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American Independence Festival Highlights Cultural Renaissance in Exeter

Saturday’s 26th American Independence Festival not only highlights the role of Exeter in the founding of the nation, but the increasing cultural footprint created through several related initiatives in town in the past year.

“Exeter has some incredible cultural assets—the Festival helps to highlight that,” said Todd Deluca, president of the Exeter Area Chamber of Commerce. “History, the arts, local music—they all have a place here in Exeter.”

Scott Ruffner, executive director of nonprofit TEAM, which is “dedicated to the production, promotion and organization of original programming, projects and events in the Exeter area,” said he believes the Festival serves as a gateway to the town’s burgeoning arts scene.

“TEAM is looking to shine the light on community members bold enough to make their own art, brew their own beer, grown their own food, and write and perform their own music—the essence of celebrating independence,” he said. “We look forward to continue working with the Museum and bridging the gap between the arts and Exeter’s rich history, which began with cultural traditions established by people in the community and something I think we’ve lost along the way.”

Featuring historic battle re-enactments, colonial demonstrations, children’s activities, crafts, music, local food and more, the Independence Festival is annually presented by the American Independence Museum, which is quietly attracting a strong core of new supporters.

“The American Independence Museum continues to expand its relevant work, including the recent creation of a historic garden that features plants and flowers that would have been used in a household or Inn garden of the 18 century,” said Chinburg Properties’ Jen Chinburg. “We encourage everyone to check out this rich treasure in the town of Exeter.”

Access Sports’ Founder Dr. Josh Siegel added, “The Museum is an active, vital member of the community—and we are proud to support its mission. The Festival represents the very best of what Exeter has to offer.”

A member of the Exeter community for more than 120 years, Foy Insurance also supports the Museum. Foy Insurance’s Jeff Foy said he appreciates the fact that the Museum helps remind everyone of the rich history that surrounds the town and the entire region.

“The Museum consistently provides a great opportunity for young and old to experience and learn about the history in the greater Exeter area,” he said. “Check out the Festival in July and you will be glad you did.”

Longtime Museum supporters are also enthused about the Musem and Festival, including Florence Ruffner of Ruffner Real Estate.

“Our country’s rich history is something we are fortunate to have right in our town,” she noted. “It is vital to who we are as a nation and what our forefathers fought for.”

Other major sponsors of the Festival and the Museum include Hoefle Phoenix Gormley & Roberts, P.A. Attorneys at Law, Two International Group, AutoFair, Geico, Service Credit Union and New Hampshire State Council on the Arts. Additional support is provided by RiverWoods and The Farm at Eastman’s Corner.

To learn more about the American Independence Festival on July 16, 2016, or to purchase tickets, click HERE.

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RiverWoods, Saint Vincent de Paul and others partner together

At Saturday’s American Independence Festival at which more than 3,000 attendees are expected, RiverWoods and Saint Vincent de Paul will present an exciting display that will engage visitors of all ages.

Housed next to the food vendors along Swasey Parkway, both organizations will have set up 3 tents within a 30’ by 20’ area. In the first tent, visitors will learn more about Saint Vincent de Paul’s mobile dental van and its role in the community as well as some unique historical tidbits.

“We have dental tools from the 1770’s and will hopefully have a representation of tooth powder used in Exeter in that period, which the Exeter Historical Society is still researching,” said Cleo Castonguay, executive director, Saint Vincent de Paul. “We will also have photos of George Washington’s last dentures along with photos of paintings taken of him never smiling.”

In another section, Castonguay said they will feature kids’ activities and hand out tri-corner hats for the kids. “We thank Foss Manufacturing in Hampton, which gave us a substantial supply of recycled non-woven fabrics for some of our activities,” he added.

Expressing excitement at their sponsorship of the American Independence Museum, which presents the Festival, RiverWoods Marketing Manager Ben French said everyone is excited about their participation in the popular annual event.

“We not only look forward to sharing the RiverWoods mission and that of our charitable partner Saint Vincent de Paul, but we’ll also be providing something that will bridge generations, allow children to experience history and have some fun at the same time,” he said.

