festivals - American Independence Museum

August 2, 2018June 9, 2021

Museum anticipates 2018 Beer for History series

When it comes to good craft beer and history, the American Independence Museum in Exeter has the market cornered with its third Beer for History series, which kicks off on September 20 with Neighborhood Beer Co.

Sponsored by Hoefle Phoenix Gormley & Roberts, P.A. Attorneys at Law since its inception in 2016, Beer for History will feature a different brewer at each subsequent event. Earth Eagle Brewings is the featured brewer on October 4 with Throwback Brewery and von Trapp Brewing from Stowe, VT on October 18 and November 1, respectively.

According to museum Executive Director Emma Bray, each brewer in the series is well known and regarded for its “well-crafted brews.”

“Beer for History is known for bringing in high-quality brewers,” she said. “This event is perfect for folks who simply love a good beer. It’s also fun for history lovers, as we’ve worked unique history programming into the event in creative and fun ways.”

In addition to craft beer, each event will include Colonial Tavern Games, Colonial Trivia, and/or Escape Room as well as music and light snacks. Lexie’s Burger Bus will be on hand selling local food at all events except October 4, as the museum will announce a partnership with another local food truck for that event soon.

This year, Throwback Brewery and von Trapp Brewing join Beer for History for the first time, which excites Bray.

“Throwback and von Trapp both have unique histories themselves, so it is fun to connect our history with their history through this event,” she said.

All Beer for History events take place at the museum’s historic Folsom Tavern from 6pm to 8pm. Built in 1775, Folsom Tavern has served as backdrop to several noteworthy events in its long history, including a visit by George Washington in 1789.

“Have a beer where George Washington ate–not many museums can say that,” added Bray.

Tickets for each event are $15 for members and $20 for non-members. Series tickets are $50 and $70 for members and nonmembers, respectively, while children (under 21) are $3. Ticket prices include beer (21+), entertainment, light snacks and more.

To purchase tickets, or learn more about Beer for History, visit www.independencemuseum.org.

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July 31, 2018June 9, 2021

Ruffner Real Estate invests in Exeter and the American Independence Museum

When Emma Bray, executive director of the American Independence Museum, first arrived in Exeter in March of 2017, one of the first people she met in town was Florence Ruffner of Ruffner Real Estate.

“It was clear she not only knew this area well, but loved it and especially the museum,” said Bray. “I realized right then that she is an important part of Exeter.”

Recently, Ruffner Real Estate contributed $1,500 to support the museum’s American Independence Festival, which saw more than 4,000 people visit downtown Exeter on Saturday, July 14. For Ruffner, the sponsorship reflects her love of the museum and what is one of the largest events in the area.

“I love to see people here at the festival, taking in the sights and sounds of a town I truly love,” she said. “Exeter is a town with a wonderful art and music scene, culture, shopping and restaurants…I want people to come visit us and discover why this town is so special and unique.”

For Bray, Ruffner’s vision of a vibrant, culturally rich Exeter aligns with that of the museum.

“The museum is just as concerned about the town as it is its own operations,” she said. “In order for us to thrive, the town must thrive, too, and vice-versa…We need to work together as businesses to maximize Exeter’s potential.”

Ruffner, whose office is just across the street from the museum’s Ladd-Gilman House (c.1721) and Folsom Tavern (c.1775), said she is enthused at Bray’s leadership and vision.

“I appreciate Emma and her ability to see the potential of this town and act on it,” she said. “This town has such an incredible, rich history and an even brighter future. It’s important we seize opportunities.”

One opportunity is a rich arts and culture scene, which she said the museum is helping to encourage with collaborations with numerous agencies, including TEAM (Town.Exeter.Arts.Music).

“We need vibrancy in this town in multiple ways, and so enhancing our local arts and culture scene is important to our town’s future,” Ruffner said. “With a beautiful space right in downtown Exeter, the museum is part of that, which I completely support.”

Bray added, “I am so thankful for Florence and what she has done for the museum through the years and in my time here,” she said. “She is a wonderful part of our museum.”

Home to a world-class collection of 3,000 historic artifacts, the museum welcomes more than 5,000 visitors annually and distinguishes itself with educational school programs and events that make history fun and relevant. Located at One Governor’s Lane in Exeter, the museum is open 10am to 4 pm, Tuesday through Saturday.

