history museum - American Independence Museum

September 6, 2018June 9, 2021

Neighborhood Beer Co. to kick off 2018 Beer for History

Presented by Hoefle Phoenix Gormley & Roberts, P.A. Attorneys at Law, the American Independence Museum’s first 2018 Beer for History event takes place on Thursday, September 20 in partnership with Neighborhood Beer Co.

At this event, Neighborhood Beer Co. will pour Granite Acorn Autumn Lager and Mow Money Lawnmower IPA.

A higher-alcohol, super malty version of the harvest Märzen-style Oktoberfest, Granite Acorn Autumn Lager is a smooth, crisp lager that pairs well with meats, cheeses, and autumn dishes. A hop-forward pale ale, Mow Money Lawnmower IPA is hoppy, yet light.

According to Neighborhood Beer Co.’s Salina McIntire, the museum’s Beer for History is one of their favorite events.

“We love coming here and working with the American Independence Museum to put on a fun beer event,” she said. “This is our third year here.”

Emma Bray, museum executive director, said she is excited to have Neighborhood Beer Co. kick off this year’s series, which take place at historic Folsom Tavern (c.1775). Other dates in the series include October 4, October 18 and November 1 with Earth Eagle Brewings, Throwback Brewery and von Trapp Brewing.

“It is wonderful to have Neighborhood kick off our 2018 series,” she said. “We are excited to put on family-friendly beer events.”

Since its inception in 2016, Beer for History has been sponsored by Hoefle Phoenix Gormley & Roberts, P.A. Attorneys at Law, a fact that Bray added has helped to its continued growth.

“It has been wonderful to have such a dedicated supporter behind this concept and series,” she said. “It enables us to plan and create a fun event that appeals as much to beer lovers as it does to families. All are welcome.”

This year, the series takes place at Folsom Tavern from 6 pm to 8 pm on September 20, October 4, October 18 and November 1 with each date on a Thursday. In addition to craft beer, each event will feature music, light snacks and some form of historic entertainment, which may include colonial tavern games, colonial trivia, and/or escape room. In addition, Lexie’s Burger Bus will be present at every Beer for History except for the event on 10/4.

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.

August 29, 2018June 9, 2021

Beer, stories, talks, workshops and more at American Independence Museum in September

At the American Independence Museum in Exeter, September may be its busiest month with programs for all ages.

Beer for History
Craft beer will take center stage on Thursday, September 20 with Neighborhood Beer Co. at the first of four events in Beer for History, presented by Hoefle Phoenix Gormley & Roberts, P.A. Attorneys at Law. Featuring games, entertainment, light snacks, Lexie’s Burger Bus, and more, each Beer for History takes place at Folsom Tavern, a restored historic tavern built in 1775 that once welcomed George Washington for “a collation.”

Revolutionary Story Time!
Presented by Exeter Hospital, the next Revolutionary Story Time! takes place on Thursday, September 6. Designed for children, ages 3 to 5, the program is free and encourages families “to stay and play” afterwards in the tavern and on museum grounds, which is comprised of one landscaped, grassy acre.

Tavern Talk
On Thursday, September 27, the museum will host “The American Precedents: Examining George Washington’s Precedents in the Modern Presidency,” presented by People’s United Bank. At this evening talk, Saint Anselm College students Sarah Hummel (2019) and Matthew Solomon (2020) will discuss the exhibit they designed at the New Hampshire Institute of Politics, entitled “The American Precedents.”

Genealogy Workshop
Held in partnership with New England Historic Genealogical Society and sponsored by the William W. Treat Foundation, the third genealogy workshop series takes place on Saturday, September 22. In this workshop, “Migration Patterns in America,” attendees will learn about the dominant “push-pull” forces for migration, major colonial migration routes and more. The role of the railroads in migration will receive special attention.

About the American Independence 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.

August 21, 2018June 9, 2021

Museum takes visitors on a global journey in 2018

the American Independence Museum hosted its latest Lunch & Learn, entitled “Global Perspectives on the Revolution: The Exhibit Up-Close,” which took visitors on a global journey.

“The American Revolution was not just an isolated event in North America,” said Rachel Passannante, collections and visitor services manager. “It had worldwide implications.”

Presented in partnership with People’s United Bank as is the entire lecture series, the Lunch & Learn reflected the museum’s 2018 theme, termed “Global Perspectives on the Revolutionary War.” During this latest lecture, visitors had the opportunity to view this year’s special exhibit in the Ladd-Gilman House.

In conducting much of the research behind the exhibit, Passannante said she was excited to learn more about “the tangled web” of nations that took an interest in the Revolution. Some of these nations included France, Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation, Denmark, Spain and Russia. Even what is known as the Netherlands had a vested interest in the war.

“The Dutch were one of the few visible supporters of America’s fight for independence,” she said. “Known as the United Provinces at the time, they were the first to recognize America as a nation in 1776. They openly traded with America and sent thousands of ships carrying a variety of goods from their trading post on St. Eustatius in the West Indies.”

In helping frame the Revolution and its entire collection with a global context, Executive Director Emma Bray said the museum is able to demonstrate history’s relevance to discussions today.

“There is a context for everything we do as people and a nation,” she said. “Many of today’s themes–political or trade, for instance–have their roots in history that extend well beyond colonial history into Greece and further back than that…If we can better understand history, we can better understand ourselves today.”

The museum’s Lecture Series, which includes evening Tavern Talks and afternoon Lunch & Learns, is presented in partnership with People’s United Bank. Tavern Talks are additionally supported by a Humanities-To-Go grant from the NH Humanities Council.

