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American Independence Museum to Host Ghosts of Winter Street Cemetery

On Saturday, October 21, the American Independence Museum will host Ghosts of Winter Street Cemetery, an annual family-friendly event that takes visitors on a tour through Winter Street Cemetery in Exeter.

Led by a colonial tour guide, the tours provide insight into some of Exeter’s most famous and infamous revolutionary residents. Primarily used from the 1740’s to 1870’s, Winter Street Cemetery is the final resting place of many prominent members of Exeter, including governors, pioneering business women, Revolutionary and Civil War veterans, politicians, and others. “It’s a wonderful and family-friendly way to spend a little bit of time learning about local history in this festive, Halloween-themed event,” said AIM’s Alena Shellenbean.

Held every 30 minutes from 4:00 p.m. through 5:30 p.m. with a family tour at 3:00 p.m., Ghosts of Winter Street Cemetery takes place on Saturday, October 21. Tours are approximately 45 minutes, and guests are encouraged to bring flashlights for the last two tours.

The cost is $10 for non-members and $7 for non-member children, ages 6-18. Members are $5 and $3 for members’ children, ages 6-18, are $3. All children under 6 are free. Family tours at 3:00 p.m. are $15 for a non-member family of four, while member families (up to four) are $10. Children are encouraged to dress for Halloween and will receive a special colonial treat. Ticket price includes a cemetery tour and a return pass to visit the museum. 

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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Drainage Project Completed at American Independence Museum

While developing various educational and family-friendly programs, the American Independence Museum (AIM) is also charged with caring for two 18th-century historic structures, a responsibility that recently entailed the successful conclusion of a drainage project.

Made possible by an anonymous donation and a grant from The Mcininch Foundation, the project represents the last phase of a moisture remediation project for AIM’s Ladd-Gilman House (1721) that began in 2019. “We have been able to connect the downspouts on the structure’s northerly side with an underground drainage system to the lower lawn event area behind Folsom Tavern,” said Rebeccah Seely, AIM Facilities Manager.

Connecting the downspouts to an underground system, according to Seely, will direct water away from the foundation and help to resolve ongoing water issues in the basement of the Ladd-Gilman House. “It also completes the perimeter drainage plan for the Ladd-Gilman House, which includes the installation of a stormwater drainage system on the south side of the building in 2019,” she added.

According to AIM Executive Director Jennifer Carr, the project underscores the continued need for funding at the museum. “These are more than just buildings,” she said. “These are tangible links to our past. They house our collection. They are the backdrop to programs and events. There is no substitute for experiencing buildings this old, this historic, in-person.”

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, Folsom Tavern was visited by George Washington in 1789 and 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.

“There is so much history here,” said Carr. “The only caveat is that it requires consistent support to maintain and continue to reinterpret it.”

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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American Independence Museum To Host Zoom Session for Older Adults

Engaging Older Adults

On Thursday, October 19 at 10:00 a.m., the American Independence Museum (AIM) will host a 60-minute Zoom session for older adults in an effort to expand its Creative Aging Advisory Group.

The purpose of the group, made possible by a grant from Eventide Foundation, is to provide older adults with meaningful opportunities to provide input on offerings at the museum. “Serving the needs of older adults is important to us, but we do not want to dictate how these needs are met,” said Sarah Jaworski, Program Manager. “We want to hear from older adults and give them agency.”

To date, AIM Executive Director Jennifer Carr said a lot of the feedback from older adults has focused on the importance of social connections. “We want seniors to feel comfortable here and that they are welcome,” she said.

To this end, Carr said AIM is exploring ways to enhance accessibility at its Folsom Tavern (c. 1775). Possible future enhancements include outdoor seating and lighting in addition to a portable outdoor restroom.

“We have a bathroom on the second floor at the tavern, but that presents a barrier for anyone with mobility challenges,” added Carr. “We want to remove that barrier.”

Regarding the Zoom session scheduled on Thursday, October 19 at 10:00 a.m., Jaworski said its structure will be informal and “more social than anything else.” “We will offer free museum memberships to any older adult that attends,” she added. “We look forward to making new friends.”

Preregistration is not required to attend the virtual session, although it is encouraged. To preregister or to learn more, please click the button below.

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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von Trapp Brewing Kicks off Beer for History

Based in Stowe, VT, von Trapp Brewing will kick off Beer for History on Thursday, October 5 at Folsom Tavern (c. 1775) on the campus of the American Independence Museum (AIM) in downtown Exeter, NH.

