager, M&T Bank, AIM’s “Educating Children & Youth” initiative aligns with their philanthropic mission. “I appreciate the museum’s message of “We Are One,” which reflects our expressed charitable intent to invest in communities with a racial equity and justice lens,” he said. “Building strong, equitable communities starts with educating children and youth.”

Jaworski agreed and said all AIM programs and events, regardless of initiative, support the broader We Are One message. “The museum strives to bring people together to learn, engage in dialogue, and become more active community members,” she said. 

Upcoming on-site educational programs this spring include several aimed especially toward homeschooled youth and their families. These programs include Multiple Perspectives: Patriots & Loyalists, Historic Beverages Tour, and Waterways. “Partners like M&T Bank help us meet the educational needs of more kids and youth, regardless of financial circumstances,” added Jaworski.

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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American Independence Museum Receives $11,200 Grant from Cogswell Benevolent Trust

Image of a two story yellow colonial style house built in 1721

The American Independence Museum (AIM) has received a $11,200 grant from the Cogswell Benevolent Trust to affect repairs to deteriorating walls and ceilings within the Ladd-Gilman House (c. 1721).

The repairs represent the back end of a multi-phase, multi-year project in which AIM shored up the structural integrity of the Ladd-Gilman House through comprehensive restoration efforts guided by historic building experts. “With the exterior work now complete and the landscape regraded to usher water away from the Ladd-Gilman House, we can focus our attention on the integrity of interior rooms,” explained Facilities Manager Rebeccah Seely.

According to AIM Executive Director Jennifer Carr, the grant award underscores the importance of the Ladd-Gilman House. 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 his brother, John Taylor Gilman, was Governor of New Hampshire. Their father, Nicholas Gilman, Sr., served as the state’s first Treasurer.

“The Ladd-Gilman House is the heart of the museum’s operation,” added Carr, who cited AIM’s other historic structure, Folsom Tavern (c. 1775) as equally important. “Folsom Tavern was built by Samuel Folsom and visited by George Washington in 1789, and it was the site of the formation of the New Hampshire chapter of the Society of the Cincinnati in 1783.”

Founded by officers of the Continental Army and their French counterparts who served together in the American Revolution, the Society is still active today. “They own both buildings and a majority of the 3,000+ objects in our collection,” said Carr.

Regarding the grant award from the Cogswell Benevolent Trust, Seely expressed excitement and gratitude. “I am thrilled that we can proceed with these repairs,” she said. “Visitors will be amazed at just how beautiful our rooms will be once these repairs are complete. We are so grateful for the support of the Cogswell Benevolent Trust.”

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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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

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

Building Community

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’.

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von Trapp Brewing Kicks off Beer for History

Based in Stowe, VT, von Trapp Brewing will kick off Beer for History on Thursday, October 5 at Folsom Tavern (c. 1775) on the campus of the American Independence Museum (AIM) in downtown Exeter, NH.

Presented by Donahue Tucker & Ciandella, Beer for History is family-friendly and features music, trivia, and/or colonial tavern games with seating available both inside and outside the tavern. “It’s a wonderful way to experience history in a fun way that brings people of all ages together,” noted Jennifer Carr, AIM executive director.

Having previously participated in Beer for History on multiple occasions, von Trapp Brewing will pour three of their beers. These beers include Bohemian Pilsner, their award-winning interpretation of a Bohemian Style Pilsner, and Dunkel, the original dark lager of Munich and the first beer “style” born out of the German Beer Purity Law. von Trapp Brewing will also pour Stowe Style Festbier, their collaboration with Narragansett Brewing Company of Providence, Rhode Island, which represents the next offering in the Stowe Style series.

“We are thrilled to welcome von Trapp Brewing back to Beer for History,” added Carr. “Our shared love of history is what keeps our partnership going.”

Tickets for Beer for History events are $10, while youth (under 21) are free. Beer for History with von Trapp Brewing takes place from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 5 at the American Independence Museum’s Folsom Tavern, 164 Water St., Exeter, NH.

Ticket prices include beer (21+), Escape Room, and light snacks. To purchase tickets, click the button below.

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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American Independence Museum Launches Escape Room Team Building Program

American Independence Museum Launches Escape Room Team Building Program

According to research, escape rooms are not only effective for team building but fun, findings that have helped inform the American Independence Museum’s recently launched Escape Room Team Building Program.

“We have the perfect space for an escape room experience, too,” said the museum’s Executive Director Jennifer Carr, citing Folsom Tavern as backdrop to their program.

Folsom Tavern, built in 1775 by Samuel Folsom and visited by George Washington in 1789, was the site of the formation of the New Hampshire chapter of the Society of the Cincinnati in 1783.

Founded by officers of the Continental Army and their French counterparts who served together in the American Revolution, the Society owns both Folsom Tavern and Ladd-Gilman House (c. 1721) as well as AIM’s collection.

“There is a lot of history behind the museum,” added Carr, who said this history is embedded in the Escape Room Team Building Program. “The backstory behind our escape room experience is that it’s July 1775, and Boston is occupied by the British Army.”

Within this story, New Hampshire militia are gathering to march south and assist the newly arrived George Washington, while Colonel Sullivan has written letters for Washington that detail the whereabouts of troops, supplies, and munitions.

