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Tag: civics

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Educational program picking up ‘steam’ for American Independence Museum

Linking science, technology, engineering, art and math, STEAM is an integrated educational model in today’s secondary schools that leaves out history, which presents an opportunity for cultural institutions like the American Independence Museum.

“The subject of history is not a static one,” said museum Executive Director Emma Bray. “History is a subject that itself connects to economic, geographic, cultural and civic knowledge.”

With some schools removing history from certain grades due to budgetary constraints, Bray said institutions like the museum are able to provide educational value in unexpected ways.

“We have items in our collection, research documents and historical knowledge and resources that we can utilize to enhance education in the classroom,” she said. “That is why we developed the Traveling Trunk program.”

Developed in 2016 with initial seed funding from the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, the program is designed for students of varying ages. Shipped in a trunk, the program contains 70+ high quality replica items and colonial history curriculum materials.

“It is hands-on, experiential education that directly reflects best practices in education today,” added Bray.

The program, however, comes with ongoing costs. The trunk is occasionally returned with some items missing and there are costs to ship it. In 2019, the trunk is expected to travel more than 15,000 miles with stops as far away as California.

“The program is supported by Service Credit Union, which has been with us since its beginning,” Bray said. “We could not offer this program at no charge to students without their support.”

Wendy Beswick, vice president of marketing at Service Credit Union, said the program is unique in that it “removes barriers.”

“We believe in the Traveling Trunk program, because it reaches many students who otherwise would not be able to access such an educational experience,” she said. “This is an investment with a great return.”

This return, said Bray, is measured by thousands of students.

“As schools continue to struggle with budgets, partnerships between the nonprofit and corporate sector–like what we have developed with Service Credit Union–are increasingly more important,” she said.

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.

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American Independence Museum to feature Civic Engagement theme in 2019

In recent years, the American Independence Museum has made an effort to develop programs and events that relate to a modern audience, which is reflected in its selection of Civic Engagement as its 2019 theme.

“What is civic engagement and what does that look like for someone in our community?” rhetorically noted Emma Bray, executive director at the museum. “In this current political climate, I cannot think of a more responsible or relevant question to ask ourselves.”

In addition to developing exhibitions and events throughout the year that touch on this theme, the museum will also partner with organizations and entities whose mission reflects this theme.

On Wednesday, January 30 at 7PM at the Congregational Church in Exeter, the museum and ‘We the People’ will co-host a free panel discussion, “Our Social Contract: Civic Engagement in a Modern Democracy.”

Featuring panelists from academia, secondary education, the media, new citizen support services, and voter information and advocacy, the discussion will explore many subjects that relate to civic engagement.The panel will be moderated by Wayne L’Esperance, director of the Center for Civic Engagement at New England College.

The panel is presented by ‘We the People,’ a free lecture and film series exploring issues that intersect with current events, ethics and religion. ‘We the People’ is co-sponsored by the Congregational, Episcopal and Unitarian Universalist churches of Exeter in association with Phillips Exeter Academy and Water Street Bookstore. 

“It is important we collaborate with others to promote and discuss this theme, which really hits at the heart of who we are as Americans,” added Bray.

For more information about We the People, visit WTPexeter.weebly.com, or call (603) 475-2143.

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. 

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American Independence Museum Receives $80,000 Grant Award

The American Independence Museum in Exeter, NH has received a $80,000 grant award from the NH Land and Community Heritage Investment Program (LCHIP) to support the rehabilitaiton of the Ladd-Gilman House (c.1721).

Home of the State Treasurer for New Hampshire and State Treasury from 1785 to 1789, the Ladd-Gilman House also served as home of the Granite State’s first Governor beginning in 1800. The complete scope of the project includes archaeology, perimeter excavation and regrading, foundation repointing, replacement of a modern stone retaining wall, restoration of rotten sills and the addition of storm doors.

“Upgrades will also be made to utility systems to help plan for future growth and enhance the structure’s energy efficiency,” said museum Executive Director Emma Bray, who expressed excitement at the award.