Presented by Donahue Tucker & Ciandella, Beer for History is family-friendly and features music, trivia, and/or colonial tavern games with seating available both inside and outside the tavern. “It’s a wonderful way to experience history in a fun way that brings people of all ages together,” noted Jennifer Carr, AIM executive director.

Having previously participated in Beer for History on multiple occasions, von Trapp Brewing will pour three of their beers. These beers include Bohemian Pilsner, their award-winning interpretation of a Bohemian Style Pilsner, and Dunkel, the original dark lager of Munich and the first beer “style” born out of the German Beer Purity Law. von Trapp Brewing will also pour Stowe Style Festbier, their collaboration with Narragansett Brewing Company of Providence, Rhode Island, which represents the next offering in the Stowe Style series.

“We are thrilled to welcome von Trapp Brewing back to Beer for History,” added Carr. “Our shared love of history is what keeps our partnership going.”

Tickets for Beer for History events are $10, while youth (under 21) are free. Beer for History with von Trapp Brewing takes place from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 5 at the American Independence Museum’s Folsom Tavern, 164 Water St., Exeter, NH.

Ticket prices include beer (21+), Escape Room, and light snacks. To purchase tickets, click the button below.

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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American Independence Museum to Host Constitution Comic Workshops

On Saturday, September 16, the American Independence Museum (AIM) will host a series of free Constitution Comic Workshops designed for educators and families.

The workshops begin at 10:00 a.m. for educators where well-known NH-based cartoonist Marek Bennett will instruct participants on how to integrate the use of comic making into the classroom to explore primary sources. Educators will receive 1 CEU for attendance.

At 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., participants will instruct families and kids (ages 7+) on basic techniques of cartooning. “It will be fun and free,” said AIM Executive Director Jennifer Carr.

The workshops represent AIM’s Building Community initiative, part of the museum’s ongoing We Are One campaign. “All voices, all perspectives matter, and everyone is welcome here—this is our core organizational message,” added Carr.

Home to a world-class collection of 3,000 historic artifacts, the American Independence Museum develops programs, events, and exhibits that honor and invite inclusive and diverse perspectives.

AIM’s Constitution Comic Workshops take place on Saturday, September 16 at 10:00 a.m. for educators and 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. for families and children. Space is limited and pre-registration is encouraged.

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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American Independence Museum Launches Escape Room Team Building Program

American Independence Museum Launches Escape Room Team Building Program

According to research, escape rooms are not only effective for team building but fun, findings that have helped inform the American Independence Museum’s recently launched Escape Room Team Building Program.

“We have the perfect space for an escape room experience, too,” said the museum’s Executive Director Jennifer Carr, citing Folsom Tavern as backdrop to their program.

Folsom Tavern, built in 1775 by Samuel Folsom and visited by George Washington in 1789, was the site of the formation of the New Hampshire chapter of the Society of the Cincinnati in 1783.

Founded by officers of the Continental Army and their French counterparts who served together in the American Revolution, the Society owns both Folsom Tavern and Ladd-Gilman House (c. 1721) as well as AIM’s collection.

“There is a lot of history behind the museum,” added Carr, who said this history is embedded in the Escape Room Team Building Program. “The backstory behind our escape room experience is that it’s July 1775, and Boston is occupied by the British Army.”

Within this story, New Hampshire militia are gathering to march south and assist the newly arrived George Washington, while Colonel Sullivan has written letters for Washington that detail the whereabouts of troops, supplies, and munitions.

“To ensure these dispatches don’t fall into the wrong hands, Colonel Sullivan locked them in a box in the parlor of Folsom Tavern,” said the museum’s Alena Shellenbean, who designed the program.

It is the responsibility of program participants to get them to the horseman, who is leaving for the camp of General Washington. “It’s a fun team-building experience almost 250 years in the making,” added Shellenbean.

Program cost is $15 per person with discounts available for nonprofits and corporate sponsors. To learn more about the museum’s Escape Room Team Building Program, visit https://www.independencemuseum.org/team-building, or email [email protected].

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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Traditional Arts To Take Center Stage at American Independence Festival

American Independence Festival

On Saturday, July 15, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., visitors will have a chance to experience the Traditional Arts at the American Independence Festival, an immersive experience without cost.

“Thanks to Service CU, admission is free for everyone,” explained Jennifer Carr, executive director of the American Independence Museum (AIM), which organizes the event.

