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A Fond Farewell to AIM Executive Director

Museum Directo Emma Stratton in front og a large oil portrait of John Taylro Gilman

After five years of inspirational leadership, American Independence Museum Executive Director Emma Stratton will be leaving as of Friday, May 20, to pursue a new professional opportunity.

Under her directorship, the American Independence Museum grew tremendously. The museum expanded their public programming and digital presence, especially on social media, during her time as Executive Director. Her leadership was the driving force behind improvements to the museum’s historic properties and a major groundworks project to create a community-oriented museum campus.

In a direct address to the museum community, Stratton said, “I want to thank you all for your tremendous support over my five years at the museum. You have helped us grow in unimaginable ways, despite the challenges COVID presented.”

While the museum board begins the search for the next Executive Director, Collections Manager & Curator Jen Carr will serve as Acting Executive Director.

“As we look toward the future and the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, we are eager to build on Emma’s legacy by expanding our mission to share New Hampshire’s revolutionary past. We are excited for what lies ahead!” noted Carr.

The museum will continue to share information as the search progresses.

Learn more about the American Independence Museum, visit www.independencemuseum.org.

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’.

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’.

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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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