The series is held in Folsom Tavern, 164 Water Street, Exeter, NH and is free and open to the public.
Founded in 1991, the American Independence Museum welcomes more than 5,500 visitors annually and distinguishes itself with educational school programs and events that make history fun and relevant.

August 21, 2018June 9, 2021

Museum receives $10,000 grant award

Educating visitors of all ages is one of the most important objectives at the American Independence Museum and one that recently received a major boost with a $10,000 grant from the Fullwood Foundation.

The grant award will enable the museum to purchase and incorporate mechanical physical interactives into three of its eight exhibit rooms. Part of the funds may also be used to purchase tactile, hands-on reproduction objects.

According to museum Executive Director Emma Bray, the grant provides an opportunity for the museum to follow in the footsteps of similarly focused cultural institutions.

“Hands-on learning is not a catch-phrase,” she explained. “It’s how kids and many adults learn best, and we need to build spaces in our museum to allow for that. We are so thankful that the Fullwood Foundation shares our vision and has made such a critically important investment at such a perfect time for us.”

Bray said now is a particularly important time, because the museum is in the middle of a 5-year strategic plan with a focus on elevating its program offerings and enter new educational areas.

“The museum has a role in promoting 21st Century Learning Skills,” she said. “We can be relevant in today’s world, but we need the right tools. This grant puts them right in our hands.”

The timeline for the grant is approximately 9 months, which coincides with the museum’s opening for the 2019 season. Expressing excitement at the grant’s potential to affect its education objectives, Bray said there is also “a global theme” at play.

“We want to serve as a hub for downtown Exeter where people can gather, relax and feel at home here,” she said. “The more we can transform both the space inside our walls and outside them, the better it is for the profile of this vibrant town.”

She cited collaborations as instrumental to this vision.

“We do not work alone, which makes the partnerships we have with grant funders, corporate partners and individual donors so important,” she said. “We hope others will see Fullwood Foundation’s support of our operations and also want to invest in our mission to preserve our shared colonial history.”

Founded in 1991, the American Independence Museum welcomes more than 5,500 visitors annually and distinguishes itself with educational school programs and events that make history fun and relevant.

August 16, 2018June 9, 2021

American Independence Museum offers programs for school groups

With school nearly back in session, the American Independence Museum is busying itself for visits with school groups from across the state. Available programs are geared toward students from K- 12, and several spots are still available.

“Our school programs are great because they bring students into an environment that makes history seem very real,” said Abigail Pietrantonio, education manager. “They can see where some of the leaders of Exeter lived during the Revolution and sit in a room that once welcomed George Washington. This is a perfect setting for hands-on learning.”

2018 -2019 school year programs include Letters to a Young Nation (grades K-2), Roots of Revolution – Patriot or Loyalist? (grades 5+), Students as Tour Guides (grades 8-12), and Colonial Living Days (grades 1-12).

The cost for these programs are per student and vary between $5 and $8. All programs are between 60 and 90 minutes long and accommodate a maximum of 50 participants.

“We want to be a resource for teachers and schools,” said Pietrantonio. “Our programming can be customized to complement what is taught in the classroom with the added bonus of being in an 18th century environment.”

To book a school group, or learn more about the American Independence Museum, visit www.independencemuseum.org. Pietrantonio may be reached at [email protected].

August 9, 2018June 9, 2021

Museum to Host Architectural Tour

Although in a town as historic as Exeter (375+ years old), it is impossible to cover its entire history in one event, the American Independence Museum is trying to provide folks with a peek “behind the scenes.”

On Friday, August 24, the museum will host the third of four Architectural Tours this season. It will provide visitors with the opportunity to see areas of both 18th century buildings on the property that are not typically open to the public.

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

“The Ladd-Gilman House has been home to many interesting characters and events through the years,” noted museum Executive Director Emma Bray.

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

“The Society still owns our properties, so this tie to history is still evident today,” added Bray. “Folsom Tavern was undoubtedly a gathering spot for many, including politicians and soldiers, during the Revolution.”

During the Architectural Tour, visitors will learn how the two buildings have changed through the years, their decorative styles and architectural features. The tour takes place at 10:30 am on Friday, August 24.

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

August 8, 2018June 9, 2021

Global impact of American Revolution to be explored at Next Lunch & Learn

Located next to each other in downtown Exeter, the American Independence Museum and People’s United Bank are more than simply neighbors, but partners as they present the next Lunch & Learn on Wednesday, August 15.

Entitled, “Global Perspectives on the Revolution: The Exhibit Up-Close,” the presentation will be facilitated by the museum’s Collections Manager, Rachel Passannante, who will discuss their “global theme” and 2018 special exhibit.

“So much of our programming relates to our theme, Global Perspectives on the Revolution, which helps frame the importance the war had on other nations,” she said. “Our special exhibit this year tells that story, so I look forward to talking to people about it and then taking them on a tour of the museum to show it to them.”

For the past two years, People’s United Bank has helped present the museum’s evening talks with an expansion in 2018 to include the Lunch & Learn series, which takes place at noon at Folsom Tavern.

“Education is so important to us, and we love the museum’s focus on engaging the community,” said Marc Ouellette, vice president, senior market manager at People’s United Bank. “We are proud to partner with them to bring these talks and discussions to the community at no charge.”

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

Lunch & Learns are held in Folsom Tavern, 164 Water Street, Exeter, NH and are free and open to the public, who are welcome to bring lunch to eat during the presentation.

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.

-the end-

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.

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