American Independence Festival - American Independence Museum

African American Soldiers and Sailors of New Hampshire During the American Revolution

painting of black soldiers in the American Revolutionary War

Date: Tuesday, April 11, 2023
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Folsom Tavern, 164 Water St., Exeter, NH
Cost: FREE
Capacity: 30

One of the most interesting aspects of the American Revolution is the role played by African Americans in the fight for independence. Both free African Americans and those that were enslaved were key in manning state militias and Continental Army units, as well as serving on the high seas in the Navy and on privately armed ships. Indeed, their service to the colonies was crucial in a conflict that lasted nearly seven years. Prohibited from serving in military units and largely considered “undesirable elements,” how is it that these African-American soldiers came to fight for the cause of liberty, even when their own personal liberty was not guaranteed?

In this Tavern Talk, Glenn Knoblock examines the history of African-American soldiers’ service during the war, including how and why they enlisted, their interaction with white soldiers, service on the battlefields, how they were perceived by the enemy and the officers under whom they served, and their treatment after the war.

About Glenn Knoblock

Glenn A. Knoblock is an independent scholar and author of over twenty books. Knoblock has served as the main military contributor to Harvard and Oxford University’s landmark African American Biography Project, and he has also written for the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History. His work documents a wide variety of subjects in New Hampshire and New England history, including African American history, historic cemeteries and grave markers, and transportation related topics, including covered bridges and the Kancamagus Highway. He holds a BA in History from Bowling Green State University.This program is made possible by a grant from New Hampshire Humanities. Learn more at www.nhhumanities.org.

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’.

June 22, 2021March 3, 2023

2021 American Independence Festival: July 3-24

Man in 18th century clothing kneels on a lawn outside and palys a stringed instrument for a group of children.

Saturday, July 3 will kick off the 31st American Independence Festival, a modified in-person event that will run through July 24 on the grounds of the American Independence Museum.

Presented by New Hampshire State Council of the Arts with additional support from Kennebunk Savings, Newburyport Bank, and RiverWoods Exeter, the Festival will feature a traditional artisan working village, entertainment, reenactments with military drills, and more.

The theme of this year’s Festival is diversity and inclusivity, which underscore that ‘liberty and freedom for all’ has not been experienced in the same way for many in the nation to this day.

“While the Festival celebrates American independence, it also provides a forum for discussion and reflection. We hope it can serve to bring people of all backgrounds and ages together,” noted Executive Director Emma Stratton.

This year’s in-person Festival will be held Saturday July 10, 17 and 24 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Highlights include a concert by Theo Martey & The Akwaaba Ensemble on July 10, a British and French military reenactment on July 17, and a Family Camp Out on July 24.

“For this year’s Festival, we are offering something for everyone with our variety of events and features. We hope everyone will discover something they connect with or learn from,” added Emma Scheinmann, Program Assistant and Festival Coordinator.

This year’s Festival also marks the 300th anniversary of the Ladd-Gilman House, which served as the state treasury during the American Revolutionary War. One of the state’s first brick houses, but clapboarded three decades later, the home was birthplace to Nicholas Gilman, Jr., a signer of the United States Constitution and U.S. senator.

Built in 1775 by Samuel Folsom, Folsom Tavern is also located on the grounds of the museum. Site to the founding of the Society of the Cincinnati in the State of New Hampshire in 1783, Folsom Tavern was visited by George Washington in 1789.

“The Society owns the buildings and collection today, so the museum reveals so much about our past and its connection to the present,” noted Stratton. “The Festival will be a terrific time to get a sense for all this history.”

Taking place July 3- 24, the 2021 American Independence Festival will feature entertainment, historic military reenactments, traditional artisan working village, and more. Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for children ages 4 to 18, and free to museum members. Virtual series, online community readings, and additional programming will go live throughout the festival. To learn more, or for a full schedule of events, 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.

July 10, 2019July 3, 2021

American Independence Festival puts a spotlight on Exeter

Revolutionary capital of New Hampshire, Exeter boasts a rich history that is often overlooked, which serves as a source of motivation for Florence Ruffner, longtime sponsor of the annual American Independence Festival.

“I take every opportunity I can to promote this beautiful, vibrant town, which is why I believe in this festival,” said Ruffner.

Scheduled to take place on Saturday, July 13 throughout downtown Exeter, the festival celebrates the town’s historic roots, many of which run through both 18th century structures of the American Independence Museum, which serves as host.

