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

Tag: family friendly

Homeschool Day!

child sitting at a table outside, writing with a quill pen.

Date: October 24, 2023
Time: 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 – 2:30 p.m.
Location: Folsom Tavern
Cost: $10 children 5+, $5 adults, $0 children under 5
Capacity: 12 kids per session, each session is 90 minutes

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?

  • Each program is a 90 minute program
  • ​This is not a drop-off program. Parents must accompany children for the duration of the program.
  • Due to the historic nature of the buildings, the museum is not handicapped 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’.

Ghosts of Winter Street Cemetery Tours

Date: October 21, 2023
Times: 3:00, 4:00, 4:30, 5:00, 5:30
Location: Winter Street Cemetery, Exeter

3 p.m. Family Tour Cost:
$15 Family ticket for up to four
$10 Member Family ticket for up to four
$3 each additional person

Regular Tour Cost:
$10 Adult
$7 Child (ages 6-18)
$5 Member
$3 Member Child (ages 6-18)
free for children under 6The 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.

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!

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.

All tours are limited to 10 people and will be held exclusively outside.

  1. Hand sanitizer will be provided at the entrance/exit point.
  2. No public restroom available.
  3. Sunset is at 5:45 pm. If you are on the 5:00 or 5:30 pm tour, please bring a flashlight.
  4. The cemetery is on uneven ground. Please wear comfortable footwear and watch your step as you move through the cemetery.

This program is made possible by a grant from New Hampshire Humanities. Learn more at www.nhhumanities.org.

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’.

Ghosts of the Past – Tavern Open House

18th Century lady talking to child

Date: October 21, 2023
Time: 10:00 am to 12:30 p.m.
Location: Folsom Tavern, 164 Water St., Exeter, NH
Cost: FREE

Exeter’s Halloween Parade is scheduled for October 21st. Starting and ending at Swasey Parkway, the parade marches right around the Independence Museum! So we’re opening up Folsom Tavern for a free open house and trick-or-treat. Get in costume and come play in the 18th Century.

This program is made possible by a grant from New Hampshire Humanities. Learn more at www.nhhumanities.org.

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’.

Ghosts of the Past – Tavern Open House #2

18th Century lady talking to child

Date: October 21, 2023
Time: 10:00 am to 12:30 p.m.
Location: Folsom Tavern, 164 Water St., Exeter, NH
Cost: FREE

Exeter’s Halloween Parade is scheduled for October 21st. Starting and ending at Swasey Parkway, the parade marches right around the Independence Museum! So we’re opening up Folsom Tavern for a free open house and trick-or-treat. Get in costume and come play in the 18th Century.

This program is made possible by a grant from New Hampshire Humanities. Learn more at www.nhhumanities.org.

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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Raise a Glass for Our Virtual Holiday Tea

Boston Tea Party Tea ca. 1775

On Saturday, December 4 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., the American Independence Museum will host Virtual Holiday Tea.

Featuring colonial music and opportunities to learn about colonial tea etiquette and 18th century foodways, the event additionally provides attendees with their own ‘room’ and colonial Zoom background for socialization with friends and family. As part of the virtual event, each participant will receive several colonial recipes suited for tea and a half-ounce package of tea from Alchemy & Herbs in Exeter.

“This is a great event where anyone anywhere can enjoy a festive time in their own home with a bit of colonial flair,” said museum Executive Director Emma Stratton. “It’s also a great way to invite people into the museum who might not otherwise be able to attend in person.

Tea can be picked up at the museum’s Ladd-Gilman House at 1 Governors Ln., Exeter, or shipped for $3.

Virtual Holiday Tea takes place from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m on Saturday, December 4. Admission is free for children under 6 with prices ranging from $5 to $10 per person. To purchase tickets, or 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.

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Fireside Tavern Night at the American Independence Museum

Folsom Tavern covered in snow

On Thursday, December 2 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., the American Independence Museum will host Fireside Tavern Night at Folsom Tavern (c. 1775).

Free for all ages, the event will feature colonial music, fireside cooking demonstrations, hot cider and refreshments, and opportunities to make simple crafts. Attendees will also be able to purchase items from the museum’s gift shop inside the tavern.

“We will also have local vendors selling handcrafted and carefully curated gifts,” said the museum’s Sarah Jaworski, who noted Folsom Tavern will also be decorated for the holidays. “It will be a very festive atmosphere.”

Fireside Tavern Night takes place from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, December 2 both within and outside of Folsom Tavern, 164 Water St., Exeter, NH. Admission is free, and guests are encouraged to bring healthy non-perishable food and toiletry donations for St. Vincent dePaul. Masks are required inside.

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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AIM Encourages Shopping Local With Museum Store Sunday

Museum Gift store with items for the holiday season

On Sunday, November 28, 2021, the American Independence Museum will be taking part in its second annual Museum Store Sunday. More than 1,650 museum stores representing 50 states, 24 countries, and five continents will offer inspired shopping at museums and cultural institutions during Museum Store Sunday. The museum joins museum stores worldwide in this signature annual initiative by offering unique gifts for the holiday season—with all purchases supporting its mission.