July 26, 2018June 9, 2021

Foy Insurance renews ties with American Independence Museum

Exeter, NH—July 24, 2018—Recently, Foy Insurance made an investment of $1,500 to support the American Independence Museum, a financial contribution whose roots extend back nearly 400 years for Co-Owner Jeff Foy.

“I am a direct descendant of Anthony Colby, who was one of the first settlers of Amesbury, Massachusetts where his home, the Macy-Colby house built around 1650, still stands today,” he said. “For so many years growing up, I heard the stories from my grandparents and great-grandparents.”

This interest in history was also encouraged by his schooling.

“I had great history teachers growing up in all levels of school at Sanborn in Kingston, New Hampshire and at UNH,” he added.

For Emma Bray, executive director at the museum, Foy’s enthusiasm and support is important on many levels.

“It gets other people excited about and interested in history and what we are doing here,” she said.

Foy agrees and added, “The museum embodies so many of the things I care about–our national and local history, supporting local enterprises, being part of the fabric of Exeter, making sure young people learn about history…We feel that we succeed when Exeter and the Exeter area is prosperous so we do as much as we can to support it.”

Home to a world-class collection of 3,000 historic artifacts, the museum welcomes more than 5,000 visitors annually and offers a diverse array of programs and events for all ages.

For Foy, history is not just a subject that interests him on a personal level, though, as he noted it is also reflected in his professional narrative.

“Foy Insurance and its predecessors insurance agencies called Elwell Insurance and then Elwell-Collishaw Insurance have been operating in Exeter for 125 years,” he said. “My family is the third family to own it.”

In referencing Foy’s personal and professional story, Bray said it helps to illustrate one very important key concept.

“History is not just something from our deep past,” she said. “It is happening today.”

History can also be predictive of the future.

“I have always looked to the past to predict and prepare for the future,” said Foy.

May 22, 2018June 9, 2021

Education, metaphors and shared philosophies bring two organizations together

When People’s United Bank agreed to sponsor the American Independence Museum’s evening and afternoon lecture series, Executive Director Emma Bray was thrilled.

“It is more than a fiscal sponsorship,” she said. “It’s a partnership.”

In describing ‘partnership,’ Bray went on to explain that Marc Ouellette, vice president, senior market manager at People’s United Bank, attended nearly every lecture last year when they also presented the lively educational talks.

“It was great to have Marc here and talk with our guests and get to know them as people,” she said. “Their support enables us to put on a first-class event and promote it effectively…the high attendance numbers this year support that.”

For Ouellette, partnering with the museum makes sense in several ways.

“I see the bank and the museum as branches on the same tree,” he said. “The community is this tree, and each of us have our roles. It is a wonderful partnership.”

Bray agreed and extended the metaphor of a tree a bit further. “People’s United Bank enables us to branch out into the community,” she said.

In reflecting on the partnership as a whole, Bray said it is “immensely important.”

“I tremendously value our partnership with Marc and the bank,” she said. “Their support enables us to continue to develop programs and opportunities for experiential learning that are really very important. Understanding history and its relevance to today gives us all a much needed sense of place.”

Tavern Talks are additionally supported by a Humanities-To-Go grant from the NH Humanities Council.

March 6, 2018June 9, 2021

Museum welcomes new president to the board

In January, Ozzie Ayscue of Exeter was elected president of its Board of Governors. The appointment follows two years of service on the board during which time Ayscue said he became increasingly motivated by the museum’s mission.

“The mission really resonated with me, especially the part about ‘encouraging and inspiring civic engagement today,’” he said. “It is vitally important to find clever ways to help people to slow down and gain a deeper understanding of the people, places and ideas of American Independence from all sides. With that base of knowledge, people will be more excited to engage in civic life in a constructive manner.”

He also expressed interest in the museum’s assets, which include a Broadside copy of the Declaration of Independence printed on July 4, 1776 and working drafts of the US Constitution with handwritten corrections.

“The potential for storytelling and enabling an intimate experience with these and many other amazing items are a huge opportunity for the museum,” he said.

While not an Exeter native, Ayscue said he is also excited at the prospect to give back to a town that helped lay the foundation for his future.

“I first experienced Exeter and New Hampshire as a 3-year boarding student at Phillips Exeter Academy,” he said. “I never imagined I would return here later in life, but I am glad I did.”

As for his role as president of the Board of Governors, Ayscue said his first goal is to support museum staff and the important work that is already underway. Some of this work includes the Traveling Trunk program, presented by Service Credit Union, and the planning behind the 3rd Beer for History.