In addition to RiverWoods, major sponsors of the Festival and the Museum include Hoefle Phoenix Gormley & Roberts, P.A. Attorneys at Law, Two International Group, AutoFair, Service Credit Union, Geico, New Hampshire State Council on the Arts, and Ruffner Real Estate. Additional support is provided by Foy Insurance, Chinburg Properties, Access Sports, and The Farm at Eastman’s Corner.

“We are so grateful for all the support we have received in support of the Festival and the Museum in 2016,” said Museum Operation Manager Rob Levey. “Exeter is a really cool place, but we could not promote this amazing town without wonderful partners and sponsors.”

Featuring historic battle re-enactments, colonial demonstrations, children’s activities, cannons that fire throughout the day, crafts, music, food and more, the annual Independence Festival continues to serve as the signature event of the American Independence Museum in Exeter.

Purchase your tickets here. 

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American Independence Museum and Service Credit Union Celebrate July 4

Presented in partnership with Service Credit Union, the American Independence Museum will celebrate the nation’s birthday with Happy Birthday, America! on Monday, July 4. At the celebration, which takes place form 10 am to 2 pm, visitors will be presented with special giveaways, courtesy of Service Credit Union.

According to Museum staff, it is the biggest day of the year for the Museum with the exception of the annual American Independence Festival, which takes place on Saturday, July 16 this year. “It’s a chance to celebrate our independence and the events that led up to it as well as enjoy some birthday cake, too,” said Museum Executive Director Julie Williams. “The tours of our Ladd-Gilman house will be brief and perfect for families.”

Museum Curator Rachel Passannante added that the celebration will also provide the unique opportunity for active and retired military and their families to view artifacts of special significance to them.

“We have a Purple Heart awarded by George Washington and other items that help shed light on the military aspects of the Revolution and how NH played its part,” she said.

Committed to serving the interests of veterans, Service Credit Union joins similarly inclined sponsors AutoFair and Two International Group, each of whom made a financial contribution to provide free Museum admission for active/retired military, veterans and family members in 2016. As a General George Washington sponsor of the Museum for the next calendar year, Marketing Manager Aimée Sundstrom said they look forward to supporting related initiatives, including children’s education programs and special events like Happy Birthday, America!

“July 4 is a celebration of our freedom, our history and perseverance,” said Sundstrom. “We believe the Museum is a big part of not just the history of Exeter and New Hampshire, but that of the nation. We wanted to be part of this celebration and their mission to educate and celebrate our nation’s history. July 4 is a day to celebrate so many things, including those who serve.”

On Monday, July 4, the Museum will be open from 10 am to 2 pm, while regular admission fees will apply. The Museum is also part of the NH Heritage Trail. To learn more about The Trail, visit nhmuseumtrail.org.

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Organizations collaborate to promote fitness and the town of Exeter

Sponsored by George and Phillips, History on the Run represents a newly formed joint partnership between the American Independence Museum (AIM) and the Exeter Historical Society. Designed to bring awareness to the many historic sites and structures in Exeter, the event is scheduled to take place on Monday, June 6 at 5:30 pm at Folsom Tavern in Exeter.

Featuring the opportunity to run a 3-mile historic loop once or twice through Exeter, History on the Run will be followed by a gait analysis by the Center for Orthopaedics and Movement at Exeter Hospital and yoga techniques demonstrated by a YMCA instructor. The evening will conclude with refreshments at Folsom Tavern.

“We are very excited to work with the Exeter Historical Society to create this fun community event that we hope attracts area athletes and general fitness enthusiasts,” said Museum Executive Director Julie Williams.

Ann Gustafson Schieber, chairman of the Exeter Historical Society, said they are equally excited at the collaboration.

“The town of Exeter has been known historically for a fun and healthy place to live,” she noted. “The Exeter Historical Society has always recognized AIM as one of our town’s historic treasures. Working collaboratively with AIM gives us great pleasure to offer another fun and healthy activity for the whole community.”

The “go-at-your-own pace” 3-mile loop run will start and end at the Folsom Tavern and pass by the historic sites of String Bridge, the Mills, the Powder House, Swasey Parkway and more. Participants may choose to run or walk the route, while a map with additional information on each of the sites will be provided.

Bert Freedman, 3rd generation owner of George & Phillips, said he is excited to sponsor the event and cited his love of Exeter and its rich history as one of his main motivators for becoming involved.