Recently presenting the museum with a $1,500 check as the festival’s George Washington parade sponsor, Ruffner said she has fulfilled many roles at the nonprofit institution through the years.

“I have served on the board, I’ve purchased a legacy step, been a sponsor through Ruffner Real Estate, and now serve as an ambassador,” she said. “I love the museum and appreciate how it brings people to our town.”

Featuring live music, beer, food trucks, games for kids, traditional artisans, art and craft fair, and colonial battle re-enactments, the 29th Annual American Independence Festival is expected to attract 4,000 attendees.

“It’s a huge day for us and the town,” said museum executive Director Emma Bray, who said festival attendees can also view an original copy of a Dunlap Broadside printing of the Declaration of Independence.

“It’s here for just one day as are two original working drafts of the US Constitution,” she added. “We really appreciate Florence and the role all our sponsors play in helping us put a spotlight on a town with an incredible history–and the festival is a chance to experience it.”

In addition to Ruffner Real Estate, other major festival financial supporters include presenting sponsor Newburyport Bank, New Hampshire State Council on the Arts, RiverWoods Exeter, and Exeter Hospital

Tickets for the festival are available online until 3 pm on Friday, July 12 and “at the door” on the day of the event on Saturday, July 13. To learn more about the American Independence Festival or museum, a National Historic Landmark Property, visit www.independencemuseum.org.

June 20, 2019July 3, 2021

Newburyport Bank to present American Independence Festival

History is often seen as a sequence of events that resides in the past, which is only partly accurate and serves as a subtle theme that underscores the American Independence Festival on Saturday, July 13.

“Our Revolutionary history provides a unique and relevant glimpse into who we are today as Americans,” said Emma Bray, executive director of the American Independence Museum, which hosts the festival.

This theme recently caught the attention of Newburyport Bank, which presented Bray with a $5,000 check at their new branch in Exeter to sponsor the festival.

“We are so enthusiastic about this partnership and the connection between our two organizations,” said Bray. “It is clear we both value and honor the importance of history.”

Lloyd Hamm, Jr., president and CEO, Newburyport Bank, agreed and described himself as “a strong enthusiast of history.”

“I love seeing it energized and want to thank the museum for bringing history to life for the citizens of our communities,” he said.

At the American Independence Festival, visitors experience everything from traditional craft demonstrations and battle re-enactments to a beer garden, live music, games, local food, art and craft marketplace, and more.

In serving as presenting sponsor of the festival, Hamm, Jr. said he believes Newburyport Bank takes an important step to supporting the greater Exeter community.

“I so appreciate that our Bank, which is new to the Exeter community but active in the region since 1854, can share in this important opportunity for inspiration and learning,” he said.

The festival also serves to conjure within Hamm, Jr. fond memories of a childhood experience in which he participated in the 1976 bicentennial celebrations as a member of the Town of Upton, MA militia.

“For me, it was a vibrant instrument for understanding and enjoying history,” he recalled. “I remember bounding through fields of New England with my 75 caliber Brown Bess in hand, battling the British 10th or 54th regiments. It was so much fun to see the looks of awe and enjoyment on the faces of the crowds as our nation’s important history was brought to life.”

It is precisely this kind of experience that Bray said visitors can experience at the festival, which features more than 100 colonial re-enactors, most of whom stay in character throughout the day.

“The festival literally brings history to life,” she said. “We are so thankful to partner with Newburyport Bank to present this unique and engaging experience for people of all ages.”

The American Independence Festival takes place on Saturday, July 13 at the American Independence Festival from 10 am to 4 pm with the beer tent open until 6 pm.

Festival tickets are $10 for adults; $5 for ages 6 to 18; and free for children under 6, active and retired military, veterans, and Museum members.

To learn more, or purchase tickets, visit independencemuseum.org.

May 1, 2019July 3, 2021

Thousands expected at American Independence Festival

Featuring live music, colonial-inspired beer, food trucks, games for kids, traditional artisans, art and craft fair, and colonial battle re-enactments, the 29th Annual American Independence Festival on Saturday, July 13 will delight people of all ages.

“This a fun and unique family festival that showcases not only the wonderful community of Exeter and the greater Seacoast, but talent from across the region,” said museum Executive Director Emma Bray. “Our art and craft fair alone brings in top vendors from New Hampshire Made and throughout region.”

For those interested in American colonial history, the festival features a working Artisans’ Village, sponsored by the New Hampshire State Council on the Arts.

