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Category: Partnerships

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Ruffner Real Estate invests in Exeter and the American Independence Museum

When Emma Bray, executive director of the American Independence Museum, first arrived in Exeter in March of 2017, one of the first people she met in town was Florence Ruffner of Ruffner Real Estate.

“It was clear she not only knew this area well, but loved it and especially the museum,” said Bray. “I realized right then that she is an important part of Exeter.”

Recently, Ruffner Real Estate contributed $1,500 to support the museum’s American Independence Festival, which saw more than 4,000 people visit downtown Exeter on Saturday, July 14. For Ruffner, the sponsorship reflects her love of the museum and what is one of the largest events in the area.

“I love to see people here at the festival, taking in the sights and sounds of a town I truly love,” she said. “Exeter is a town with a wonderful art and music scene, culture, shopping and restaurants…I want people to come visit us and discover why this town is so special and unique.”

For Bray, Ruffner’s vision of a vibrant, culturally rich Exeter aligns with that of the museum.

“The museum is just as concerned about the town as it is its own operations,” she said. “In order for us to thrive, the town must thrive, too, and vice-versa…We need to work together as businesses to maximize Exeter’s potential.”

Ruffner, whose office is just across the street from the museum’s Ladd-Gilman House (c.1721) and Folsom Tavern (c.1775), said she is enthused at Bray’s leadership and vision.

“I appreciate Emma and her ability to see the potential of this town and act on it,” she said. “This town has such an incredible, rich history and an even brighter future. It’s important we seize opportunities.”

One opportunity is a rich arts and culture scene, which she said the museum is helping to encourage with collaborations with numerous agencies, including TEAM (Town.Exeter.Arts.Music).

“We need vibrancy in this town in multiple ways, and so enhancing our local arts and culture scene is important to our town’s future,” Ruffner said. “With a beautiful space right in downtown Exeter, the museum is part of that, which I completely support.”

Bray added, “I am so thankful for Florence and what she has done for the museum through the years and in my time here,” she said. “She is a wonderful part of our museum.”

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. Located at One Governor’s Lane in Exeter, the museum is open 10am to 4 pm, Tuesday through Saturday.

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Foy Insurance renews ties with American Independence Museum

Exeter, NH—July 24, 2018—Recently, Foy Insurance made an investment of $1,500 to support the American Independence Museum, a financial contribution whose roots extend back nearly 400 years for Co-Owner Jeff Foy.

“I am a direct descendant of Anthony Colby, who was one of the first settlers of Amesbury, Massachusetts where his home, the Macy-Colby house built around 1650, still stands today,” he said. “For so many years growing up, I heard the stories from my grandparents and great-grandparents.”

This interest in history was also encouraged by his schooling.

“I had great history teachers growing up in all levels of school at Sanborn in Kingston, New Hampshire and at UNH,” he added.

For Emma Bray, executive director at the museum, Foy’s enthusiasm and support is important on many levels.

“It gets other people excited about and interested in history and what we are doing here,” she said.

Foy agrees and added, “The museum embodies so many of the things I care about–our national and local history, supporting local enterprises, being part of the fabric of Exeter, making sure young people learn about history…We feel that we succeed when Exeter and the Exeter area is prosperous so we do as much as we can to support it.”

Home to a world-class collection of 3,000 historic artifacts, the museum welcomes more than 5,000 visitors annually and offers a diverse array of programs and events for all ages.

For Foy, history is not just a subject that interests him on a personal level, though, as he noted it is also reflected in his professional narrative.

“Foy Insurance and its predecessors insurance agencies called Elwell Insurance and then Elwell-Collishaw Insurance have been operating in Exeter for 125 years,” he said. “My family is the third family to own it.”

In referencing Foy’s personal and professional story, Bray said it helps to illustrate one very important key concept.

“History is not just something from our deep past,” she said. “It is happening today.”

History can also be predictive of the future.

“I have always looked to the past to predict and prepare for the future,” said Foy.

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Education, metaphors and shared philosophies bring two organizations together

When People’s United Bank agreed to sponsor the American Independence Museum’s evening and afternoon lecture series, Executive Director Emma Bray was thrilled.

“It is more than a fiscal sponsorship,” she said. “It’s a partnership.”

In describing ‘partnership,’ Bray went on to explain that Marc Ouellette, vice president, senior market manager at People’s United Bank, attended nearly every lecture last year when they also presented the lively educational talks.