“To ensure these dispatches don’t fall into the wrong hands, Colonel Sullivan locked them in a box in the parlor of Folsom Tavern,” said the museum’s Alena Shellenbean, who designed the program.

It is the responsibility of program participants to get them to the horseman, who is leaving for the camp of General Washington. “It’s a fun team-building experience almost 250 years in the making,” added Shellenbean.

Program cost is $15 per person with discounts available for nonprofits and corporate sponsors. To learn more about the museum’s Escape Room Team Building Program, visit https://www.independencemuseum.org/team-building, or email [email protected].

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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Traditional Arts To Take Center Stage at American Independence Festival

American Independence Festival

On Saturday, July 15, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., visitors will have a chance to experience the Traditional Arts at the American Independence Festival, an immersive experience without cost.

“Thanks to Service CU, admission is free for everyone,” explained Jennifer Carr, executive director of the American Independence Museum (AIM), which organizes the event.

Regarding the role of the Traditional Arts at the Festival, Carr referred to it as a highlight. “We recreate a colonial village right on our grounds with more than a dozen Traditional Artisans, each of whom demonstrate their craft and share stories associated with it,” she said.

Sponsored by NH State Council on the Arts, the Festival’s Traditional Artisan Village will feature shoe-making, coopering, millinery, fiber arts, dancing, tinsmithing, brewing, and more.

According to AIM’s Alena Shellenbean, Festival organizer, the Traditional Arts served as a vehicle for communication, storytelling, and cultural exchange in colonial times. “By presenting Traditional Arts at the Festival through performances and exhibitions, we can promote dialogue, understanding, and respect among diverse groups of people,” she said. “The Traditional Arts reveal aspects of ourselves that are important to cherish and carry forward.”

In addition to the Traditional Artisans Village, the Festival will feature military exhibits, special performances, vendor Marketplace, games, beer garden, food, and more. Presented by Service CU, the 33rd American Independence Festival is sponsored in part by NH State Council on the Arts, New Hampshire Humanities, and Kennebunk Savings.

The 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

Date: July 15, 2023
Time: 10 a.m.
Location: American Independence Museum, 1 Governors Lane., Exeter, NH
Cost: FREE!
Celebrate the anniversary of the arrival of the Declaration of Independence to New Hampshire on July 16th, 1776 at the 33rd American Independence Festival on Saturday July 15th in downtown Exeter, NH. Free Admission!

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’.

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American Independence Museum Building Community Through Diversity

Gwendolyn Quezaire-Presutti

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

Date: July 15, 2023
Time: 10 a.m.
Location: American Independence Museum, 1 Governors Lane., Exeter, NH
Cost: FREE!
Celebrate the anniversary of the arrival of the Declaration of Independence to New Hampshire on July 16th, 1776 at the 33rd American Independence Festival on Saturday July 15th in downtown Exeter, NH. Free Admission!

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’.

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American Independence Festival To Feature Free Admission

Featuring first-person reenactors, military reenactments, Traditional Artisans Village, games, beer garden, food, and more, the 33rd American Independence Festival takes place on Saturday, July 15, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

According to Jennifer Carr, executive director of the American Independence Museum (AIM), which organizes and presents the annual Festival, this year’s version may be the biggest yet, courtesy of presenting sponsor Service Credit Union. “Their sponsorship enables us to offer free admission to all ages, which is an incredible opportunity for families in our local region to enjoy a unique, fun-filled day of activities,” she said.

Other sponsors of this year’s Festival include NH State Council on the Arts, which presents a working Traditional Artisans Village. “This is an incredible opportunity to see some talented people demonstrating everything from shoe-making to coopering and basket making to name just a few,” said Alena Shellenbean, AIM events and marketing manager.

This year also marks the return of the Marketplace, which will stretch throughout downtown Exeter. Presented by Kennebunk Savings, the Marketplace will feature local businesses with various items for sale, including housewares, crafts, art, books, jewelry, and collectibles.

“Local organizations will get a chance to tell visitors all about the good work they do throughout the year,” said Shellenbean. “It’s essentially a fair in the center of town—this is going to be a town-wide celebration.”

This celebration is made even more special, as it marks the one time of year in which AIM’s original copy of the Declaration of Independence—known as the Dunlap Broadside—will be on display. The copy is one of just 26 remaining copies known to exist.

“We also recreate the original reading of the Broadside with a descendant of John Taylor Gilman, who read it to residents of Exeter in 1776,” said Carr. “This year’s Festival will be an immersive experience.”

The Festival will also be inclusive, as several reenactors will represent marginalized perspectives, including Tammy Denease as Elizabeth “Mumbet” Freeman and Gwendolyn Quezaire-Presutti as Ona Judge Staines.

“Their participation underscores our three-year theme, We Are One, which reflects our organizational belief that all voices and all perspectives matter,” added Shellenbean. “We look forward to welcoming people from all backgrounds to the Festival. This is your festival as much as it is ours.”

Presented by Service Credit Union, the 33rd American Independence Festival takes place on Saturday, July 15 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Admission is free.

Event Details

Date: July 15, 2023
Time: 10 a.m.
Location: American Independence Museum, 1 Governors Lane., Exeter, NH
Cost: FREE!

Celebrate the anniversary of the arrival of the Declaration of Independence to New Hampshire on July 16th, 1776 at the 33rd American Independence Festival on Saturday July 15th in downtown Exeter, NH. Free Admission!

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’.

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