“It’s a chance to interact with artisans who create items with the same tools and techniques as the colonial craftspeople who would have lived and worked in the area,” said the museum’s Victoria Su, who organizes the event.

Featuring colonial-inspired beer and beer garden outside the museum’s Folsom Tavern (c.1775) in which George Washington once enjoyed a libation, the festival also includes an original copy of a Dunlap Broadside printing of the Declaration of Independence. One of just 26 known to still exist, the Declaration of Independence will be available for viewing on just this one day.

“It is always very special and exciting to have the Declaration on view during the Festival. ,” said Bray, who noted visitors may also see two original working drafts of the US Constitution. “Being up close with these important founding documents is a wonderful way for guests to connect to the history of New Hampshire’s and nation’s Revolutionary history.” For Florence Ruffner of Ruffner Real Estate, which is sponsoring the parade with George Washington that marches through the center of historic downtown Exeter, the festival is unlike any event in the region.

“It is such a wonderful festival and perfect for families,” she said. “I think Exeter is a beautiful, dynamic town, and this event really showcases it for locals and tourists.”

In total, more than 4,000 visitors are expected to descend upon downtown Exeter, which includes numerous shops and restaurants that remain open during the festival. Just one hour north of Boston and one hour southwest of Portland, Maine, Exeter is accessible from both locations by train.

Tickets for the festival, which takes place on Saturday, July 13, are $10 for adults; $5 for ages 6 to 18; and free for children under 6, active and retired military, veterans, and Museum members.

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.

The museum is a member of the 17-member NH Heritage Museum Trail, which connects the public with culturally rich heritage institutions in New Hampshire. For more information about the NH Heritage Museum Trail, visit nhmuseumtrail.org.

July 31, 2018June 9, 2021

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.

July 13, 2016June 9, 2021

American Independence Festival Highlights Cultural Renaissance in Exeter

Saturday’s 26th American Independence Festival not only highlights the role of Exeter in the founding of the nation, but the increasing cultural footprint created through several related initiatives in town in the past year.

“Exeter has some incredible cultural assets—the Festival helps to highlight that,” said Todd Deluca, president of the Exeter Area Chamber of Commerce. “History, the arts, local music—they all have a place here in Exeter.”

Scott Ruffner, executive director of nonprofit TEAM, which is “dedicated to the production, promotion and organization of original programming, projects and events in the Exeter area,” said he believes the Festival serves as a gateway to the town’s burgeoning arts scene.

“TEAM is looking to shine the light on community members bold enough to make their own art, brew their own beer, grown their own food, and write and perform their own music—the essence of celebrating independence,” he said. “We look forward to continue working with the Museum and bridging the gap between the arts and Exeter’s rich history, which began with cultural traditions established by people in the community and something I think we’ve lost along the way.”

Featuring historic battle re-enactments, colonial demonstrations, children’s activities, crafts, music, local food and more, the Independence Festival is annually presented by the American Independence Museum, which is quietly attracting a strong core of new supporters.

“The American Independence Museum continues to expand its relevant work, including the recent creation of a historic garden that features plants and flowers that would have been used in a household or Inn garden of the 18 century,” said Chinburg Properties’ Jen Chinburg. “We encourage everyone to check out this rich treasure in the town of Exeter.”

Access Sports’ Founder Dr. Josh Siegel added, “The Museum is an active, vital member of the community—and we are proud to support its mission. The Festival represents the very best of what Exeter has to offer.”

A member of the Exeter community for more than 120 years, Foy Insurance also supports the Museum. Foy Insurance’s Jeff Foy said he appreciates the fact that the Museum helps remind everyone of the rich history that surrounds the town and the entire region.

“The Museum consistently provides a great opportunity for young and old to experience and learn about the history in the greater Exeter area,” he said. “Check out the Festival in July and you will be glad you did.”

Longtime Museum supporters are also enthused about the Musem and Festival, including Florence Ruffner of Ruffner Real Estate.

“Our country’s rich history is something we are fortunate to have right in our town,” she noted. “It is vital to who we are as a nation and what our forefathers fought for.”

Other major sponsors of the Festival and the Museum include Hoefle Phoenix Gormley & Roberts, P.A. Attorneys at Law, Two International Group, AutoFair, Geico, Service Credit Union and New Hampshire State Council on the Arts. Additional support is provided by RiverWoods and The Farm at Eastman’s Corner.

To learn more about the American Independence Festival on July 16, 2016, or to purchase tickets, click HERE.

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