“It was great to have Marc here and talk with our guests and get to know them as people,” she said. “Their support enables us to put on a first-class event and promote it effectively…the high attendance numbers this year support that.”

For Ouellette, partnering with the museum makes sense in several ways.

“I see the bank and the museum as branches on the same tree,” he said. “The community is this tree, and each of us have our roles. It is a wonderful partnership.”

Bray agreed and extended the metaphor of a tree a bit further. “People’s United Bank enables us to branch out into the community,” she said.

In reflecting on the partnership as a whole, Bray said it is “immensely important.”

“I tremendously value our partnership with Marc and the bank,” she said. “Their support enables us to continue to develop programs and opportunities for experiential learning that are really very important. Understanding history and its relevance to today gives us all a much needed sense of place.”

Tavern Talks are additionally supported by a Humanities-To-Go grant from the NH Humanities Council.

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Traveling Trunk puts history in the hands of students

With many secondary schools around the state forced to cut back on history classes due to budget shortfalls, the American Independence Museum launched a Traveling Truck pilot program early in 2017. Revealing different aspects of colonial life, the program provides experiential learning opportunities in American History directly in the classroom at no cost to school districts for elementary and middle school age children.

“History has a place in today’s classroom,” said museum Executive Director Emma Bray. “There is so much more to history than rote memorization of facts and dates.”

Abigail Pietrantonio, education manager at the museum, agrees and said the program helps students develop many of the ‘middle skills’ required for success in “today’s fast-pace world.”

“Critical thinking, team-building, communication—these are some of the skills that research shows history can help students develop,” she said. “The study of history is as relevant as ever.”

Educating roughly 100 students this past spring in its pilot program, the Traveling Trunk is now fully implemented and has educated nearly 250 students this fall. Most recently, Pietrantonio traveled to Jacques Memorial Elementary School in Milford.

“It was great to be in the classroom with the kids,” she said. “I look forward to visiting more schools.”

For David Van Rossum, President/CEO of Service Credit Union, which is sponsoring the trunk through April of 2018, the program’s success has been “remarkable.”

“We are delighted the program has been so well received and we hope many other children from the Granite State will come to experience our rich history in such a fun and engaging way,” he said.

In each trunk—students have access to more than 70 high-quality replica items, while teachers are guided by a curriculum designed by the museum.

Expressing appreciation at the partnership with—and support from—Service Credit Union, Bray said the program helps to advance the museum’s mission “beyond [their] four walls.”

“The museum closes for tours in December, but this program makes us a year-round concern,” she said. “We are not just preserving history, we are help to teach it while inspiring today’s young learners to become tomorrow’s leaders…This is a great program that fills a very real educational need.”

To learn more about the Traveling Trunk program, or make an inquiry for your school, library, or similar institution, contact Abigail at [email protected].

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Museum to celebrate Small Business Saturday

In celebration of Small Business Saturday on November 25, the American Independence Museum will offer a 10% discount on all items in its gift shop, excluding consignment, with 20% off for members and business partners.

In extending a discount to business partners, museum Executive Director Emma Bray said she wanted to extend her gratitude to the businesses, many of whom are small to medium sized, that help support their mission.

“Small Business Saturday is a great concept—and we are all about local,” she said. “We have dozens of items—jewelry, soaps, teas and more—and they are all locally made in New Hampshire. Our gift shop has terrific holiday gift items.”

For Attorney John Sherman of Sherman Law, which recently signed on as a business partner, supporting the American Independence Museum makes sense.

“Local museums make an incredible impact on the community,” he said. “They provide a sense of social purpose, educate the public, and inspire diverse interests. Without local centers like the American Independence Museum, our Seacoast community’s identity just would not be the same.”

Having recently joined the museum as executive director earlier this year, Bray said she is encouraged at the new partnerships they have forged this year with area small businesses and hopes to attract others.

“Aside from preserving historical documents, the museum is committed to working with local partners to increase the visibility and vibrancy of Exeter,” she said. “I appreciate this town so much, I just bought my first home here with my husband. There is so much potential with this town and museum.”

On November 25, the Museum’s gift shop will be open from 10 am to 4 pm. It is located inside the museum’s Ladd-Gilman House, One Governor’s Lane in downtown Exeter.

