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Tag: guided tours

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American Independence Museum Receives $10,000 Grant

Large red construction vehicle sits on a grassy lawn with an embankment held in place by a stone wall of about 3 feet in height. On the hill above the ledge is the Ladd-Gilman House, a 300 year old building faces in cheery, yellow clapboard. 

A $10,000 grant from the Cogswell Benevolent Trust will support the American Independence Museum in its efforts to effect critical masonry repairs to the back portion of the Ladd-Gilman House’s attached caretaker’s cottage. The restoration project is part of a larger multi-year drainage and grounds work project that began in 2019.

“Water was pooling in our basements, which created a humid environment that is detrimental to collections care and storage,” said museum Executive Director Emma Stratton. “It’s very important we develop a permanent solution to this issue.”

This issue compromised the structural integrity of the foundation of caretaker’s cottage, where the museum’s offices and archives are located.

“We are very thankful for the support of the Cogswell Benevolent Trust in its continued support of our collection care efforts,” said Stratton, who said this phase of the project involves other related repairs.

These repairs include tying the gutter system on the caretaker’s cottage to an existing drainage system in the newly rebuilt retaining wall and re-grading the grounds.

“We are also completing a pathway between both of our historic buildings and adding handrails to all public entrances. We look forward to making our grounds more accessible to the public,” she added.

Built in 1721, the Ladd-Gilman House is a National Historic Landmark property that was home to Nicholas Gilman, Jr., a signer of the Constitution. The home also served as Governor’s mansion when Nicholas’ brother, John Taylor Gilman, was Governor of New Hampshire. Their father—Nicholas Gilman, Sr.—served as the state’s first Treasurer.

Built in 1775 by Samuel Folsom and visited by George Washington in 1789, Folsom Tavern was the site of the formation of the New Hampshire chapter of the Society of the Cincinnati in 1783. The nation’s oldest patriotic organization, the Society was founded by officers of the Continental Army and their French counterparts who served together in the American Revolution.

“This is a big year for the museum, as we plan to celebrate the 300th anniversary of the Ladd-Gilman House and our 30th anniversary as a museum,” said Stratton.

The project is expected to be complete by the end of the year.

To learn more about the museum, including its Patriot’s Day Membership Drive, 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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American Independence Museum hosts Patriot’s Day Membership Drive

April 19th, also known as Patriot’s Day, commemorates the encounters at Lexington and Concord that traditionally mark the start of the American Revolution. Almost 250 years later, Patriot’s Day is the driving force behind the American Independence Museum’s first annual membership drive. Staff hope the date will serve as a reminder to current and future members to prepare for the upcoming season and support the museum.

“Shifting all membership renewals and sign-ups to one date will make it easier for visitors to keep track of their renewal cycle,” said Emma Stratton, executive director.

This April date will ensure that memberships are valid for the entire 2021 season which runs from May-November. Current plans for the 2021 season include new digital programs, a modified American Independence Festival in July, Folsom Tavern tours beginning May 15, and events to celebrate the 300th anniversary of Ladd- Gilman House and the 30th anniversary of the American Independence Museum.

A new membership level for individuals will also be introduced. This new level will provide the holder with free admission to tours and the Independence Festival. Students and educators will get a bonus of access to new educational digital resources and programs.

“With all the new content we’ve been creating in the digital realm the museum wanted to continue creating these resources for educators. I hope that this special access will continue to provide classroom resources,” said Sabina Ion, Content and Marketing Manager.

For those looking to support the museum at a higher level or wishing to receive member benefits for more people, the museum also offers Dual, Family, and Advocate membership levels.

To join or to renew memberships, https://www.independencemuseum.org/membership

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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Mini Camps tell stories of the American Revolution “Beyond the Battlefield”

Welcoming campers back to the American Independence Museum for the first time in two years, the museum is pleased to offer Thursday Mini-Camps for children ages 8-12.

Mini-Camp sessions will run Thursdays in July from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the grounds of the museum’s historic Folsom Tavern. During each session, campers will explore new stories of the people who lived during the American Revolution.

“We will dive into the stories of people who shaped our nation, including stories of those often left out of the history books,” said Program Manager Sarah Jaworski.

In addition to experiencing a soldier’s perspective on the American Revolution, campers will see how everyday people, women, people of color, and children were affected and contributed to the patriotic cause. Over the course of the summer, campers will get to dress in historic 18th-century clothing, try their hand at colonial crafts, see what revolutionary camp life was like, and even become a spy.

New Hampshire COVID guidelines for camps will be followed and registration is limited. Families can enlist in one, two, three, or all four sessions.