“Beer for History is sponsored by Hoefle Phoenix Gormley & Roberts—and we are thrilled at this renewed partnership and the many partners who help advance our mission,” he said. “Our events and programs reflect a steady effort to enliven visitors’ museum experience so they come away with something a little deeper and different each time they visit.”

To learn more about the museum, which opens for the 2018 season on Saturday, May 5 with free admission for NH residents, visit www.independencemuseum.org.

February 9, 2018June 9, 2021

Registration open for innovative summer programs

American Revolutionary history is alive and well at the American Independence Museum, as it recently opened registration for its kids’ summer programs.

The museum’s summer programming includes a brand new Colonial Tales program, which will utilize stories to introduce kids, ages 6 to 8, to various aspects of daily colonial life. In this half-day program, which takes place July 23 to July 27, kids will learn through activities, crafts and games.

In Revolutionary Kids, participants (ages 9 – 11) will have the opportunity to assume the roles of real 18th century Exeter children, complete with colonial clothing. At the end of the program (July 9 to July 13), participants will demonstrate what they learned at the American Independence Festival on July 14.

Designed for kids, ages 12 to 14, History Adventures will help participants build upon their knowledge of 18th century life and Revolutionary War period history. This program (August 6 to August 10) will consist of hands-on activities and crafts, demonstrations, field trips, living history, re-enacting and more.

In commenting on the museum’s summer programming, Education Manager Abby Pietrantonio said they are excited to offer programs that will reach a wider audience. “We received a generous grant from the William W. Treat Foundation, which really enabled us to expand our summer programs for kids,” she said.

Museum Executive Director Emma Bray expressed excitement at the opportunity to provide kids with a chance to “immerse themselves in our shared colonial history.”

“We are thrilled to expand our hands-on learning opportunities for children this summer,” she added.

Registration is open for all three programs and space is limited. To learn more or register, visit https://www.independencemuseum.org/educate/summer-education-programs/.

December 11, 2017June 9, 2021

Holiday Celebration a big success

From December 1 through December 3, the American Independence Museum welcomed nearly 1,000 visitors for its 2017 season-ending Holiday Celebration, presented by The Provident Bank. The weekend kicked off with a holiday party and fundraiser on Friday with more than $5,000 netted to support museum programs and initiatives.

“This more than doubled what we raised last year,” said museum Executive Director Emma Bray, who noted this was her first year at the annual celebration. “It was wonderful to see so many people of all ages take part in this year’s festivities. It capped off a very successful 2017 season.”

The weekend festivities took place at the museum’s Folsom Tavern, which was professionally decorated by The Willow. In addition to their annual holiday celebration on Friday, the museum served refreshments during the holiday parade on Saturday and participated in Womenade’s Holiday Home Tour on Sunday.

In speaking on the success of the 2017 season, Bray credited corporate partners, including major contributors Service Credit Union; GEICO Local Office, Manchester; Hoefle, Phoenix, Gormley & Roberts, P.A.; New Hampshire State Council on the Arts, and Ruffner Real Estate.

“Aside from financial support, these and many other sponsors are involved in what we do—some like People’s United Bank sponsor educational lectures while others, including The Provident Bank, support specific events and visit with us weekly,” she added.

According to Bray, the museum’s value proposition extends far beyond preserving history.

“We are of course a museum, but we are also a resource for community development,” she explained. “One of the central questions we seek to answer is how can we be of value and service to the communities around us? If we can attract more visitors here, we enhance Exeter and the surrounding region. Corporate partnerships help us advance this larger mission.”

December 1, 2017June 9, 2021

Traveling Trunk puts history in the hands of students

With many secondary schools around the state forced to cut back on history classes due to budget shortfalls, the American Independence Museum launched a Traveling Truck pilot program early in 2017. Revealing different aspects of colonial life, the program provides experiential learning opportunities in American History directly in the classroom at no cost to school districts for elementary and middle school age children.

“History has a place in today’s classroom,” said museum Executive Director Emma Bray. “There is so much more to history than rote memorization of facts and dates.”

Abigail Pietrantonio, education manager at the museum, agrees and said the program helps students develop many of the ‘middle skills’ required for success in “today’s fast-pace world.”

“Critical thinking, team-building, communication—these are some of the skills that research shows history can help students develop,” she said. “The study of history is as relevant as ever.”