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Educational Lecture Series continues at Museum

Presented by People’s United Bank, the American Independence Museum’s Educational Lecture series continues in the coming weeks with two exciting free talks.

At the museum’s next Lunch and Learn, “Secrets of the American Independence Museum: Collection Close-Up,” on Tuesday, November 7 at Folsom Tavern, Museum Curator Rachel Passannante will discuss their vast collection.

“We have over 3,000 artifacts and objects here with many of them not part of our regular exhibits,” she said. “This is a chance to learn more about some of our most interesting items and the stories behind them.”

“Secrets of the American Independence Museum: Collection Close-Up” will take place at the museum’s Folsom Tavern in Exeter on November 7 from 12 noon to 1 pm with attendees encouraged to bring their lunch.

On Thursday, November 16 from 7 pm to 8 pm at Folsom Tavern, the museum will host a Tavern Talk entitled “Your Most Important Role in a Democracy: Thinking for Yourself” with UNH Professor Vanessa Druscat. At this talk, she will discuss the nature of democracy as well as the notion that social science demonstrates that majorities make better decisions than those made by individuals.

Expressing appreciation at presenting sponsor People’s United Bank, which has participated in several previous lectures, museum Executive Director said these talks are aimed at laypeople with an interest in history.

“These talks are for everyone,” she said. “They are informative and fun. They represent our way to engage the community with history in creative ways.”

Due to limited space, email [email protected] to pre-register for a seat, although pre-registration is not required. There is no cost to attend these lectures. To learn more about the museum, visit www.independencemuseum.org.

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The Provident Bank to present Annual Holiday Celebration at Folsom Tavern

Part of the American Independence Museum in downtown Exeter, Folsom Tavern will welcome more than 100 visitors on December 1 at its Annual Holiday Celebration, which will be presented by The Provident Bank.

Featuring a silent auction, costumed re-enactors, live music and more, this year’s annual event kicks off a weekend in which the museum’s Folsom Tavern will remain open. The weekend’s festivities conclude on Sunday, as Folsom Tavern is part of Womenade of Greater Squamscott’s Holiday Home Tour for the first time.

“Folsom Tavern will be professionally decorated for the holidays—it will be stunning,” said museum Executive Director Emma Bray, who credited The Provident Bank’s support as “critical” to the weekend’s anticipated success.

“We are so grateful to partner with The Provident Bank to present a first-class holiday experience for visitors,” she added. “We look forward to exploring this partnership in the coming months.”

Will Waltrip, senior relationship manager at The Provident Bank, said he believes the museum’s educational programs enrich both local schools and inspire active citizenship. He said the museum reminds him of where he grew up as a child in Rowley, MA.

“The variety of programs that the American Independence Museum produces goes well beyond encouraging people to learn fun facts about American history,” he said. “They are urging locals to understand the historical value of their town and how investing in it can continue its rich history.”

For Bray, the value of their partnership extends well beyond that of a monetary exchange.

“Will has been to nearly every event we have hosted this year,” she said. “He and the bank have taken a meaningful look into what we are doing and have spoken with us at great length about our mission and vision here. Our strategies are aligned, which makes this partnership so special.”

Expressing enthusiasm at the partnership, Waltrip said their support of the museum reflects The Provident Bank’s overall giving strategy to help strengthen the communities served by their branches.

“By donating to the museum, it allows them to offer more programming and bring in more people to the Exeter community who will probably spend time shopping and eating in town…This contributes to the entire economic ecosystem.”

To learn more about the museum, or the upcoming event schedule, visit www.independencemuseum.org.

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Museum partner’s roots run deep in Exeter