“My family has run this store for nearly a hundred years, so I have a deep and personal appreciation and fondness for Exeter,” he said. “Exeter is a special place, which this unique event will showcase.”

There is no charge for the event, although a suggested donation of $10 per runner is encouraged with proceeds to benefit both the American Independence Museum and Exeter Historical Society. Registration is required.

To register, please call (603) 772-2622 or email [email protected]. For more information about either nonprofit organization, visit www.independencemuseum.org or www.exeterhistory.org.

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Geary’s to participate in Beer for History

New England’s first microbrewery, Portland-based D.L. Geary Brewing Company will participate in the American Independence Museum’s inaugural Beer for History event on Thursday, May 19 in downtown Exeter, NH. Featuring seven full time beers and three seasonal specialties, Geary’s Tim Turner said he is excited to bring their award-winning brews to NH for “an innovative beer event.”

“We are all about celebrating history—whether it’s our own beers or the rich history of New England itself, so this was a great opportunity for us to support a great cause and promote our brand,” he said.

Sponsored by Hoefle Phoenix Gormley & Roberts, P.A. Attorneys at Law of Portsmouth, other brewers include 7th Settlement in Dover, NH and Neighborhood Beer Co. from Exeter, NH. The Beer for History series continues on June 23 with a Tavern Night theme and on October 20 with a Fall Harvest theme. In addition to craft brews, each event will feature live music, food, games and magic for children. The Beer for History event in May will feature food prepared by 3 Brothers Marketplace in Exeter.

Proceeds from Beer for History will support the Museum’s efforts to preserve its collection, including an original copy of the Declaration of Independence, handwritten letters by George Washington and other rare artifacts. Proceeds will also support the Museum’s educational programs, which serve more than 1,600 children annually from across NH.

Tickets for each event in the series will be $30 and include food, samplings of beer, games for kids, and more. Members of the Museum may purchase tickets at a discounted rate of $25. To buy tickets for an individual event or for the entire series at a discounted rate, visit www.independencemuseum.org.

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Neighborhood Beer Co. to brew beer inspired from 14th century Europe

As part of the American Independence Museum’s inaugural Beer for History event on Thursday, May 19 in downtown Exeter, Neighborhood Beer Co. (NHBC) is brewing a Baroque Butterfly Tan Ale, its take on a late medieval brew from the lowlands of Northwestern Europe. According to NHBC’s Joe Berwanger, the slightly sour, mixed-grain ale was very popular even in the mid-17th century, as it was praised by Pope Alexander VII when he helped negotiate the peace treaty of the Thirty Years’ War.

“A great example of beer’s prominent role in history, our recreation of this transcendent ale features a unique easy-drinking quality with citrus notes balancing out the slightly sour finish,” he said.

For the Museum’s Rob Levey, who initially outreached NHBC to gauge their interest in participating in Beer for History, the beer represents a “tangible and fun” reminder that history matters.

“Learning and celebrating history helps ground us as a nation, so Joe and his team’s enthusiasm at connecting their beer with the general concept of history itself is really pretty cool,” he said.

The man responsible behind the Keutebier style beer and the many award-winning German-style beers at NHBC is GABF award-winning brewer, international beer judge and brewing consultant, German-born Horst Dornbusch.

“Having opened up a little more than 6 months ago, we want to do all we can to connect with Exeter and the surrounding communities,” he said. “Partnering with the American Independence Museum and the other great brewers they have lined up for the series made a lot of sense too all of us…We look forward to unveiling our beer at May’s Beer for History.”

Sponsored by Hoefle Phoenix Gormley & Roberts, P.A. Attorneys at Law of Portsmouth, other brewers include 7th Settlement in Dover and D.L. Geary Brewing Company from Maine. The Beer for History series kicks off on May 19 in Exeter, NH and will continue on June 23 with a Tavern Night theme and on October 20 with a Fall Harvest theme.

In addition to craft brews, each event will feature live music, food, games and magic for children. The Beer for History event in May will feature food prepared by 3 Brothers Marketplace in Exeter.

