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Tag: festivals

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Museum to ‘Ring in the Season’

Capping off a memorable 2018, the American Independence Museum in Exeter will celebrate the holidays from November 30 through December 2 during the town-wide Ring in the Season celebration.

The festivities begin on Friday, November 30 from 10 am to 2 pm, as visitors can take the season’s last tours of the Ladd-Gilman House and Folsom Tavern, which will be decorated for the holidays.

From 5 pm to 8 pm on that day, Folsom Tavern will then serve as host to a Holiday Open House during which time visitors may enjoy light refreshments and adult beverages, hear seasonal music and more. In addition to a pop-up gift shop, the evening will feature a silent auction that has historically included “big-ticket items,” such as vacation and brewery tour packages.

“The Tavern is such a beautiful space–and when you add live music and seasonal festivities, it is the perfect backdrop for a great time,” added Emma Bray, museum executive director.

This year, the museum will add a new program to its holiday weekend with Colonial Holiday Tea on Saturday, December 1 at Folsom Tavern. At this event, guests may “sip delicious teas and dine on small bites” provided by colonial-inspired caterer, For the Love of Food and Drink. Colonial Holiday Tea will also take place on Saturday, December 8 at Folsom Tavern.

“We wanted to extend the holidays a bit and create more opportunities for the public to enjoy our Tavern,” added Bray.

On Sunday, December 3, the Tavern will be open from 10 am to 5 pm as part of Womenade of Greater Squamscott’s Exeter Area Holiday Home Tour with tickets available at www.exeterareaholidayhousetour.com. The museum’s pop-up gift shop will also be open and holiday refreshments will be available.

“All ages are welcome and proceeds benefit our educational programs and efforts to preserve historical artifacts, some of which date back to the early 1700’s,” said Bray. “We hope to see a great turnout for this colonial-inspired, family-friendly weekend of programs.”

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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Museum to Host Colonial Craft Workshop

Building on prior successful collaborations, the American Independence Museum and Exeter Fine Crafts have developed a Colonial Crafts Workshop for youth, ages 11 to 18, on Saturday, November 17 at 1 pm.

The workshop will provide youth with the opportunity to learn about about the history of a colonial craft, followed by a 90-minute hands-on session led by Exeter Fine Crafts instructors.

On November 17, the focus will be Paper Marbling. Offered free of charge as the result of a grant awarded to Exeter Fine Crafts from the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, the workshop takes place at the museum’s Folsom Tavern, located at 164 Water Street in downtown Exeter.

Emma Bray, museum executive director, expressed excitement at the workshop.

“This is a wonderful partnership with Exeter Fine Crafts that is as fun as it is educational,” she said. “We advocate for history’s relevance, and the arts continue to serve as a wonderful vehicle for us. The result is outstanding and accessible community programming.”

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.

Pre-registration for the workshop is required and space is limited. To register, please fill out the online form at www.independencemuseum.org. For questions about the workshop, contact Education Manager Abby Pietrantonio at [email protected] or (603) 772-2622.

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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von Trapp Brewing at Next Beer for History

On Thursday, November 1, Sam von Trapp will be on hand to pour some of von Trapp Brewing’s award winning beer at the American Independence Museum’s final Beer for History in 2018.

Presented by Hoefle Phoenix Gormley & Roberts, P.A. Attorneys at Law, Beer for History features music, Lexie’s Burger Bus, light snacks and some form of historic entertainment.

Emma Bray, museum executive director, said this fourth and final event in the series may be its busiest.

“There is a lot of excitement around having Vermont’s von Trapp Brewing here,” she said. “This entire series has brought in some of the area’s finest brewers, so we are thrilled they accepted our invitation to join us.”

As for what may be “on tap” at the event, von Trapp Brewing is expected to bring their Helles, Pilsner, Vienna, Oktoberfest and Dunkel, which are available year round and represent some of their most popular brews.

Now in its third year, Beer for History is beginning to attract regional attention, according to Bray.

“Every event is family friendly, unique, lively–this series is becoming a destination for some,” she said. “I think Beer for History’s success also demonstrates the vibrancy of Exeter as a cultural destination.”