“We are so appreciative of LCHIP’s investment in this project at the Ladd-Gilman House, which celebrates its 300th anniversary in 2021,” she added.

The forty-two projects that received matching grants from LCHIP are spread across the state. Sixteen natural resource conservation projects will be supported by $2 million, while twenty-six historic resource projects will receive $1.9 million, all in matching grants.

Grant recipients are required to provide at least one matching dollar from another source for every dollar received from the state through LCHIP. This year, they will provide more than $3.70 for each state dollar.

The smallest grant is $7,500 for a planning study to help the Great North Woods Committee for the Arts explore what is needed to convert the former Shrine of Our Lady of Grace into a cultural and arts center. The largest grant of $350,000 will help the Southeast Land Trust of New Hampshire create the Birch Ridge Community Forest in New Durham.

The eighteen-member LCHIP Board of Directors selects the grant recipients as the culmination of a rigorous application and review process.

LCHIP’s Board Chair, Amanda Merrill of Durham said, “The LCHIP Board and staff have the responsibility and privilege of helping to protect natural, cultural and historic resources across New Hampshire. It is a pleasure to work with dedicated colleagues from local government, citizens groups and non-profits to preserve the places that make our state special.”

Specific details of the project, which will begin in the spring of 2019, will be released soon.

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.

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Museum to host final Colonial Holiday Tea of the season

With a full house in attendance for the first Colonial Holiday Tea this past at the American Independence Museum Folsom Tavern in Exeter, the final event in the series takes place on Saturday, December 8.

At the event, guests enjoy a more rustic version of a Victorian Tea with assorted finger sandwiches, scones, and cookies, which were prepared by colonial inspired caterers, For the Love of Food and Drink.

According to Executive Director Emma Bray, the event provides a fun entrypoint to “those who may not know about the museum.”

“It takes place at Folsom Tavern where George Washington once dined, so it is fun to sit and relax in this historic environment,” she said. “If you want to visit the museum in 2018, this is your last chance.”

For Bray, this past Saturday’s attendance both delighted and surprised staff.

“Any time you start a new program, you are never quite sure what might happen,” she said. “We were thrilled at the response and expect another full house this Saturday.”

At the event, which features a seating at 11am and 2pm, guests may also try their hand at making mulling spices and lavender sachets as well as practice writing with a quill pen.

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.

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Museum to Help Active Duty and Veterans at Holiday Open House

Featuring a silent auction, which includes getaways, gift certificates to area restaurants and more, the American Independence Museum’s Holiday Open House on Friday, November 30 from 5 to 8 pm will also benefit veterans.

In lieu of paying an admission fee, visitors are asked to bring toiletries, travel-size hygiene items, card games and individually packaged snacks that Pease Greeters will distribute to active military leaving or returning home.

At the event, the Exeter Chapter of the New Hampshire State Organization Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) will provide visitors with the opportunity to write personalized holiday cards that will be delivered to veterans.

Museum Executive Director Emma Bray cited several reasons as to why supporting active military and veterans is important. In 1783, the NH chapter of the Society of the Cincinnati was founded at the museum’s Folsom Tavern. The nation’s oldest patriotic organization, the Society was founded by officers of the Continental Army and their French counterparts who served together in the American Revolution.

“It’s important we give back to the men and women who have given our nation so much,” said Bray, who noted the Society owns both museum buildings and some objects in its collection.

In 2018, financial support from Chinburg Properties enabled the museum to provide free admission to active military, veterans and their families.

“While we are celebrating the end of a wonderful season, the holidays are also a time for reflection and gratitude,” added Bray. “We want to take an opportunity during our Holiday Open House to remember those who helped form our nation and those who help preserve our freedoms today.’

Held at Folsom Tavern, 164 Water Street in Exeter, Holiday Open House is part of the museum’s Ring in the Season events, sponsored by Buxton Water.

“Sponsors like Chinburg Properties and event presenter Buxton Water enable us to achieve so much,” she added. “We have much to be thankful for. We hope people of all ages will join us for this wonderful event.”

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.