Tickets for each event in the series will be $30 and include food, samplings of beer, games for kids, and more. Members of the Museum may purchase tickets at a discounted rate of $25. To buy tickets for an individual event or for the entire series at a discounted rate, visit Beer for History.

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Free admission for NH residents at Museum’s Opening Weekend Celebration

Opening on Tuesday, May 3, the American Independence Museum will celebrate the 2016 season by offering free admission to NH residents on Saturday, May 7.

The event is part of Exeter’s inaugural Kids’ Day, which kicks off at the Exeter Area YMCA where Healthy Kids Day will be celebrated from 9am – 1pm. From noon to 4pm, visitors will also enjoy numerous activities throughout downtown Exeter. These activities will include a mini Touch-a-Truck on Swasey Parkway, a demonstration by the NH State Police Canine Unit, a visit from a 64′ inflatable fin whale (courtesy of Blue Ocean Society), a magician, a juggler, mascots, creatures, crafts and more.

“We are very to be part of this first-time event,” said Museum Executive Director Julie Williams, who noted they will also host a free evening lecture on the origin of historic American songs on Wednesday, May 4 at 7 pm. “It’s a busy week for us—we look forward to it.”

Comprising the Ladd-Gilman House (c. 1721) and Folsom Tavern (c.1775) on more than one acre of landscaped property, the Museum hosts public and educational programs and lectures, colonial artisan demonstrations, guided tours, and special events. The Museum is also part of the “Experience New Hampshire Heritage: The Portsmouth to Plymouth Museum Trail.”

To learn more about The Trail, visit nhmuseumtrail.org.

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UNH Graduate Students Add New Exhibit to the Independence Museum

In addition to a free lunch and evening lecture series and several Beer for History festivals that are expected to attract hundreds in 2016, the American Independence Museum will present an exhibit on George Washington.

Developed by UNH graduate students, Jennifer King and Virginia Grinch, the exhibit, entitled “George Washington and the Society of the Cincinnati,” explores the parallels between Washington and Cincinnatus, a Roman statesman and military leader who represented the republican ideal. The Society of the Cincinnati was founded in 1783 by Revolutionary War officers as a fraternal organization dedicated to mutual support.

“The exhibit will tell the story of how Washington balanced the egalitarian ideals of his time with his diplomatic membership in an exclusive fraternal organization,” noted Museum Executive Director Julie Williams.

Open to the public on the Museum’s 2016 Opening Day of Tuesday, May 3, the exhibit will include portraits, memorabilia, and facsimiles of letters to and from Washington.

“This is a very unique exhibit with some incredible artifacts,” added Williams. “We look forward to sharing this important, but little known aspect of George Washington.

New exhibits and educational programming as well as free admission for veterans and their families are made possible by major sponsors. Major sponsors include Two International Group, AutoFair, New Hampshire State Council on the Arts, Foy Insurance, Chinburg Properties, Access Sports and RiverWoods.

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New programs and events highlight 2016 season

On Tuesday, May 3, the American Independence Museum in Exeter will open its doors to the 2016 season, which will feature expanded programming and new events.

Building on the popularity of last year’s evening lectures, the Museum will offer a free Lunch and Learn series where esteemed authors and experts will provide brief talks on lesser known aspects of Colonial History. At the first Lunch and Learn lecture on May 10 at 12 pm, local historian and Museum volunteer Doug MacLennan will talk about how abundant local forests helped make America possible.

This year, the Museum will also host the inaugural Beer for History series, sponsored by Hoefle Phoenix Gormley & Roberts, P.A. Attorneys at Law. Designed to highlight history in “a fun and creative way,” according to Museum Executive Director Julie Williams, Beer for History will feature craft brews from Neighborhood Beer Co., D.L. Geary Brewing Company and 7th Settlement.

“Beer for History will have live music, games and magic for kids, and more,” she noted. “The series is our way of opening Exeter up to people from across the region—it will be a lot of fun.”

Beer for History will take place on May 19, June 23 and October 20.

New exhibits, events and educational programming as well as free admission for veterans and their families are made possible by major sponsors. Major sponsors include Two International Group, AutoFair, New Hampshire State Council on the Arts, Foy Insurance, Chinburg Properties, Access Sports and RiverWoods.

To learn more about The Trail, visit nhmuseumtrail.org.

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