American Independence Museum

We Are One "Protest and Engagement" MiniCamp
2023-07-20 09:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | Ladd-Gilman House, 1 Governors Ln, Exeter, NH, 03833, United States
Date: July 20, 2023Time: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.Location: AIM, 1 Governors Ln., Exeter, NHCost: Non-members – $55 per day or $195 for all four:Members – $45 per day or $170 for all four
Everyone living in the colonies was deeply affected by the war and contributed to the cause. Uncover their stories and how it is the People, including us, who have the power to make change and keep our nation strong. Dress in colonial clothes, create your own ‘printing press’, make liberty tea, and learn ways you can make change in your community. This camp is designed for ages 7 to 11.
We Are One MiniCampsDuring the minicamps, campers ages 7 to 11 will immerse themselves in hands-on 18th century life, uncovering the stories of the people who helped build our nation and how they can continue to be a part of America’s unfolding story. Each week, campers will dress in colonial clothing, participate in games and activities, create projects and eat a colonial-inspired snack. Enlist for one, two, three, or all four sessions!
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’.

We Are One "Taking Sides (Patriot or Loyalist)" MiniCamp
2023-07-27 09:00 - 15:00 | Ladd-Gilman House, 1 Governors Ln, Exeter, NH, 03833, United States
Date: July 27, 2023Time: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.Location: AIM, 1 Governors Ln., Exeter, NHCost: Non-members – $55 per day or $195 for all four:Members – $45 per day or $170 for all four
Patriot, loyalists, neutral or something else? It wasn’t always easy to know what side to be on. Wrestle with the tricky decision of deciding your stance. Participate in a trial of your neighbors on the opposite side as you, decide if you would have taken the Oath of Allegiance to the Patriotic cause. This camp is designed for ages 7 to 11.
We Are One MiniCampsDuring the minicamps, campers ages 7 to 11 will immerse themselves in hands-on 18th century life, uncovering the stories of the people who helped build our nation and how they can continue to be a part of America’s unfolding story. Each week, campers will dress in colonial clothing, participate in games and activities, create projects and eat a colonial-inspired snack. Enlist for one, two, three, or all four sessions!
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’.

Constitution Day at AIM
2023-09-16 09:00 - 10:00 | Folsom Tavern, 164 Water Street, Exeter, NH, 03833, United States
Date: September 16, 2023Time: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.Location: Ladd-Gilman HouseCost: $10 Suggested Donation

As part of our day-long celebration of Constitution Day, we are exhibiting two original working drafts of the US Constitution in our collection. The drafts were the working copies of Nicholas Gilman Jr. and Rufus King, a representative from Massachusetts. Normally kept in safe storage with copies on view at the museum, they are coming out and will be on view all day in Ladd-Gilman House.
Interested in cartooning and visual storytelling? Click here to learn about Constitution Comic Workshop, also taking place on Saturday, September 16.
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’.

Coffee with the Constitution (Members-Only)
2023-09-16 09:00 - 10:00 | Folsom Tavern, 164 Water Street, Exeter, NH, 03833, United States
Date: September 16, 2023Time: 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.Location: Ladd-Gilman House

We are opening the doors early, from 9-10 am, so you can beat the crowd for this special viewing event. We will serve coffee, donuts, and other light refreshments. Please join us for the opportunity to view the original documents and visit with other AIM members!
There is no formal RSVP, but if you think you will attend the Members-only Coffee with the Constitution portion, please email joann@www.independencemuseum.org or call 603-772-2622 by Tuesday, September 12.
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’.

Constitution Comic Workshop
2023-09-16 10:00 - 15:30 | Folsom Tavern, 164 Water Street, Exeter, NH, 03833, United States
Date: September 16, 2023Time: 10:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m., & to 3:30 p.m.Location: Folsom TavernCost: $10 Suggested Donation

Sponsored by Ed and Barbara Wilson, this workshop features NH cartoonist Marek Bennett in this fun-filled, hands-on, comic creation lab, who will teach participants the basic techniques of cartooning. Using blank paper, pencils, ink, primary source materials (the US Constitution), we’ll create our very own comic!
No comics experience necessary ~ Everybody can make comics!
Educators Workshop (10 am)Learn techniques to integrate the use of comic making into your classroom as a means to explore primary sources. Receive 1 CEU for attending. Limit 20 people per workshop.
Family & Children Workshop (11:30 am & 1:30 pm)60-minute, hands on workshops geared toward families & children age 7+. Limit 20 people per workshop.
*All day for everyone: the museum will display two original drafts of the US Constitution in our galleries.
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’.