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Museum to Host Holiday Open House

Held at Folsom Tavern on Friday, November 30 from 5 pm to 8 pm, Holiday Open House marks the beginning of a busy weekend for the American Independence Museum.

“It’s a weekend where we hope people who have yet to experience the tavern or our museum will come and visit us,” said Executive Director Emma Bray.

Holiday Open House is part of the museum’s Ring in the Season events, sponsored by Buxton Water.“We are so appreciative for their support,” added Bray. “Donna [Buxton] has always been a champion of the museum, so we are happy to have her as part of such a festive occasion. Folsom Tavern is the perfect backdrop for a holiday gathering.”

At the Holiday Open House, the museum will feature light snacks and adult refreshments, live seasonal music and a pop-up gift shop that will feature many local, handmade products perfect for holiday gift giving. The evening’s highlight is its silent auction, which will feature getaways, gift certificates to area restaurants and more.

Proceeds from the evening will support museum programs, some of which include Revolutionary Story Time! and Traveling Trunk, sponsored by sponsored by Exeter Hospital and Service Credit Union, respectively.

“We encourage curiosity, fun and engagement here,” said Bray. “I hope we see new faces throughout the weekend.”

Other programs that will take place during the weekend include Colonial Holiday Tea on Saturday, December 1 at Folsom Tavern. At this event, guests may “sip delicious teas and dine on small bites” provided by colonial-inspired caterer, For the Love of Food and Drink. Colonial Holiday Tea will also take place on Saturday, December 8 at Folsom Tavern.

On Sunday, December 2, the Tavern will be open from 10 am to 5 pm during which time visitors will be able to pick up tickets for Womenade of Greater Squamscott’s Exeter Area Holiday Home Tour. The museum’s pop-up gift shop will also be open and holiday refreshments will be available.

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.

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Museum to Offer Colonial Holiday Tea

While the the first weekend in December is historically the last chance in a calendar year in which people may visit the American Independence Museum, Colonial Holiday Tea represents a departure from this formula.

“We wanted to create a new program this year that would extend our season a little bit,” explained Executive Director Emma Bray. “Our new Colonial Holiday Tea is the result of this effort, and we think it provides visitors of all ages with the perfect opportunity to enjoy a colonial-inspired experience during the festive holiday season.”

At the event, which takes place on Saturday, December 1 and 8, guests will enjoy “a relaxed, festive tea” provided by colonial inspired caterers, For the Love of Food and Drink. In addition to an array of teas, guests will be served food, which will include assorted finger sandwiches, scones, cakes and tarts.

“We intend the event to be an engaging holiday event for all ages–whether with friends, mothers and daughters, entire families, or groups,” said the museum’s Victoria Su, who is organizing the event.

Guests will dine in three of the ground floor rooms of historic Folsom Tavern in which George Washington enjoyed a meal during his 1789 visit to Exeter.

“The tavern is beautifully decorated for the holidays, so the ambiance is so festive,” said Su, who said the event will also provide visitors with the opportunity to make colonial crafts.

‘You can make mulling spices and lavender sachets, and you can try quill pen writing and write gift tags or letters to Santa,” she added. “We will also have a pop-up gift shop set up in the tavern for some historic holiday shopping.”

Seatings for Colonial Holiday Tea are 11 am and 2 pm on Saturday, December 1 and December 8. Each Tea is 2-hours long and will be more rustic than a traditional Victorian or high tea.

“It will bring the tavern to life, much like we imagine it might have been during our nation’s Revolutionary beginnings,” said Bray. “The emphasis is on lively, fun, and festive.”

Pre-registration is required. To purchase tickets, or to learn more about Colonial Holiday Tea, visit www.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.

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Traveling Trunk Bringing National Recognition to Museum

Sponsored by Service Credit Union, the American Independence Museum’s Traveling Trunk program is expected to educate more than 5,000 students across the nation in 2019.

Featuring more than 70 reproduction items with lesson plans for teachers, the free program provides opportunities for kids to actively engage with history through hands-on experiences.

According to Abby Pietrantonio, the unprecedented growth of the program–it has educated about 630 students in 2018–speaks to a real educational need.

