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Researching Early New England Ancestry to take place on September 21

As a group, 17th century New Englanders are an extensively studied population, which serves as a backdrop for the next workshop in the American Independence Museum’s Genealogy Workshop Series on Saturday, September 21.

“In many cases, town vital records, church, colony, court, probate, land, military, and tax records have not only survived, but have been abstracted and published,” said museum Executive Director Emma Bray. “The question is how can we locate and use these original and published records, which is what will be explored in this workshop.”

Entitled “Researching Early New England Ancestry,” the workshop will be facilitated by David Allen Lambert, chief genealogist, New England Historic Genealogical Society (NEHGS), which is presenting the workshop series in partnership with the museum.

“The New England Historic Genealogical Society is the premier authority in this industry, so it is a pleasure to work with them again for this series,” added Bray.

The next workshop, “Writing Your Family History: Taking the First Steps,” takes place on November 16.

“Researching Early New England Ancestry” takes place on Saturday, September 21 from 1 pm to 4 pm. Fees are $20 for museum/NEHGS members and $30 for ‘not-yet’ members. Reservations are required.

The museum’s Genealogy Workshop Series is sponsored by the William W. Treat Foundation.

To purchase workshop tickets, 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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Lecture to explore community and history

On Wednesday, September 18 at 6:30 pm, the American Independence Museum will host “Understanding your Community from a Historical Perspective” as part of its 2019 Lecture Series, sponsored by People’s United Bank.

At the lecture held in the museum’s 1775 Folsom Tavern, a panel discussion will be led by experts from Exeter Public Library, Exeter Historical Society, Historic New England’s Gilman Garrison House, and American Independence Museum. 

Topics that will be explored include historic institutions’ roles in communities and how understanding community from a historic perspective can be an in-road to civic engagement, community building, and local vibrancy.

“The lecture is a chance for anyone to learn more about us and other historic agencies and our respective roles in helping build community,” noted museum Executive Director Emma Bray.

The larger message behind the lecture, she added, is that “civic engagement matters.” 

“Civic engagement is our theme for this year, and we feel it is an important one,” said Bray. “Regardless of an individual’s personal political beliefs, it is important we champion civic engagement and encourage involvement. Civic engagement is a hallmark of American democracy.”

At the Series’ first lecture in May, Rebecca Rule explore the town meeting in New Hampshire.

“Each lecture this year peels back a layer of who we are as Americans and New Englanders,” added Bray. “We appreciate the support of People’s United Bank in making this series possible.”

To learn more about the museum’s evening Tavern Talks or afternoon Lunch and Learns as part of the 2019 Lecture Series, 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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Donahue Tucker & Ciandella to sponsor Beer for History Series

Celebrating the rich history of both Exeter and that of the Granite State, the 2019 Beer for History series recently garnered the attention of Donahue Tucker & Ciandella, which has agreed to sponsor it through 2020.

In 2019, Beer for History will expand to include 5 dates at which a featured brewer will pour several beers, colonial clad musicians will sing period-inspired music, and attendees may participate in various colonial games.

According to Lizabeth MacDonald of Donahue Tucker & Ciandella, Beer for History’s emphasis on fun and community is “a recipe for success.”

“It takes the colonial history of our state along with our strong belief in community and turns it into a festive, family-friendly affair,” she said. “We are very excited to get behind this series both this year and next.”

Emma Bray, museum executive director, said the multi-year support will help staff plan “the most engaging community events possible.”

“Knowing we have their support behind us allows us to plan ahead to 2020,” she said. “We are all very excited for this year’s series.”

This year, von Trapp Brewing and Throwback Brewery return to Beer for History, while Sea Dog Brewing, Tilton Brothers Brewing and Bad Lab Beer Co. join for the first time.

Scheduled to begin on Thursday, September 26, Beer for History events take place at the museum’s historic Folsom Tavern from 6pm to 8pm. Built in 1775, Folsom Tavern was visited by George Washington in 1789 for “a libation.”

“If George Washington enjoyed himself here, we hope you will, too,” laughed Bray.

Tickets for each event are $15 for members and $20 for non-members. Series tickets are $60 and $80 for members and nonmembers, respectively, while youth (under 21) are $3. Ticket prices include beer (21+), entertainment, light snacks from Sea Dog Brewing and more.

To purchase tickets, or learn more about Beer for History, 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.

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RiverWoods Exeter to Sponsor Free Admission Day for Older Adults

Long-standing sponsors of the American Independence Museum, RiverWoods Exeter will sponsor Free Admission Day for older adults on Thursday, August 15, which will also commemorate its 25th anniversary.

“RiverWoods Exeter turns 25 on August 15, so we are thrilled we can work with the museum to provide free admission to older adults in our community and beyond,” said Felicia Gennetti, project coordinator at RiverWoods Exeter.

Noting they most recently supported the American Independence Festival in July, museum Executive Director Emma Bray said this latest partnership reflects an increasingly important organizational objective.

