News & Blog

Facebook-f Instagram X-twitter

Tour Information: (603) 772-2622
Thursday – Saturday: 10 am to 4 pm

Tag: civics

Posted on

AIM to offer Homeschool Days

Children wearing tricorn hats making their own stamps on paper plates

On Friday, October 15 and 22, the American Independence Museum in Exeter will host Homeschool Days, a program geared to kids, ages 6 to 11. During the 90-minute program, kids will grapple with the “tricky decision” regarding their stance on the Revolutionary War.

“Would they be a patriot, loyalist, neutral, or something else?” noted museum Executive Director Emma Stratton. “It was not an easy decision for British citizens in the 1770s.”

According to Stratton, a deeper objective behind the program is to spark curiosity in both students and parents.

“Political debates are often reduced to two sides, which oversimplifies the reality of human experience,” she said. “We hope to encourage participants to think about how some of the challenges faced by people in the 1770s have a direct connection to events taking place today.”

Homeschool Days will take place on Friday, October 15 and 22 from 10:00 am to 11:30 am and 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm at the museum’s Folsom Tavern in downtown Exeter.

“Four sessions of this program are offered twice on each Friday, so families have multiple opportunities to access it based on their schedules,” added Stratton.

The cost for the program is $5 for adults, $8 for students over 6, and free for children under 6 years of age. The program fee includes a pass to visit the museum after the program or another day.

Weather permitting, the program will take place under a tent outside Folsom Tavern. Masks will be required indoors, and parents must accompany the program with their child(ren).

To register online, or learn more about the museum, visit Homeschool Days Events.

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.

Posted on

AIM thanks community and sponsors for successful celebration

Ladd-Gilman 300th Birthday Party cake

On Friday, September 17, the American Independence Museum held a birthday party to celebrate its 30th anniversary as a nonprofit and the 300th anniversary of its Ladd-Gilman House.

Built in 1721, the Ladd-Gilman House was home to Nicholas Gilman, Jr., a signer of the Constitution. It also served as Governor’s mansion when Nicholas’ brother, John Taylor Gilman, was Governor. Their father—Nicholas Gilman, Sr.—was the state’s first Treasurer.

“The celebration was well attended and supported by so many sponsors, new and returning,” noted Executive Director Emma Stratton, who said the event raised more than $15,000.

“The proceeds support our continued focus on developing inclusive programs, events and exhibits that meaningfully connect the past with the present,” she added.

Major sponsors of the celebration included Plaistow Oral Surgery, DiTolla Dental, and Foss Motors.

In addition to a silent auction, food and drink, and live music from the Midnight Wrens, the celebration presented visitors with a rare glimpse of the museum’s original Broadside copy of the Declaration of Independence, one of only 26 known to still exist. The copy arrived in Exeter by horseback on July 16, 1776 at which time the state treasurer’s 22-year-old son, John Taylor Gilman, read the document to the residents of Exeter from the town house steps.

“It was incredible to share this document with the community on this special occasion,” said Stratton.

To learn more about the museum, 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.

Beer For History

Beer For History 11/4 UHN Brew Lab

$15 AIM Members
$20 Non-members
$ 5 children under 21What’s a tavern without beer? Join us for Beer for History as we bring the spirt of Folsom Tavern alive. This week’s event will feature UNH’s Brewing Science Laboratory.

Seasonal beer pours:
Harvest Thyme Brown Ale
Stormy Seas Oatmeal Stout
Wildcat WheatDifferent programming will be ‘on tap’ at each event including music, trivia or colonial tavern games.

Held outside on the lawn of the Folsom Tavern, 164 Water Street, Exeter, NH 03833 featuring tents and campfires for sitting or mingling.

Beer For History

Beer For History 10/14 with Pipedream Brewery

$15 AIM Members
$20 Non-members
$ 5 children under 21What’s a tavern without beer? Join us for Beer for History as we bring the spirt of Folsom Tavern alive. Each event will highlight a different local brewery who will pour three of their beers, including one of their most popular. Brewers are looking for feedback, so this is a chance to talk with them directly!Different programming will be ‘on tap’ at each event including music, trivia or colonial tavern games.

Held outside on the lawn of the Folsom Tavern, 164 Water Street, Exeter, NH 03833 featuring tents and campfires for sitting or mingling.

Homeschool Days

Homeschool Days

Cost
$8 children 6+
$5 adults
free for children under 6

​This is not a drop-off program. Parents must accompany children for the duration of the program.