Jaworksi noted, “We are thrilled to host in-person camp again this summer.”

Visit https://www.independencemuseum.org/thursday-mini-camps/ to learn more about each camp session and register online. Families can enlist in one, two, three, or all four sessions.

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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Registration is Open for Traveling Trunk

Educating thousands of K-12 students from across the nation since its inception in 2016, the American Independence Museum’s free Traveling Trunk program is open for 2022 registration.

Developed with initial seed funding from the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, the program uses revolutionary history to explore themes relevant today.

Shipped in a trunk, the program contains 70+ high quality reproduction items and colonial history curriculum materials that may be utilized by teachers for students of varying ages.

“We can customize the program, too, to suit individual needs,” said Museum Executive Director Emma Stratton, who said museum staff is currently exploring ways to ‘digitize’ aspects of the program.

“We are developing interactive digital programs and events that will remove barriers — physical or financial — for people of all ages,” she added. “Digital engagement and inclusivity is a big focus for the museum, as we look to the future.”

To learn more about the Traveling Trunk, which may be shipped anywhere in the United States, click here.

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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New staff underscore commitment to innovation at American Independence Museum

Two women on a Zoom call

It may be the offseason for the American Independence Museum, but that does not mean staff are “off,” according to Executive Director Emma Stratton, who cited two recent new hires as proof.

“Like many organizations, our operations shifted dramatically from in-person to digital engagement last year, which has created new staffing opportunities,” she said.

These new opportunities include program assistant and content and marketing manager, roles that will be filled by Emma Scheinmann and Sabina Ion, respectively.

“I am thrilled to have Sabina and Emma join our team,” said Stratton. “Both possess a strong museum background, exceptional skills and demonstrated success in their areas of expertise.”

Each expressing enthusiasm at joining the current staff at the Museum, Scheinmann and Ion said they plan to proverbially “hit the ground running.”

“I am excited to rework all education and public engagements to be mission and collections driven and to show the public value of museums,” noted Scheinmann.

A trained archaeologist who “[loves] digging into the past,” Ion said she looks forward to enhancing and developing the Museum’s content strategy.

“I will promote and showcase all the wonderful programming the team has been creating and the fascinating items in the Museum collection,” she said.

Noting she received a Master of Arts in Museum Education from Tufts University in May 2020, Scheinmann added, “I see myself as a facilitator for learning with the Museum as my toolbox.”

In looking ahead to the 2021 season, which begins on May 1, Stratton cited digital engagement as an increasingly important focus of the Museum’s education and public programs.

“As the Museum celebrates its 30th anniversary, we are renewing our focus on civic engagement, too,” she added. “This mission will be reflected in our work, and we look forward to sharing more with the public this year.”

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.

Concerts on the Lawn: Jordan TW Trio

Saturday, October 17, 3pm to 5pm

$15 – Adults
$10 – Members/Seniors/Veterans & Active or Retired Military
$7 – Children ages 6-18
$5 – Member Children ages 6-18

Join us on the lawn of Folsom Tavern for our socially distanced* concert series this October. As part of our re-imagined American Independence Festival, this concert series invites guests to enjoy the talents of excellent local musicians who are not only wonderful performers, but also stewards of musical culture, history, and traditional folkways.
 
The final concert in the series will be the Jordan TW Trio. Putting a fresh spin on traditional Irish music, the Jordan Tirrell-Wysocki Trio delivers and dynamic show full of foot-stompin’ fiddle tunes and classic sing-alongs. Fiddler Jordan Tirrell-Wysocki is joined by fellow New Hampshire natives Matt Jensen on guitar and Chris Noyes on upright bass. Their shows blend traditional Celtic music with their own original material, drawing on multiple genres to produce a unique sound. The Trio has appeared live on NHPR’s “The Folk Show,” been featured on “NH Chronicle” and performed regularly at some of NH’s best venues, as well as listening rooms, pubs and Celtic festivals around New England.
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The Concerts on the Lawn music series is presented through a grant from New Hampshire State Council on the Arts, sponsorship from Newburyport Bank, and in partnership with the Exeter Area YMCA.
 
Advanced registration is required for this event. Rain date, Sunday, October 18.
 
*For the safety of guests, performers, and museum staff/volunteers, COVID procedures and protocols are strictly enforced and clearly stated on the event registration page.

Concerts on the Lawn: Theo Martey & The Akwaaba Ensemble

Saturday, October 10, 3pm to 5pm

$15 – Adults
$10 – Members/Seniors/Veterans & Active or Retired Military
$7 – Children ages 6-18
$5 – Member Children ages 6-18

Join us on the lawn of Folsom Tavern for our socially distanced* concert series this October. As part of our re-imagined American Independence Festival, this concert series invites guests to enjoy the talents of excellent local musicians who are not only wonderful performers, but also stewards of musical culture, history, and traditional folkways.
 
