Members Evening

Date: Thursday, May 12
Time: 5-7 p.m.
Location: Ladd-Gilman Terrace
This event is members only 

The American Independence Museum invites our members to a special after hours event where they will have the opportunity to go on tours of the museum and celebrate the 2022 season opening over light refreshments.

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’.

American Independence Museum Welcomes New Board Members

Two head shots of individuals, one female, one male. New AIM board members Susan Parker and Joe Pace

Along with preparations for the new open season, the American Independence Museum welcomed Joe Pace and Susan Parker to the Board of Governors.

Pace grew up in nearby Stratham, NH, and has been civically minded from an early age, serving as an Exeter Selectman beginning in 2000 at the age of 24, and currently continues to serve as a Selectman, this time for Kensington. Always interested in history, Pace holds a B.A. in History from the University of New Hampshire and taught 8th grade U.S. History at a private school in Maryland.

Another native Granite Stater, Parker has worked for both state and local government for 23 years, predominantly advocating for those with disabilities. She now spends her time engaged in local board service and pursuing her interests in historic preservation, genealogy and history.

Executive Director Emma Stratton noted, “The American Independence Museum looks forward to drawing on the expertise of these two talented individuals to further our museum mission of sharing the diverse stories of Revolutionary Era New Hampshire and continuing a strong tradition of civic engagement.”

About the 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’.

Patriot’s Day Membership Drive at AIM

Woman places a bid in the silent auction during the museum's 300th Anniversary event

April 19th, also known as Patriot’s Day, commemorates the encounters at Lexington and Concord that traditionally mark the start of the American Revolution. Nearly 250 years later, Patriot’s Day is the perfect time for history lovers and community members to begin marking their calendars for a summer of historic fun. This date also serves as a reminder to current and future members to prepare for the upcoming season and support the museum by purchasing a membership.

“Renewing your membership helps sustain our museum, ensuring that we continue to share different perspectives of the Revolutionary era, encourage critical thinking as we encounter the past, and inspire civic engagement in our community,” said JoAnn Keeler, Membership Manager.

There are many benefits of museum membership including unlimited access to free museum tours, invitations to members-only events, free admission to the Independence Festival, a 10% discount in the gift store, and reciprocal member benefits to over 300 partner institutions.

Although the museum will not open until May, this year the staff intends to share the process of reopening the museum, rotating new collections items onto display, and incorporating more interactive experiences through their various social media channels.

“These past two years have shown us that our museum community stretches far beyond the Seacoast area. We’ve enjoyed providing engaging and informative content to both museum members and supporters that would not traditionally get to visit our premises,” said Sabina Ion, Content and Marketing Manager.

Membership begins at $25 for individuals, with a variety of levels available for those who wish to support the museum at a higher level or wish to receive member benefits for additional people.

To join or renew your museum membership, visit https://www.independencemuseum.org/membership/

About the 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 Days

Homeschool Days

Dates: Tuesday, May 10 & 24
Times:  10-11:30 a.m. & 1-2:30 p.m.
Location:  Folsom Tavern Grounds
Cost:  $8 children 6+, $5 adults, $0 children under 6
Capacity:  12 children per session
(all dates/times offer the same program)

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?

Notes

  • All efforts will be taken to hold this event outdoors under a tent if weather permits
  • ​This is not a drop-off program. Parents must accompany children for the duration of the program.
  • 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.

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 Days

Homeschool Days

Dates: Tuesday, May 10 & 24
Times:  10-11:30 a.m. & 1-2:30 p.m.
Location:  Folsom Tavern Grounds
Cost:  $8 children 6+, $5 adults, $0 children under 6
Capacity:  12 children per session
(all dates/times offer the same program)

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?

Notes

  • All efforts will be taken to hold this event outdoors under a tent if weather permits
  • ​This is not a drop-off program. Parents must accompany children for the duration of the program.
  • 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.

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 Days

Homeschool Days

Dates: Tuesday, May 10 & 24
Times:  10-11:30 a.m. & 1-2:30 p.m.
Location:  Folsom Tavern Grounds
Cost:  $8 children 6+, $5 adults, $0 children under 6
Capacity:  12 children per session
(all dates/times offer the same program)

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?