Proceeds from Beer for History benefit the American Independence Museum, which features Folsom Tavern (c.1775) and Ladd-Gilman House (c.1721). 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.

Admission for Beer for History events, which take place from 6 to 8 pm, is $15 for members and $20 for non members. Children’s tickets are also available. Beer for 21+ is included in the ticket price.

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 Ghosts of Winter Street Cemetery

On Saturday, October 20, the American Independence Museum will host “Ghosts of Folsom Tavern and Winter Street Cemetery Tour,” which begins at Folsom Tavern where Colonel & Mrs. Folsom will introduce guests to their family.

“Our period re-enactors will portray the Folsoms and provide fascinating history about the tavern, including how they once hosted George Washington,” said Victoria Su of the museum.

After exploring the tavern, attendees will walk to nearby Winter Street Cemetery and meet a colonial tour guide from the museum. In this portion of the program, folks will see the Folsom’s final resting place and the graves of many of Exeter’s famous and infamous revolutionary residents.

The Folsoms were among Exeter’s earliest settlers. They arrived, in fact, with the Gilman family with whom they were related. The history of both families–and that of Exeter itself and its role in the Revolutionary War–feature prominently in the exhibits and collection at the American Independence Museum, which features Folsom Tavern (1775) and Ladd-Gilman House (1721).

Ghosts of Folsom Tavern will take place on Saturday, October 20 from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. in Folsom Tavern with Winter Street Cemetery tours every 30 minutes beginning at 4 p.m. through 5:30 p.m. Cemetery tours will last approximately 45 minutes.

The cost is $10.00 for non-members and $7 for non-member children ages, 6-18. Members are $5.00 and members’ children, ages 6-18, are $3. All children under the age of 6 are free.

Ticket prices include a visit to the museum day of the event (must visit Ladd-Gilman House before 3:30pm), activities and check in at Folsom Tavern with seasonal refreshments, and cemetery tour.

To purchase tickets online, visit www.independencemuseum.org. For more information, call (603) 772-2622, or email or [email protected].

Home to a world-class collection of 3,000 historic artifacts, the American Independence Museum welcomes more than 5,000 visitors annually and distinguishes itself with educational school programs and events that make history fun and relevant.

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Throwback Brewery Partners with American Independence Museum at Next Beer for History

On Thursday, October 18, Throwback Brewery will be the featured brewer at the American Independence Museum’s next Beer for History, the third in a four-event series.

Noting this is the first time Throwback Brewery has been part of Beer for History, museum Executive Director Emma Bray said this particular event is of special significance. Beer for History takes place at Folsom Tavern, which was built in 1775 by Colonel Samuel Folsom and known as Widow Folsom’s Tavern when his widow and daughters ran it from 1790 to 1805.

“It was very unusual to have a tavern back then run entirely by women, but that was Folsom Tavern,” said Bray, who expressed admiration at the fact Throwback Brewery is female-owned and operated.

“Throwback Brewery is one of the only breweries in the world owned and operated by women, so it is great to have them here at our event with this interesting historic connection,” she added.

For beer aficionados, this next Beer for History is not to be missed, as Nicole Carrier of Throwback Brewery said they are bringing three kinds of beer, including their popular Chai Porter.

“We are also bringing Beer From Here, a Pale Ale we are making using the hops we harvest from our hop yard here as well as some other local hops,” she said. “It will feature 100% local malt as well.”

They will also bring Heidi Go Seek, a Munich-Style Oktoberfest, which she described as a “gorgeous, mahogany-colored lagered beer.”

“It is light, crisp, and toasty,” she said. “It walks the perfect balance of bready Munich & Vienna malts and spicy hops.”

Presented by Hoefle Phoenix Gormley & Roberts, P.A. Attorneys at Law, Beer for History features music, Lexie’s Burger Bus, light snacks and some form of historic entertainment.

Proceeds from Beer for History benefit the American Independence Museum, which is home to Folsom Tavern and the Ladd-Gilman House (c.1721).

Admission for Beer for History events, which take place from 6 to 8 pm, is $15 for members and $20 for non members. Beer for 21+ is included in the ticket price.

von Trapp Brewing is the featured brewer for November 1, which is the final Beer for History. Tickets may be purchased at the door or online at www.independencemuseum.org.