Guided History Walk Downtown Exeter
2023-09-27 14:30 - 15:30 | NH
Date: September27, 2023Time: 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.Location: Swasey parkway GazeboCost: Free
Exeter Parks & Recreation is partnering with the American Independence Museum once again to offer a guided walking tour around downtown Exeter. See and hear about the history of our great community! Plan for a 1.25 mile walk.
Please register by September 26. Maximum attendee count is 25. Registration is free and accepted in person at Exeter Parks & Recreation Department, 32 Court St. Exeter, NH 03833, by phone at 603-773-6151 or 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’.

Beer For History - Featuring von Trapp Brewing
2023-10-05 18:00 - 20:00 | Folsom Tavern, 164 Water Street, Exeter, NH, 03833, United States
Date: October 5, 2023Time: 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.Location: Folsom TavernCost: $10
Under 21: Free admission
At this Beer for History, Stowe, Vermont’s von Trapp Brewing will showcase three of their brews.
Different history programming will be ‘on tap’ at each event, including music, trivia or colonial tavern games. Featuring both indoor and outdoor seating. Families Welcome!
Get into the spirit with the brewery that is a little of Austria, a lot of Vermont, von Trapp Brewing. They don’t come to our neck of the woods often, so don’t miss them! Beer for History is presented by Presented by Donahue Tucker & Ciandella.
von Trapp Brewing will pour the following beers:
Bohemian Pilsner: Our award-winning interpretation of a Bohemian Style Pilsner. Spicy, citrus peel botanicals combine with a dry, peppery finish to create a truly thirst-quenching lager. A beer that demands you take more than one sip.
Dunkel: The original dark lager of Munich and the first beer “style” born out of the German Beer Purity Law. Creamy, toffee aromas balance the bitterness of Munich malts in our roasted brown lager. Although dark in color, Dunkel is medium in body and finishes dry and clean, resulting in a rich lager that can be enjoyed throughout the year.
Stowe Style Festbier: This collaboration with Narragansett Brewing Company of Providence, Rhode Island is the next offering in the Stowe Style series: a highly aromatic, hop-forward take on the traditional festbier. Inspired by the lighter style of lager served on the grounds of Munich’s annual Oktoberfest celebration, this single-decocted pale lager is brewed with pilsner malt and loaded with bright, floral noble hops in the whirlpool.
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’.

Creative Aging Discovery Session
2023-10-19 10:00 - 11:00 | Folsom Tavern, 164 Water Street, Exeter, NH, 03833, United States
Date: Thursday, October 19Time: 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.Location: Virtual
If you are an older adult, we invite you to a 60-minute Zoom session as part of our Creative Aging Advisory Group. At this informal session, we want to hear from you regarding the kinds of programs you want to see not just here at AIM, but in your community.
Free memberships will be given to all attendees!
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 - Featuring SawBelly Brewing
2023-10-19 18:00 - 20:00 | Folsom Tavern, 164 Water Street, Exeter, NH, 03833, United States
Date: October 19, 2023Time: 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.Location: Folsom TavernCost: $10
Under 21: Free admission
At this Beer for History on Thursday, October 19 , join Sawbelly Brewing , who will showcase some of their New England IPA style Eastbound Galaxy, Kolsch style Broken Luck, and Sawbelly Oktoberfest. Different history programming will be ‘on tap’ at each event, including music, trivia or colonial tavern games. Featuring both indoor and outdoor seating. Families Welcome!
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’.

Homeschool Day!
2023-10-24 10:00 - 14:30 | Folsom Tavern, 164 Water Street, Exeter, NH, 03833, United States
Date: October 24, 2023Time: 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 – 2:30 p.m.Location: Folsom TavernCost: $10 children 5+, $5 adults, $0 children under 5Capacity: 12 kids per session, each session is 90 minutes
Two Sides to the Story: Patriot or Loyalist? It wasn’t always easy to know what side to be on. Imagine that you are living in colonial America and wrestle with the tricky decision of deciding your stance. Will you decide to sign the Patriots oath of allegiance?

Each program is a 90 minute program
​This is not a drop-off program. Parents must accompany children for the duration of the program.
Due to the historic nature of the buildings, the museum is not handicapped accessible.

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 - Featuring The Czar's Brewery
2023-11-02 18:00 - 20:00 | Folsom Tavern, 164 Water Street, Exeter, NH, 03833, United States
Date: November 2, 2023Time: 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.Location: Folsom TavernCost: $10
Under 21: Free admission!
At this Beer for History on Thursday, November 2 , join Exeter, NH’s The Czar’s Brewery, who will showcase some of their brews. Different history programming will be ‘on tap’ at each event, including music, trivia or colonial tavern games. Featuring both indoor and outdoor seating. Families Welcome!
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’.