“Last year was the American Independence Museum’s first year participating in Museum Store Sunday. We were still closed because of the pandemic, but used this event as further encouragement to make our store available online,” said Executive Director Emma Stratton.

With a variety of products in the store this is the perfect time to stock up on holiday gifts for loved ones. Items range from history books, examining New Hampshire’s revolutionary past, to colonial-inspired children’s games, and hand-crafted goods made by local artisans. All items can be shipped, or are available for local pick-up the week of November 29.

“Thanks to our participation in Museum Store Sunday we had online customers shopping from multiple states and shipped more than we had ever before!”

Shoppers can look forward to Museum Store Sunday as the global annual day to Be a Patron – and shop conscientiously and support museum stores and their missions worldwide. While there is only one Museum Store Sunday each year, everyone is encouraged to Be a Patron of museums and museum stores all year round.
To participate, shop on independencemuseum.org this November 28.

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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Successful Tour Season Ends Soon

Two visitors pick up reproduction 18th century items in the Folsom Tavern

Located in historic downtown Exeter, the American Independence Museum has welcomed nearly 800 visitors on tours during their abbreviated 2021 season. With tours ending on Saturday, November 20, visitors still have a few days to experience the museum’s Ladd-Gilman House, Folsom Tavern, or behind-the-scenes Architecture tour.

In tours of the Ladd-Gilman House, docents lead visitors on an hour-long exploration of important moments in United States history as seen through the lens of New Hampshire. Visitors not only explore events that shaped the foundation of the nation, but also the diverse array of people who contributed to the cause of independence.

In tours of Folsom Tavern, visited in 1789 by George Washington, visitors will learn its unique history as well as the different kinds of experiences that took place in taverns in colonial and revolutionary history.

After remaining closed for the 2020 season due to the pandemic, the American Independence Museum refined their tours to incorporate new and under-represented stories. “The 2021 season brought a renewed focus on inclusive storytelling at the museum, and we are thrilled to share these new stories with visitors through our many tour offerings,” noted Executive Director Emma Stratton.

Tours are $8 for adults, $6 for seniors, students, educators and first responders, $4 for children (6-18), and free for museum members and veterans.

To register for tours, 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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Beer for History Welcomes The Czar’s Brewery

Czar's Brewery takes part on Beer for History on Nov 18

On Thursday, November 18, the American Independence Museum will host Beer for History, sponsored by Donahue Tucker & Ciandella, with The Czar’s Brewery as the featured brewer. Located in historic downtown Exeter, capital of New Hampshire during the Revolutionary War, The Czar’s Brewery offers everything from brown, blonde, and pumpkin ales to IPA’s, hefeweizens, and more.

“We are thrilled to have them as our featured brewer,” noted museum Program Manager Sarah Jaworski. “We love how their playfulness and creativity in naming beers give a nod to history.”

The Czar’s Brewery is owned by Henry Vance, longtime director for the Associated Grocers of New England, an independent grocers’ cooperative.

“This is the first time we have partnered with Henry. Czar’s is our neighbor, located just across the street from the museum. We are so excited to highlight them!” added Jaworski.

Sponsored by Donahue Tucker & Ciandella, Beer for History with The Czar’s Brewery takes place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, November 18 outside at the American Independence Museum’s Folsom Tavern Lawn, 164 Water St., Exeter, NH. Tickets are $15 for members and $20 for non-members, while youth (under 21) are $5. Ticket prices include beer (21+), entertainment, and light snacks.

Visit https://www.independencemuseum.org/event/beer-for-history-czars/ to purchase tickets.

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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Go Behind the Scenes with an Architectural Tour

Architectural Tour Highlight of the main bannister, wooden railing with many spindles.

They sure don’t build them like they used to. The American Independence Museum is providing visitors with a peek “behind the scenes” to see how their two 18th century properties have weathered the challenges of time.

“Over time the architecture of our buildings changed to match the needs of those living here and to fit popular styles. We are excited to explore those changes in our architecture tours and give guests an opportunity to see areas of the museum that are rarely open to the public,” said museum Curator Jennifer Carr.

Among many interesting historical footnotes, the ca. 1721 Ladd-Gilman House was home to NH’s longest-serving Governor, John Taylor Gilman, who served in such capacity off and on for 14 years from 1794 to 1816. In 1985, a Dunlap Broadside, the first official printing of the Declaration of Independence, was re-discovered in its attic.

Originally built in the center of downtown Exeter where Me & Ollies exists today, the ca. 1775 Folsom Tavern is now “down the hill” from the Ladd-Gilman House and boasts a unique history of its own. In addition to where the New Hampshire Chapter of the Society of the Cincinnati was founded in 1783, Folsom Tavern welcomed George Washington in 1789 where he “partook in a collation” served by the Folsom family.

Architecture tours take place on Fridays at 12:30 and 2 p.m. through November 19.

Due to the historic nature of both buildings, they are not handicap accessible. Tickets are $10 for non-members and $5 for members. Pre-registration is recommended, masks are 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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