“Students of all ages can benefit tremendously from experiencing hands-on history.” she said. “By exploring the past, it can help students can draw comparisons to their own lives.”

By the end of this year, it is anticipated that the program, which is provided at no cost to schools, will educate an additional 180 persons. In 2019, the Traveling Trunk is expected in California, Florida, Minnesota, Utah and other states. The program is not just geared for young people, though.

“I recently traveled to an assisted living facility, in Madbury, New Hampshire for a presentation,” she added.

Due to its popularity, museum Executive Director Emma Bray said that they may need to consider adding another trunk to its programming lineup.

“Our Traveling Trunk allows us to expand our programming outside our museum walls to provide a rich, interactive, hands-on history experience for schoolchildren,” she said. “An expansion of this program is definitely up for discussion.”

Bray credited the museum’s long standing partnership with Service Credit Union as instrumental.

“It is wonderful to know that we are providing a program of value and real need to teachers and that we are able to keep it free and accessible through Service Credit Union’s support,” she added.

In addition to educating students in the classroom, the Traveling Trunk program enables families of students to visit the museum free of charge.

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.

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Museum to ‘Ring in the Season’

Capping off a memorable 2018, the American Independence Museum in Exeter will celebrate the holidays from November 30 through December 2 during the town-wide Ring in the Season celebration.

The festivities begin on Friday, November 30 from 10 am to 2 pm, as visitors can take the season’s last tours of the Ladd-Gilman House and Folsom Tavern, which will be decorated for the holidays.

From 5 pm to 8 pm on that day, Folsom Tavern will then serve as host to a Holiday Open House during which time visitors may enjoy light refreshments and adult beverages, hear seasonal music and more. In addition to a pop-up gift shop, the evening will feature a silent auction that has historically included “big-ticket items,” such as vacation and brewery tour packages.

“The Tavern is such a beautiful space–and when you add live music and seasonal festivities, it is the perfect backdrop for a great time,” added Emma Bray, museum executive director.

This year, the museum will add a new program to its holiday weekend with Colonial Holiday Tea on Saturday, December 1 at Folsom Tavern. At this event, guests may “sip delicious teas and dine on small bites” provided by colonial-inspired caterer, For the Love of Food and Drink. Colonial Holiday Tea will also take place on Saturday, December 8 at Folsom Tavern.

“We wanted to extend the holidays a bit and create more opportunities for the public to enjoy our Tavern,” added Bray.

On Sunday, December 3, the Tavern will be open from 10 am to 5 pm as part of Womenade of Greater Squamscott’s Exeter Area Holiday Home Tour with tickets available at www.exeterareaholidayhousetour.com. The museum’s pop-up gift shop will also be open and holiday refreshments will be available.

“All ages are welcome and proceeds benefit our educational programs and efforts to preserve historical artifacts, some of which date back to the early 1700’s,” said Bray. “We hope to see a great turnout for this colonial-inspired, family-friendly weekend of programs.”

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.

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Museum to Host Colonial Craft Workshop

Building on prior successful collaborations, the American Independence Museum and Exeter Fine Crafts have developed a Colonial Crafts Workshop for youth, ages 11 to 18, on Saturday, November 17 at 1 pm.

The workshop will provide youth with the opportunity to learn about about the history of a colonial craft, followed by a 90-minute hands-on session led by Exeter Fine Crafts instructors.

On November 17, the focus will be Paper Marbling. Offered free of charge as the result of a grant awarded to Exeter Fine Crafts from the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, the workshop takes place at the museum’s Folsom Tavern, located at 164 Water Street in downtown Exeter.

Emma Bray, museum executive director, expressed excitement at the workshop.

“This is a wonderful partnership with Exeter Fine Crafts that is as fun as it is educational,” she said. “We advocate for history’s relevance, and the arts continue to serve as a wonderful vehicle for us. The result is outstanding and accessible community programming.”

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.

Pre-registration for the workshop is required and space is limited. To register, please fill out the online form at www.independencemuseum.org. For questions about the workshop, contact Education Manager Abby Pietrantonio at [email protected] or (603) 772-2622.

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.

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