Rebels in the Republic
2023-11-11 10:00 - 16:00 | Folsom Tavern, 164 Water Street, Exeter, NH, 03833, United States
Date: November 11, 2023
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Location: Folsom Tavern, 164 Water St., Exeter, NH
This is a living History event set in 1786 where Folsom Tavern will be full of reenactors in costume portraying the different sides of the Paper Money debate in the months after the “paper money riot”. You are welcome to walk through the tavern at your leisure and hear from people with different viewpoints on topics like: the war, debt and currency, and who should make laws for the new land.
The three sides represented will be:
1. Exeter Politicians and big wigs.2. Farmers from the surrounding towns.3. Locals, the Folsoms, and other non-participants.
Conceptual backdrop to program: After the Revolutionary war and before the US Constitution, there was a period of time where our government was in flux. Would the young United States be able to pull off freedom and independence? Part of the growing pains of a young New Hampshire was the argument over currency, debt and who should pay for the war just won.On one side were the army’s officers, now the state’s politicians and big wigs who were tasked with paying off the state’s debts incurred during the war. On the other side were the army’s soldiers, now the state’s farmers and rural inhabitants who were trying to pay off their own debts while also paying taxes.
In the first decades of the United States, there was no US currency and the individual states’ currency was hard to come by. Also under consideration are those whose voices did not count in decision making: women, children, Indigenous Americans, Black Americans, religious minorities, etc. As disagreements were voiced and brought before the young state government, the role of violence in the state and country was up for debate.
This program is made possible by support from Service Credit Union.
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 - Featuring UNH Brewlab
2023-11-16 18:00 - 20:00 | Folsom Tavern, 164 Water Street, Exeter, NH, 03833, United States
Date: November 16, 2023
Time: 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Location: Folsom Tavern
Cost: $10

Under 21: Free admission!
At this Beer for History on Thursday, November 16 , join UNH’s Brewing Science Laboratory, who will showcase some of their brews. Different history programming will be ‘on tap’ at each event, including music, trivia or colonial tavern games.
At this event, UNH Brewlab will bring Stormy Seas Stout, Don’t Panic Sour Raspberry, and Superdelic Hopped NEIPA.
Featuring both indoor and outdoor seating. Families Welcome!
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’.

Silent Auction 2023
2023-11-20 09:00 - 2023-11-29 23:59 | NH
Date: Thursday, November 30th
Time: 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Location: Folsom Tavern, 164 Water St.
Cost: Free ($10 donations appreciated)
Join us as we ring in the season, as Folsom Tavern will be decorated for the season to the public for a Holiday Tavern Open House, presented by M&T Bank.
At this event, we will feature hot beverages and snacks in addition to informal presentations about colonial drinks (coffee and tea).We will also have a gift shop set up within Folsom Tavern, so be prepared to do some shopping, too!
We will also feature an exciting Silent Auction with proceeds to benefit our educational and public programming for people of all ages. Click the buttion to bid on our Silent Auction Online.
This event is sponsored by:
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’.

Holiday Tavern Open House
2023-11-30 16:00 - 20:00 | NH
Date: Thursday, November 30thTime: 4:00 pm – 8:00 pmLocation: Folsom Tavern, 164 Water St.Cost: Free ($10 donations appreciated)
Join us as we ring in the season, as Folsom Tavern will be decorated for the season to the public for a Holiday Tavern Open House, presented by M&T Bank.
At this event, we will feature hot beverages and snacks in addition to informal presentations about colonial drinks (coffee and tea).We will also have a gift shop set up within Folsom Tavern, so be prepared to do some shopping, too!
We will also feature an exciting Silent Auction with proceeds to benefit our educational and public programming for people of all ages. Click the buttion to bid on our Silent Auction Online.
This event is sponsored by:
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’.

Join AIM at OTTO Pizza
2023-12-18 17:00 - 20:00 | OTTO Pizza Exeter, 33 Water St, Exeter, NH, 03833, United States
Date: Monday, December 18Time: 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.Location: OTTO Pizza, 33 Water St, Exeter, NH
Join us at OTTO Pizza for an AIM fundraiser. We will be there to catch you up on AIM, and find out how your December is going. 10% of all food sales that evening will benefit AIM.
Have a slice for a good cause!
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’.