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Partnerships Create Leverage at the American Independence Museum

While ‘leverage’ is a key concept in the for-profit sector, it also explains how the American Independence Museum in Exeter develops corporate partnerships.

“We try to create opportunities to engage our sponsors in ways that benefit them both internally and externally,” said museum Executive Director Emma Bray. “It is why we call them ‘partnerships’ now rather than ‘sponsorships.’ It is not about asking for money. It is about working together for a common shared vision.”

For Bray, this shared vision is a vibrant, dynamic Exeter.

“This community is growing–from the work by TEAM to promote arts and culture to other organizations working for a brighter future, this is an exciting time for Exeter,” she said.

For Ruffner Real Estate’s Florence Ruffner, who has served on the museum’s board and financially supported the museum for years, a vibrant Exeter benefits everyone.

“I love this town and think we have a hidden gem here,” she said. “I believe this is a wonderful place to work and live. I think the museum is an important part of our continued growth.”

Karin Behrens-Bouvier, financial advisor with Edward Jones in Exeter, said she elected to support the museum because of her love of history.

“I was drawn to start my business here because of Exeter’s historical significance,” she said. “Supporting the museum seems like a great way to demonstrate my appreciation for its history.”

Jeff Foy of Foy Insurance said he appreciates the diversity of programming developed by the museum in recent years.

“It gets people into town to discover for themselves why all of us really love this town,” he said.

According to Bray, engaged corporate partners serve as the museum’s strongest “sales force.”

“It is one thing for us to advocate for our mission, but to have our partners do it for us is incredible,” she said.

This engagement with corporate partners sometimes creates entirely new programs.

“We are beginning to work with RiverWoods Exeter to create a volunteer program for their residents,” said Bray. “This is an outstanding opportunity for them and for us as an organization.”

Other partnerships help push programs over the proverbial top, which is the case with the museum’s Traveling Trunk program. Educating more than 500 kids in schools in the past academic school year alone, the program was initially funded by the NH Charitable Foundation and has since been supported by Service Credit Union.

“This Traveling Trunk program has been in Florida, New Jersey and places throughout the Northeast,” said Bray. “This experiential education program would not exist without our partners and Service Credit Union’s continued support.”

Entering its second year of partnership with the museum as a supporter of Revolutionary Story Time!, Exeter Hospital also supported the American Independence Festival this past July.

“Exeter Hospital has been great, as we have found a way to work together in programs and events that enhance the fabric of our community,” said Bray.

Other partners, like Bob Mitchell, not only invest financial resources through their businesses to support the museum, but substantial time.

“Bob is instrumental in our festival in July,” said Bray. “His vision literally helped to create our Traditional Artisans Village, which is now supported by the New Hampshire State Council on the Arts.”

The museum also offers a successful Lecture Series, which provides afternoon Lunch & Learns and evening Tavern Talks. The series has been presented by People’s United Bank for the past two years.

“They often attend our lectures and speak at them,” she said. “It is wonderful to create opportunities for our partners to speak directly with our members and visitors.”

As a result of a partnership with Chinburg Properties, the museum now offers free admission for veterans, active military and their families.

“Partnerships enhance our accessibility, program infrastructure and financial stability,” said Bray. “In return, we attract more people into town who in turn make investments of their own into the town’s economy…There is a business case for why museums can serve as a hub for a town–and I think we have that here in Exeter with support from our partners and donors.”

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.

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Earth Eagle Brewings at Next Beer for History

On Thursday, October 4, Earth Eagle Brewings of Portsmouth will pour its craft beer at the next Beer for History, which features a different brewer every other week at four different events through November 1.

Sponsored by Hoefle Phoenix Gormley & Roberts, P.A. Attorneys at Law, Beer for History takes place in Folsom Tavern (c.1775), an historic tavern in downtown Exeter that once served George Washington.

In addition to craft beer, Beer for History features music, light snacks and some form of historic entertainment, which may include colonial tavern games, colonial trivia, and/or escape room.

Proceeds from Beer for History benefit the American Independence Museum, which is home to Folsom Tavern and the Ladd-Gilman House (c.1721).