Regarding the role of the Traditional Arts at the Festival, Carr referred to it as a highlight. “We recreate a colonial village right on our grounds with more than a dozen Traditional Artisans, each of whom demonstrate their craft and share stories associated with it,” she said.

Sponsored by NH State Council on the Arts, the Festival’s Traditional Artisan Village will feature shoe-making, coopering, millinery, fiber arts, dancing, tinsmithing, brewing, and more.

According to AIM’s Alena Shellenbean, Festival organizer, the Traditional Arts served as a vehicle for communication, storytelling, and cultural exchange in colonial times. “By presenting Traditional Arts at the Festival through performances and exhibitions, we can promote dialogue, understanding, and respect among diverse groups of people,” she said. “The Traditional Arts reveal aspects of ourselves that are important to cherish and carry forward.”

In addition to the Traditional Artisans Village, the Festival will feature military exhibits, special performances, vendor Marketplace, games, beer garden, food, and more. Presented by Service CU, the 33rd American Independence Festival is sponsored in part by NH State Council on the Arts, New Hampshire Humanities, and Kennebunk Savings.

The Festival takes place on Saturday, July 15 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in historic Exeter, NH. Admission is free.

Event Details

Date: July 15, 2023
Time: 10 a.m.
Location: American Independence Museum, 1 Governors Lane., Exeter, NH
Cost: FREE!
Celebrate the anniversary of the arrival of the Declaration of Independence to New Hampshire on July 16th, 1776 at the 33rd American Independence Festival on Saturday July 15th in downtown Exeter, NH. Free Admission!

On the grounds of the American Independence Museum, visitors can experience life in colonial New Hampshire and celebrate the founding of the United States.

Presenting Sponsor

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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American Independence Museum Building Community Through Diversity

Gwendolyn Quezaire-Presutti

As part of its three-year theme, We Are One, the American Independence Museum is developing programs and events focused on ‘building community,’ an initiative that will find diverse expression at this year’s American Independence Festival.

“We are thrilled to welcome two Black women who will present performances that address different perspectives on freedom and independence,” said Jennifer Carr, executive director of the American Independence Museum (AIM).

Actor, dramatist, historian, and storyteller Gwendolyn Quezaire-Presutti will perform as Ona Judge, who was enslaved by George Washington and sought freedom in New Hampshire. Historian and Owner and Executive Artistic Director of Hidden Women, Tammy Denease will portray Elizabeth “Mumbet” Freeman, the first enslaved African American to file and win a freedom suit in Massachusetts.

Both presentations are made possible by financial support from New Hampshire Humanities, which seeks to strengthen communities and foster civic engagement by providing opportunities for lifelong learning, meaningful conversations, and critical thinking.

According to Carr, inclusion of these performances at this year’s Festival, which takes place on Saturday, July 15, reinforce AIM’s intent to inspire visitors “to walk away with questions.” “We encourage everyone to question what they believe about America’s founding and look at history from different perspectives,” she said.

In addition to these performances, this year’s Festival will feature military reenactments, Marketplace, Traditional Artisans Village, games, beer garden, food, and more. “It’s an immersive experience,” said Alena Shellenbean, who organizes the Festival.

This year’s Festival is also free, courtesy of presenting sponsor Service CU. “One of the museum’s biggest initiatives is to build community, which is what we at Service CU also try to do every day,” said Jaime Yates, community relations manager.

Citing AIM’s focus on education, Yates said their sponsorship of the Festival is meant to scale the museum’s educational impact. “Not to mention, Service CU has a rich history here in New England as well,” she added.

Expressing appreciation for the support provided by Service CU, Carr said she hopes Festival visitors leave with a deeper, more nuanced sense of history. “The American Revolution was not just about heroics, but a very human experience,” she said. “What does this human experience mean? I hope visitors explore this question more deeply after they experience our Festival.”

In addition to Service CU and New Hampshire Humanities, other sponsors include Kennebunk Savings and NH State Council on the Arts. Presented by Service CU, the 33rd American Independence Festival takes place on Saturday, July 15 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in historic Exeter, NH. Admission is free.

Event Details

Date: July 15, 2023
Time: 10 a.m.
Location: American Independence Museum, 1 Governors Lane., Exeter, NH
Cost: FREE!
Celebrate the anniversary of the arrival of the Declaration of Independence to New Hampshire on July 16th, 1776 at the 33rd American Independence Festival on Saturday July 15th in downtown Exeter, NH. Free Admission!