“We want to create opportunities to provide value and enhance lives for all members of our community, including underserved populations,” she said. “We have previously brought programs to RiverWoods, so Free Admission Day is our latest partnership…We value older adults in our community and we are grateful for RiverWoods for their support of this event.”

Gennetti agreed and said community engagement and involvement is an essential part of RiverWoods’ mission.

“Our resident community is part of the larger Exeter and Seacoast community,” she said. “We care about our residents and the vitality of our community. We are excited that we can celebrate 25 years in the community through such a fun and meaningful initiative.”

Free Admission Day for Older Adults will take place on Thursday, August 15 at the American Independence Museum, which is open 10 am to 4 pm.

For more information about RiverWoods Exeter, visit RiverWoodsExeter.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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Restoration work begins at American Independence Museum

After months of planning, major restoration work has begun at the American Independence Museum that will “transform its one acre campus,” according to Executive Director Emma Bray.

“It’s not just the aesthetics of our property, but some of the actual nuts and bolts of our Ladd-Gilman House,” she noted.

These “nuts and bolts” include concrete skirt removal around the Ladd-Gilman House (c.1721), repointing the foundation and replacement of rotten sills at its front.

“We will move to the drainage and re-grading portion of the work in August, weather-permitting,” said Bray, who said one outcome from this portion of the project will be quite noticeable.

“There will be a new path from Governors Lane and the brick patio of Ladd-Gilman House to Folsom Tavern [on Water Street],” she explained. “There will also be substantial improvements to the front yard between the caretaker’s cottage and gift shop entrance.”

That entire area, Bray noted, will be lowered to provide for a 6″ foundation reveal, which she described as “best practice in historic house preservation.” 

“Currently, our sill line for that portion of the house sits below grade, which contributes to our issues of water in the basement and rot for those clapboards below grade,” she said. “The front yard space will also be lowered, yard drains installed and entry pathways re-laid.”

In addition to $80,000 grant from the NH Land and Community Heritage Investment Program (LCHIP), the project is funded by the Lewis Family Foundation, Samuel P. Hunt Foundation, William W. Treat Foundation, and private donors.

“We received a tremendous amount of support for this project, which is critical for the museum’s future and our ability to best care for our collection,” she said.

The museum’s collection includes one of only 26 surviving copies of the Dunlap Broadside of the Declaration of Independence and two rare drafts of the U.S. Constitution.

According to Bray, the project began in mid July with the removal of several trees, one of which included a dying ash located adjacent to People’s United Bank staff parking lot. 

“The removal of this and other trees were important for many reasons, but done so only after careful consideration and consultation,” said Bray.

In looking ahead, Ozzie Ayscue, president of the museum’s Board of Governors, said the project “puts a literal foundation under the 1721 Ladd-Gilman House and American Independence Museum collection.”

“We feel like we have a solid new platform for launching diverse experiential programs for an expanding community,” he said.

Bray agreed and added, “We are but stewards of this property, so it is very gratifying to prepare for the future, especially as we look to the Ladd-Gilman’s 300th anniversary in 2021.”

Even with the financial support received so far, Bray said it is clear more funding will be needed to successfully accomplish all aspects of the project.

“It is important we take this opportunity to do all we can right now to ensure the integrity of the Ladd-Gilman House and our collection, so future generations may enjoy it far into the future,” she added. “This is an exciting moment for the museum and the Town of Exeter.”

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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The Provident Bank to sponsor Free Admission Day

Sponsored by The Provident Bank, the American Independence Museum will offer free admission on Tuesday, August 6 to residents of Brentwood, East Kingston, Exeter, Kensington, Newfields, and Stratham as well as town employees and teachers with valid ID.  

According to museum Executive Director Emma Bray, the first SAU 16 Free Admission Day sponsored by The Provident Bank  in July proved quite successful.

“We had the best Tuesday of the year,” she said. “We are working to eliminate any financial barrier whatsoever for people to visit us, so this partnership has been wonderful…We also hope these days will be used by educators and teachers, so they may better utilize us as a resource during the school year.” 

The museum’s collection includes one of only 26 surviving copies of the Dunlap Broadside of the Declaration of Independence and two rare drafts of the U.S. Constitution.

“Our tour guides can take you on a virtual trip through Exeter and the nation,” she said. “History can be pretty fun.”

To learn more about Free Admission Day, or 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. 

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Free Admission Day at American Independence Museum

On Saturday, August 3, the American Independence Museum will offer free admission to residents of Brentwood, East Kingston, Exeter, Kensington, Newfields, and Stratham as well as town employees, including teachers, with valid ID.  

Made possible by Kennebunk Savings, SAU 16 Free Admission Day represents the museum’s ongoing effort to increase access to its collection and programs.