In an effort to spread community awareness of Beer for History and provide the public with a “taste” of the series, the museum will participate in a special history trivia night at Shooter’s Pub in Exeter on Thursday, September 27 at 7:30 pm.

Admission for Beer for History events, which take place form 6 to 8 pm, is $15 for members and $20 for non members. Ticket prices include beer (21+), entertainment, colonial tavern games, light snacks and more.

Throwback Brewery and von Trapp Brewing are the featured brewers for October 18 and November 1, respectively. Lexie’s Burger Bus will be present at every Beer for History except for 10/4.

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The American Precedents: An Evening Lecture at American Independence Museum

At the next evening lecture at the American Independence Museum, Saint Anselm College students Sarah Hummel (2019) and Matthew Solomon (2020) will discuss an exhibit they designed at the New Hampshire Institute of Politics.

The exhibit, entitled “The American Precedents” provides insight into five precedents established by George Washington. Using archival material, they investigated how five precedents – the Inauguration, non-partisanship, reluctance in foreign relations, establishment of a Cabinet or series of advisers, and President’s role in the economy – have withstood the test of time.

In their lecture, they will discuss these precedents and the extent to which they were followed in the Clinton, Bush, Obama, and Trump administrations.

Presented by People’s United Bank, the evening Tavern Talk and afternoon Lunch & Learn series provides insight and analysis on subjects that touch on, yet extend far beyond, the Revolutionary War.

“This series reflects our 2018 theme of global perspective on the Revolutionary War, which helps demonstrate how colonial history is incredibly relevant to events today,” said museum Executive Director Emma Bray. “This latest lecture is fascinating and also connects our mission with research by emerging scholars.”

In addition to People’s United Bank, Tavern Talks are additionally supported by a Humanities-To-Go grant from the NH Humanities Council. Programs are free and open to the public.

“The American Precedents” takes place at 6:30 pm on Thursday, September 27 at Folsom Tavern, 164 Water Street, Exeter.

Home to a world-class collection of 3,000 historic artifacts, the museum welcomes more than 6,000 visitors annually and distinguishes itself with educational school programs and events that make history fun and relevant.

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Museum Set to Toast History with a Beer with a Special Promotion

After months of planning and preparation, the American Independence Museum is set to “tap” its first Beer for History event on Thursday, September 20 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

To celebrate this year’s 4-event series, which is presented by Hoefle Phoenix Gormley & Roberts, P.A. Attorneys at Law, the museum is offering the chance to win 2 tickets to the Exeter Powder Keg Beer & Chili Festival for anyone who purchases a series ticket on or before September 20.

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

Each Beer for History event features a different brewer. Neighborhood Beer Co. kicks off the series on September 20 followed by Earth Eagle Brewings, Throwback Brewery and von Trapp Brewing on October 4, October 18 and November 1, respectively.

At each event, brewers will pour tastings of up to three different craft brews. Types of beer expected at the first event include Neighborhood Beer Co.’s Granite Acorn Autumn Lager and Mow Money Lawnmower IPA.

In addition to craft beer, Beer for History features music, light snacks and some form of historic entertainment, which may include colonial tavern games, colonial trivia, and/or escape room write Sambla. Lexie’s Burger Bus will be present at every Beer for History except for 10/4.

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Museum Provides Inside Look into Buildings on Property

Through the years, many visitors would ask about the history behind the buildings on the American Independence Museum property, a curiosity that may be satiated at the next Architectural Tour on September 25.

A new offering in 2018, this tour provides visitors with glimpses into spaces at both the Ladd-Gilman House (c. 1721) and Folsom Tavern (c. 1775) that generally remain inaccessible to the public. The feedback from visitors, according to museum Executive Director Emma Bray, has been positive.

“These tours are engaging and take people behind-the-scenes into places like our attic and collections storage , all of which help tell the story of this museum and Exeter itself,” she said.

The tour will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, September 25 and begin at the Ladd-Gilman House. Due to the historic nature of the buildings, they are not handicap accessible.

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.

Tickets for the Architectural Tour are $10 for non-members and $5 for members. To purchase a ticket, visit www.independencemuseum.org.

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