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. Uncover hidden identities, secret lives, and traitorous deals. Become a spy in Washington’s famous Culper Spy Ring.Please Note:

  • All efforts will be taken to hold this event outdoors under a tent if weather permits.
  • Masks are required indoors. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to provide a safe and educational experience for you!
  • Program fee includes a pass to visit the museum after the program or another day.
  • Due to the historic nature of the buildings, the museum is not handicap accessible
  • This is a 90 minute program.
  • Program capacity is set at 12 kids per session.

Homeschool Days

Homeschool Days

Cost
$8 children 6+
$5 adults
free for children under 6

​This is not a drop-off program. Parents must accompany children for the duration of the program.

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. Uncover hidden identities, secret lives, and traitorous deals. Become a spy in Washington’s famous Culper Spy Ring.Please Note:

  • All efforts will be taken to hold this event outdoors under a tent if weather permits.
  • Masks are required indoors. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to provide a safe and educational experience for you!
  • Program fee includes a pass to visit the museum after the program or another day.
  • Due to the historic nature of the buildings, the museum is not handicap accessible
  • This is a 90 minute program.
  • Program capacity is set at 12 kids per session.

Homeschool Days

Homeschool Days

Cost
$8 children 6+
$5 adults
free for children under 6

​This is not a drop-off program. Parents must accompany children for the duration of the program.

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. Uncover hidden identities, secret lives, and traitorous deals. Become a spy in Washington’s famous Culper Spy Ring.Please Note:

  • All efforts will be taken to hold this event outdoors under a tent if weather permits.
  • Masks are required indoors. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to provide a safe and educational experience for you!
  • Program fee includes a pass to visit the museum after the program or another day.
  • Due to the historic nature of the buildings, the museum is not handicap accessible
  • This is a 90 minute program.
  • Program capacity is set at 12 kids per session.

Homeschool Days

Homeschool Days

Cost
$8 children 6+
$5 adults
free for children under 6

​This is not a drop-off program. Parents must accompany children for the duration of the program.

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. Uncover hidden identities, secret lives, and traitorous deals. Become a spy in Washington’s famous Culper Spy Ring.Please Note:

  • All efforts will be taken to hold this event outdoors under a tent if weather permits.
  • Masks are required indoors. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to provide a safe and educational experience for you!
  • Program fee includes a pass to visit the museum after the program or another day.
  • Due to the historic nature of the buildings, the museum is not handicap accessible
  • This is a 90 minute program.
  • Program capacity is set at 12 kids per session.

Ghosts of Winter Street Cemetery Tours

10/23 Ghosts of Winter Street Cemetery Tour

Tour times: 3pm, 4pm, 4:30pm, 5pm, 5:30pm

$10 Non-members
$7 Non-member children ages 6-18
$5 Members
$3 Member children ages 6-18
Free, children under 6

Families with elementary school age children are invited to join the 3:00 tour. Join us in your Halloween costume as we stroll the cemetery, discover stories of the past and receive a colonial treat! The American Independence Museum invites you to join them at the Winter Street Cemetery to celebrate the waning light and autumn season. Your colonial guide will meet you at the Winter Street Cemetery where you will see the final resting place and the graves of many of Exeter’s famous and infamous revolutionary residents, hear their stories, and learn about this historic cemetery.

Please note: This event does not take place at the museum. Ample on-street parking is available at Winter Street Cemetery. This is an outdoor event held rain or shine. Please dress accordingly.

Safety Notes:

  • In order to keep our guests safe we encourage social distancing, and encourage unvaccinated guests to wear a mask.
  • All tours are limited to 10 people and will be held exclusively outside.
  • Hand sanitizer will be provided at the entrance/exit point.
  • No public restroom available.
  • Sunset is at 5:45 pm. If you are on the 5:00 or 5:30 pm tour, please bring a flashlight.
  • The cemetery is on uneven ground. Please wear comfortable footwear and watch your step as you move through the cemetery.

Museum Tours

Yellow Colonial House with the American flag hanging out front.

Self-guided tours only today.

Masks are required.

Ladd-Gilman House Throughout our two floors of exhibits, you will find hundreds of objects that tell the story of New Hampshire and its citizens throughout the colonial era. Explore important moments in our nation’s history, as seen through the lens of New Hampshire, and learn untold stories from voices beyond the battlefield. Understand the events that shaped the foundations of the American nation and the people who contributed to the cause of independence, some of whom will be very familiar and others who may be new to you.

Self-guided tickets can be purchased at the time of visit. Folsom Tavern is open by guided tour only.

Cost:

  • $8 – Adults
  • $6 – Seniors, Students, Educators & First Responders
  • $4 – Children (ages 6-18)
  • FREE for Museum Members and Veterans.

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.

Book Now Book Now