“We have a new exhibit on Civic Engagement, iPads we will include very soon in some rooms, LED lighting and new cases that display some of our most unique items,” said Executive Director Emma Bray. “We want to encourage families to visit us, which makes Free Admission Day such a great opportunity for local residents and those who work here.”

“If you have not visited us recently, we’d love for you to visit us and see all the changes,” added Bray. “Our tour guides are knowledgeable and fun, too.”

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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Kids welcome at Exeter Hospital’s Revolutionary Story Time!

Presented by Exeter Hospital, Revolutionary Story Time! turns Folsom Tavern at the American Independence Museum into a place for kids, ages 3 to 5, the first Thursday of each month, April through December.

At the next Revolutionary Story Time! on Thursday, August 1 from 2 to 4 pm, museum Executive Director Emma Bray said families and caregivers can expect everything from story-telling to live music.

“We have a colonial re-enactor who really engages with the kids,” she said. “It’s a lot of fun.”

After the initial 30 minute story time, families are invited to “stay and play” for parent-supervised playtime, which includes imaginary play, colonial games and period dress-up.

“Kids and families can play outside on our lawn, too,” added Bray. “This is a great way to spend the afternoon and then walk right over to the Farmers’ Market afterwards on Swasey Parkway.”

Due to the historical nature of the Tavern, strollers are not encouraged, as the building is not handicapped accessible. Reservations are accepted but not required. 

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 to host 29th American Independence Festival

On Saturday, July 13, thousands will descend upon downtown Exeter, NH, former capital of the Granite State during the Revolutionary War, for the 29th Annual American Independence Festival. 

Celebrating the arrival of an original copy of the Declaration of Independence in town on July 16, 1776, the festival features a variety of entertainment, including music, battle re-enactment, tradition artisan working village and more. 

One of the festival’s most unique highlights, however, is within the museum’s Ladd-Gilman House, which will feature one of the few remaining copies of the Declaration of Independence. Its arrival in Exeter is recreated at 11 am with a horseback delivery of the document that is then read by Greg Gilman. He is the direct descendant of John Taylor Gilman, who read the Declaration of Independence to the townspeople of Exeter on July 16, 1776.

“This is a unique opportunity to participate in a recreation of a seminal point in our state’s and nation’s history,” said museum Executive Director Emma Bray.

Presented by Newburyport Bank, the festival is additionally supported by New Hampshire State Council on the Arts, RiverWoods Exeter, Ruffner Real Estate, Exeter Hospital, Historic Motor Sports, Mitchell & Monti and Proulx Oil & Propane.

“This is a wonderful community event that educates, entertains and, we hope, inspires others to learn more about our nation’s history and its continued importance today,” added Bray.

Other highlights of the festival include colonial-inspired beer brewed by Cisco in Folsom Tavern from 12 to 6 pm, a craft and art fair and local food.

Tickets for the festival, which takes place from 10 am to 4 pm, are $10 for adults, $5 for ages 6 to 18, and free for children under 6 and museum members. Courtesy of Chinburg Properties, free admission is also available to active/retired military, veterans, and their immediate families. All proceeds benefit the American Independence Museum and support future festivals. 

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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Children, Families the Focus in July at American Independence Museum

In July, children and families are a big focus at the American Independence Museum in Exeter.

On Tuesday, July 2, The Provident Bank is sponsoring free admission for residents of any age from SAU 16, which includes Brentwood, East Kingston, Exeter, Kensington, Newfields, and Stratham. On Saturday, July 6, free admission will also be made available to SAU 16 residents, courtesy of Kennebunk Savings.

“Both banks are also sponsoring the free admission for SAU 16 residents on the first Tuesday and Saturday in August, respectively,” said museum Executive Director Emma Bray. “This is a wonderful opportunity for local residents to see first hand the improvements we have made within our museum as well as our new exhibits.”

Presented by Exeter Hospital, a special patriotic sing-along edition of Revolutionary Story Time! takes place on Thursday, July 4 from 11am to 1 pm.  At this event, families and guests of all ages are invited to Folsom Tavern to celebrate Independence Day with song led by a colonial reenactor, patriotic cake, and colonial games. The event is free and part of a year long series, which takes place on the first Thursday of each month through December.

The largest event annually hosted by the museum, the American Independence Festival takes place on Saturday, July 13 and is expected to attract thousands. Presented by Newburyport Bank, the event features everything from traditional craft demonstrations and battle re-enactments to a beer garden, live music, games, local food, art and craft marketplace, and more.  

The Festival also marks the conclusion of the museum’s Revolutionary Kids Camp, which begins Tuesday, July 9. In this full-day living history experience, youth (ages 9 – 12) immerse themselves in the past and assume the role of a real 18th century Exeter resident, complete with colonial clothing.  At the Festival, youth show off what they have learned in camp, which concludes Friday, July 12.

“It’s a busy month for us and one in which I hope we see many new faces,” added Bray.  “We want people to see the museum as ‘their’ space.”

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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