Educating roughly 100 students this past spring in its pilot program, the Traveling Trunk is now fully implemented and has educated nearly 250 students this fall. Most recently, Pietrantonio traveled to Jacques Memorial Elementary School in Milford.

“It was great to be in the classroom with the kids,” she said. “I look forward to visiting more schools.”

For David Van Rossum, President/CEO of Service Credit Union, which is sponsoring the trunk through April of 2018, the program’s success has been “remarkable.”

“We are delighted the program has been so well received and we hope many other children from the Granite State will come to experience our rich history in such a fun and engaging way,” he said.

In each trunk—students have access to more than 70 high-quality replica items, while teachers are guided by a curriculum designed by the museum.

Expressing appreciation at the partnership with—and support from—Service Credit Union, Bray said the program helps to advance the museum’s mission “beyond [their] four walls.”

“The museum closes for tours in December, but this program makes us a year-round concern,” she said. “We are not just preserving history, we are help to teach it while inspiring today’s young learners to become tomorrow’s leaders…This is a great program that fills a very real educational need.”

To learn more about the Traveling Trunk program, or make an inquiry for your school, library, or similar institution, contact Abigail at [email protected].

November 28, 2017June 9, 2021

Museum to ‘ring in the season’

As part of Exeter’s Ring in the Season events, the American Independence Museum (AIM) in Exeter will celebrate the holidays from 5 pm to 8 pm on Friday, December 1 with its annual Holiday Celebration, presented by The Provident Bank.

At the event, visitors can toast the holidays with light refreshments, create Colonial holiday gifts, enjoy seasonal music, and visit their pop-up gift shop. The event will also feature a silent auction with numerous items up for bid, including a vacation and brewery tour package at Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe, VT.

Folsom Tavern will be open for public tours Friday and Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm with refreshments available at Folsom Tavern from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm on Saturday for purchase for those watching the town’s Holiday Parade.

On Sunday, December 3, the tavern will be open from 1 pm to 5 pm as part of Womenade of Greater Squamscott’s Exeter Area Holiday Home Tour with tickets available through Womenade.

“This is the first year we’re taking full advantage of the Town of Exeter’s wonderful ‘Ring in the Season’ events that take place November 30 to December 3,” said Museum Executive Director Emma Bray. “We are looking forward to an exciting weekend.”

In addition to their annual holiday celebration on Friday, this is the first year the museum will serve refreshments during the holiday parade on Saturday and participate in Womenade’s Holiday Home Tour on Sunday.

Bray also expressed excitement that their Folsom Tavern is professionally decorated for the holidays this year.

“Our friends at The Willow across the street are decorating the tavern with financial support from The Provident Bank enabling us to host an expanded year-end celebration,” she added. “2017 was a wonderful year for us, so this is a fitting end to our season.”

Admission to Friday’s event is free for members, $5 for non-members, and $3 for non-member children.

November 17, 2017June 9, 2021

Museum to celebrate Small Business Saturday

In celebration of Small Business Saturday on November 25, the American Independence Museum will offer a 10% discount on all items in its gift shop, excluding consignment, with 20% off for members and business partners.

In extending a discount to business partners, museum Executive Director Emma Bray said she wanted to extend her gratitude to the businesses, many of whom are small to medium sized, that help support their mission.

“Small Business Saturday is a great concept—and we are all about local,” she said. “We have dozens of items—jewelry, soaps, teas and more—and they are all locally made in New Hampshire. Our gift shop has terrific holiday gift items.”

For Attorney John Sherman of Sherman Law, which recently signed on as a business partner, supporting the American Independence Museum makes sense.

“Local museums make an incredible impact on the community,” he said. “They provide a sense of social purpose, educate the public, and inspire diverse interests. Without local centers like the American Independence Museum, our Seacoast community’s identity just would not be the same.”

Having recently joined the museum as executive director earlier this year, Bray said she is encouraged at the new partnerships they have forged this year with area small businesses and hopes to attract others.

“Aside from preserving historical documents, the museum is committed to working with local partners to increase the visibility and vibrancy of Exeter,” she said. “I appreciate this town so much, I just bought my first home here with my husband. There is so much potential with this town and museum.”

On November 25, the Museum’s gift shop will be open from 10 am to 4 pm. It is located inside the museum’s Ladd-Gilman House, One Governor’s Lane in downtown Exeter.

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