On the grounds of the American Independence Museum, visitors can experience life in colonial New Hampshire and celebrate the founding of the United States.

Presenting Sponsor

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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American Independence Festival To Feature Free Admission

Featuring first-person reenactors, military reenactments, Traditional Artisans Village, games, beer garden, food, and more, the 33rd American Independence Festival takes place on Saturday, July 15, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

According to Jennifer Carr, executive director of the American Independence Museum (AIM), which organizes and presents the annual Festival, this year’s version may be the biggest yet, courtesy of presenting sponsor Service Credit Union. “Their sponsorship enables us to offer free admission to all ages, which is an incredible opportunity for families in our local region to enjoy a unique, fun-filled day of activities,” she said.

Other sponsors of this year’s Festival include NH State Council on the Arts, which presents a working Traditional Artisans Village. “This is an incredible opportunity to see some talented people demonstrating everything from shoe-making to coopering and basket making to name just a few,” said Alena Shellenbean, AIM events and marketing manager.

This year also marks the return of the Marketplace, which will stretch throughout downtown Exeter. Presented by Kennebunk Savings, the Marketplace will feature local businesses with various items for sale, including housewares, crafts, art, books, jewelry, and collectibles.

“Local organizations will get a chance to tell visitors all about the good work they do throughout the year,” said Shellenbean. “It’s essentially a fair in the center of town—this is going to be a town-wide celebration.”

This celebration is made even more special, as it marks the one time of year in which AIM’s original copy of the Declaration of Independence—known as the Dunlap Broadside—will be on display. The copy is one of just 26 remaining copies known to exist.

“We also recreate the original reading of the Broadside with a descendant of John Taylor Gilman, who read it to residents of Exeter in 1776,” said Carr. “This year’s Festival will be an immersive experience.”

The Festival will also be inclusive, as several reenactors will represent marginalized perspectives, including Tammy Denease as Elizabeth “Mumbet” Freeman and Gwendolyn Quezaire-Presutti as Ona Judge Staines.

“Their participation underscores our three-year theme, We Are One, which reflects our organizational belief that all voices and all perspectives matter,” added Shellenbean. “We look forward to welcoming people from all backgrounds to the Festival. This is your festival as much as it is ours.”

Presented by Service Credit Union, the 33rd American Independence Festival takes place on Saturday, July 15 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Admission is free.

Event Details

Date: July 15, 2023
Time: 10 a.m.
Location: American Independence Museum, 1 Governors Lane., Exeter, NH
Cost: FREE!

Celebrate the anniversary of the arrival of the Declaration of Independence to New Hampshire on July 16th, 1776 at the 33rd American Independence Festival on Saturday July 15th in downtown Exeter, NH. Free Admission!

On the grounds of the American Independence Museum, visitors can experience life in colonial New Hampshire and celebrate the founding of the United States. 

Presenting Sponsor

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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American Independence Museum To Offer Free Admission to Active Military

Aim Curator with AIM Executive Director with artifact.

The American Independence Museum (AIM) has joined the Blue Star Museums initiative to provide free admission to currently-serving U.S. military personnel and their families through Monday, September 4.

Participation in this initiative, according to AIM Executive Director Jennifer Carr, is especially meaningful given the origins of the museum itself. “We were founded by the Society of the Cincinnati, the nation’s oldest patriotic organization,” she said. “The founders were officers of the Continental Army who served together in the American Revolution.”

Members of the Society today, noted Carr, can trace their lineage back to those who fought in the American Revolution. “While the museum is focused on much more than the Revolutionary War, today’s active military have historically found special meaning in our collection and stories,” she added.

One example of such storytelling at AIM is that of Baron Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben’s book on Regulations for the Order and Discipline of Troops of the United States, adopted by Congress in 1779. “Baron von Steuben was a Prussian military officer recruited by Benjamin Franklin to train the Continental Army in European military techniques,” said Maddie Beihl, AIM curator.

Baron Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben’s book on Regulations for the Order and Discipline of Troops of the United States, adopted by Congress in 1779

Arriving in Portsmouth, NH in 1777, von Steuben traveled to Pennsylvania and joined George Washington at Valley Forge. His training quickly paid off, transforming the struggling American Army, and they began to win battles.

“US military members often recognize the drills in von Steuben’s book, as some are still in use to this day,” said Beihl, who noted the book is currently on display at the museum.

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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