Notes

  • All efforts will be taken to hold this event outdoors under a tent if weather permits
  • ​This is not a drop-off program. Parents must accompany children for the duration of the program.
  • 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.

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 Days

Homeschool Days

Dates: Tuesday, May 10 & 24
Times:  10-11:30 a.m. & 1-2:30 p.m.
Location:  Folsom Tavern Grounds
Cost:  $8 children 6+, $5 adults, $0 children under 6
Capacity:  12 children per session
(all dates/times offer the same program)

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?

Notes

  • All efforts will be taken to hold this event outdoors under a tent if weather permits
  • ​This is not a drop-off program. Parents must accompany children for the duration of the program.
  • 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.

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’.

Reflective Patriots: Thursday Mini Camps

Children in 18th century clothing washing clothes

Dates:  Thursday, July 14, 21 & 28
Time:  9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Location:  Folsom Tavern Grounds
Cost: Non-members $55 per day or $150 for all three
Members $45 per day or $120 for all three
all participants receive a reproduction Badge of Military Merit like the ones Revolutionary War heroes received!
These camps are best for: ages 6-10, all genders

Campers 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. Enlist for one, two, or all three sessions!

Each week campers will dress in colonial clothing, participate in games and activities, create projects and eat a colonial-inspired snack.

Weekly Themes

July 14: Freedom
A war to fight for freedom but what did that mean? Uncover what freedom meant to the different people living in colonial America and how they joined in the fight. Dress in colonial clothing, carry out daily chores, protest British taxation, spin your own yarn, and write a petition using a quill pen.

July 21: Compromise
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 and discover how compromise is what finally led to American independence. This week campers will dress in colonial clothing, play team building games, recreate historical debates, work together to create a group project, and vote on the direction of their day.

July 28: We the people
Everyday people, laborers, farmers, enslaved, housewives, and even children all were 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.

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’.

Reflective Patriots: Thursday Mini Camps

Children in 18th century clothing washing clothes

Dates:  Thursday, July 14, 21 & 28
Time:  9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Location:  Folsom Tavern Grounds
Cost: Non-members $55 per day or $150 for all three
Members $45 per day or $120 for all three
all participants receive a reproduction Badge of Military Merit like the ones Revolutionary War heroes received!
These camps are best for: ages 6-10, all genders

Campers 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. Enlist for one, two, or all three sessions!

Each week campers will dress in colonial clothing, participate in games and activities, create projects and eat a colonial-inspired snack.

Weekly Themes

July 14: Freedom
A war to fight for freedom but what did that mean? Uncover what freedom meant to the different people living in colonial America and how they joined in the fight. Dress in colonial clothing, carry out daily chores, protest British taxation, spin your own yarn, and write a petition using a quill pen.

July 21: Compromise
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 and discover how compromise is what finally led to American independence. This week campers will dress in colonial clothing, play team building games, recreate historical debates, work together to create a group project, and vote on the direction of their day.

July 28: We the people
Everyday people, laborers, farmers, enslaved, housewives, and even children all were 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.

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’.

Reflective Patriots: Thursday Mini Camps

Children in 18th century clothing washing clothes

Dates:  Thursday, July 14, 21 & 28
Time:  9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Location:  Folsom Tavern Grounds
Cost: Non-members $55 per day or $150 for all three
Members $45 per day or $120 for all three
all participants receive a reproduction Badge of Military Merit like the ones Revolutionary War heroes received!
These camps are best for: ages 6-10, all genders

Campers 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. Enlist for one, two, or all three sessions!

Each week campers will dress in colonial clothing, participate in games and activities, create projects and eat a colonial-inspired snack.

Weekly Themes

July 14: Freedom
A war to fight for freedom but what did that mean? Uncover what freedom meant to the different people living in colonial America and how they joined in the fight. Dress in colonial clothing, carry out daily chores, protest British taxation, spin your own yarn, and write a petition using a quill pen.

July 21: Compromise
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 and discover how compromise is what finally led to American independence. This week campers will dress in colonial clothing, play team building games, recreate historical debates, work together to create a group project, and vote on the direction of their day.

July 28: We the people
Everyday people, laborers, farmers, enslaved, housewives, and even children all were 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.

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’.

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