Second in our series is master percussionist, dancer, and teacher, Theophilus Nii Martey. Originally from Ghana, West Africa and now living in Manchester, NH, Theo is a master of West African drumming and dance, a heritage that has many subtle variations in rhythmic patterns, dance styles, and costumes all specific to a wide diversity of tribal groups from the region. Theo started his drumming and dancing studies in Bukom Accra, Ghana at the age of 6, working under the wing of master drummers and dancers. As a young man, he journeyed to London, England and Australia where he studied with other master artists. Since moving to Manchester, he has founded the Akwaaba Drum and Dance Ensemble. The Akwaaba Ensemble’s energetic and engaging performances are a reflection of their name, which means ‘welcome’ in the Twi language of Ghana. They bring West African drumming and dance to vivid life, holding sway with the rich and subtle rhythmic patterns and styles specific to different tribal groups of West Africa.
 
The Concerts on the Lawn music series is presented through a grant from New Hampshire State Council on the Arts, sponsorship from Newburyport Bank, and in partnership with the Exeter Area YMCA.
 
Advanced registration is required for this event. Rain date, Sunday, October 11.
 
*For the safety of guests, performers, and museum staff/volunteers, COVID procedures and protocols are strictly enforced and clearly stated on the event registration page.

Concerts on the Lawn: The Fiddling Thomsons

Saturday, October 3, 3pm to 5pm

$15 – Adults
$10 – Members/Seniors/Veterans & Active or Retired Military
$7 – Children ages 6-18
$5 – Member Children ages 6-18

Join us on the lawn of Folsom Tavern for our socially distanced* concert series this October. As part of our re-imagined American Independence Festival, this concert series invites guests to enjoy the talents of excellent local musicians who are not only wonderful performers, but also stewards of musical culture, history, and traditional folkways.
 
First up, we welcome father and son duo The Fiddling Thomsons! Ryan Thomson is a multi-instrumentalist performer who plays the fiddle, accordion, banjo, Celtic flute, piano, and pennywhistle. His family’s musical heritage stretches back to the pioneer days. Ryan performs often with Brennish Thomson, his fiddling son, who is carrying forward his family’s music traditions.
                                                                                                  The Concerts on the Lawn music series is presented through a grant from New Hampshire State Council on the Arts, sponsorship from Newburyport Bank, and in partnership with the Exeter Area YMCA.
 
Advanced registration is required for this event. Rain date, Sunday, October 4.
 
*For the safety of guests, performers, and museum staff/volunteers, COVID procedures and protocols are strictly enforced and clearly stated on the event registration page.

Folsom Tavern & Grounds Tour (Afternoon)

These tours are offered every Thursday and Saturday at 11 am and 1 pm through November 21. Tours dates for the following month will be posted on 15th of each month.*

Cost: $8 – Adults; $5 – Seniors, Students, Educators & First Responders; $3 – Children (ages 6-18); FREE for Museum Members and Veterans.

*Registration closes at 4 pm the day prior to the tour date.  Masks and pre-registration are required.

Join the American Independence Museum for a new and exciting tour experience! Join one of our docent for an hour-long tour of the museum grounds and Folsom Tavern.

The museum grounds once housed 5 unique buildings during the Revolutionary era, all of which are now gone. Hear about their occupants and life in revolutionary state capital of Exeter. You will also hear about the Tavern’s nearly 250 year history.

Your outdoor tour will last approximately 30 minutes and then you will explore the Tavern on a self-guided tour.

Interested in arranging a private tour for your group or classroom? Email us at [email protected]!

Virtual Tours (Afternoon)

“Virtual tours are offered every Wednesday at 11 am and 2 pm. Tours for the upcoming month will be posted on the 15th of each month.”*

Cost: $5 – Adults; $3 – Seniors, Students, Educators & First Responders; FREE for Museum Members and Veterans.

*Registration ends at 4 pm the day prior to the tour date.

Experience the American Independence Museum as never before!

This interactive tour takes you through the Ladd-Gilman House and provides a history of the colonial era, with a specific focus on New Hampshire and the American Revolution.

This 45 minute guided tour will end with time for Q&A with your tour guide. All tours take place on the Zoom platform, so please ensure you have the app or software downloaded prior to the tour start time.

Interested in arranging a virtual tour for your group or classroom? Email us at [email protected]!

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