While the specific dollar amount of a corporation’s philanthropic investment is often highlighted in the media, what is often lost are the connections between supporters and a nonprofit institution.
“Many of our business partners truly care about the museum and its mission,” said Emma Bray, executive director at the American Independence Museum in Exeter. “They contribute financially, but the most meaningful aspect is the partnership itself. They attend events, they talk about us, they engage others in our work—every nonprofit benefits tremendously from such involvement.”
A longtime supporter of the museum, Donna Buxton, owner of Buxton Oil and Buxton Water, said she “loves the museum.” She referred to it as “the hidden gem of New Hampshire.”
“People don’t know about this place, but we are lucky to have it right here in Exeter,” she said. “There is so much history throughout New Hampshire and so much beauty—and it all starts right here in Exeter.”
Founded in 1991, the American Independence Museum features Folsom Tavern and the Ladd-Gilman House, which served as NH’s State Treasury and the Governor’s Mansion in the late 1700s and early 1800s. Home to a world-class collection, including an original and rare copy of the Declaration of Independence, the museum welcomes more than 5,500 visitors annually.
For Buxton, her personal concern for the museum has led to years’ worth of volunteering, which in turn has encouraged her kids to become involved.
“My daughter worked inside the Ladd-Gilman House at the American Independence Festival this summer,” she said. “She is going to college to become a police officer and she learned about the Purple Heart here—she was amazed that we had something like that at the museum.”
Expressing gratitude at the longstanding support provided by Buxton through the years, Bray said many visitors are also surprised at the museum’s collection and role in NH history.
“The Ladd-Gilman House was home to the state’s first governor, George Washington visited our Folsom Tavern, Exeter itself served a pivotal role during the Revolutionary War—our collection tells this story,” she said.
In expressing her excitement about the museum, Buxton said she believes the Seacoast—and Exeter in particular—is a region poised for growth.
“You have history here and natural beauty,” she remarked. “It’s also safe. You can have your kids ride their bikes into downtown Exeter and get an ice cream cone and feel comfortable—that’s saying a lot.”
 
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Museum and Business Partners work together to achieve community, business goals

In 2016, the American Independence Museum implemented a new program in which corporate “sponsors” were viewed more as “partners,” which has since helped to reshape how staff engage with both the private and public sector.

“As a nonprofit, it is important we build relationships with an eye toward strengthening the fabric of the community,” said museum Executive Director Emma Bray.

Since implementing what has become known as the “Business Partner Program,” the museum has developed more than two-dozen partnerships. In some cases, the museum brings programming to partners, such as at RiverWoods Exeter in which staff have brought the Traveling Trunk to residents. In other partnerships, corporate entities make an investment to support program development, collections care, or events like the American Independence Festival.

In addition to RiverWoods Exeter, other major committed partners in 2017 include Service Credit Union, GEICO Local Office, Hoefle Phoenix Gormley & Roberts, P.A. Attorneys at Law, Ruffner Real Estate, Optima Bank & Trust, People’s United Bank, Buxton Oil and Buxton Water, Foy Insurance, and Chinburg Properties.

“All of these partnerships are critical to our mission to educate and inspire people of all ages,” added Bray. “By working together, we can positively impact the greater Exeter community, which is thriving and poised for sustained growth.”

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People’s United Bank to present Educational Lecture Series

Education and community are very important to the American Independence Museum, which are values shared by People’s United Bank and the reason behind their recent $1,000 financial contribution to support its Educational Lecture Series.

Comprised of both “Lunch and Learn” and “Evening Tavern” Talks, the series features renowned historians and authors as they discuss unique topics that shed light on lesser known aspects of American history. The next talk in the free series (8/16) is “Collecting John Paul Jones: America’s First Action Hero,” presented by J. Dennis Robinson.

“Everyone knows his name, but few know the true story behind John Paul Jones,” said Events Manager Victoria Su. “What’s interesting is that America first rejected him, but then used his name and image to sell everything from whiskey and cigarettes and women’s clothing. His name and image were even used to recruit for the U.S. Navy.”

In commenting on why People’s United Bank elected to support the remaining lectures in the series, Marc Ouellette, Vice President and Senior Market Manager, cited their intent.

“Education is very important to us,” said Ouellette, who will provide prefatory remarks at each talk. “While our expertise is in financial education, education in its purest sense enhances a community and the lives of its residents…We believe in the museum and its overarching mission to inspire civic engagement.”

Expressing gratitude at the partnership with People’s United Bank, museum Executive Director Emma Bray said the series has been designed to engage people of all ages.

“These are short, informative, engaging talks,” she added. “We are really grateful to work with People’s United Bank to present the rest of this series.”

Remaining talks include: “When Shipping Was King: The Piscataqua Region in Colonial America” on September 21; “Secrets of the American Independence Museum: Collection Close-Up” on November 7; and “Your Most Important Role in a Democracy: Thinking for Yourself” on November 16.

Due to limited space, email [email protected] to pre-register for a seat. There is no cost to attend these lectures. 

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