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Beer for History to Feature Sap House Meadery

Matt Trahan of Sap House Meadery sits atop pyramidally stacked oak barrels wearing jeans, a flannel, and a grey beanie.

A craft meadery located between the Lakes Region and White Mountains of New Hampshire in Center Ossipee, Sap House Meadery will headline the next Beer for History at the American Independence Museum’s historic Folsom Tavern. Beer for History with Sap House Meadery takes place on Thursday, October 6 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Presented by Donahue Tucker & Ciandella, the popular series generally features brewers that are not local to the greater Exeter or Seacoast regions. “It’s a chance to not just celebrate history, but provide adult guests with the opportunity to sample unique brews, wine, or mead in this case that may not available locally,” said the museum’s Jennifer Carr. “We are thrilled to introduce people to a world-class meadmaker in Sap House Meadery.”

Matt Trahan, co-founder of Sap House Meadery, said he is equally thrilled to join Beer for History for the first time and introduce people to mead, widely regarded as the world’s oldest alcoholic beverage. “Mead is made from honey and predates grape wine and beer—it goes back to the Egyptians over 7,000 years ago,” he explained.

Regarding what will be on tap, Trahan cited three “outstanding” meads, although he acknowledged My Hour of Darkness (15% ABV) may feature their most interesting backstory. “It’s a collaboration with Ft. Hamilton Distilling in New York where we aged our traditional mead for 18 months in their rye whiskey barrels,” he said. “It picks up all the good pepper notes of a rye, the sweet vanilla of the oak, and combines it with the richness of the honey.”

Noting it drinks like “a very easy going spirit,” Trahan said it has been their most popular release to date. It may also be of particular interest to fans, new and old, of the American Independence Museum.

“Ft. Hamilton Distilling is steeped in Revolutionary War history,” he said. “Their tagline of ‘Hearts of Oak’ references an Alexander Hamilton raid on Manhattan Island that resulted in the first US Artillery Battery being formed.”

In addition to My Hour of Darkness, Sap House Meadery is expected to bring Ready to Drum, a light, carbonated session mead flavored with strawberries, red currants, and blueberries. “It’s a great mead for hiking, boating, and generally being outside,” said Trahan. “Ready to Drum” comes from an old saying to describe berries so ripe that they make a drumming sound as they drop into a bucket. We found the line in an old Robert Frost poem.”

Sap House Meadery will also bring Sugar Maple, the first mead they ever made. “It’s both honey and maple syrup fermented together, which gives it a complex, smokey, and earthy note beyond the sweetness,” explained Trahan. “It’s great as an after-dinner sipper or mixed into a cocktail.”

Beer for History with Sap House Meadery takes place from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 6 at the American Independence Museum’s Folsom Tavern, 164 Water St., Exeter, NH. In addition to unique brews, Beer for History features colonial-inspired games, music, and light snacks. Tickets are $10 for members and $15 for non-members, while youth (under 21) are free.

Other remaining events in the series include Earth Eagle Brewings (Portsmouth) on October 20, and UNH Brewing Science Laboratory (Durham) on November 3. To purchase tickets, or learn more about Beer for History, visit independencemuseum.org.

About the 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’.

Lunch and Learn: NH War Monuments

Cover of the book New Hampshire War Monuments. Text is in white font over a dark green background. Images of stone monuments are located above and below the title bar.

Date: Thursday, November 10
Time: 12-1 p.m.
Location: Folsom Tavern
Cost: Free
Capacity: 30

Grab a bagged lunch and head over to the Folsom Tavern for our first Lunch and Learn since the pandemic.

Learn how the Granite State honors the sacrifices of its many brave veterans, memorializing their stories in statues, bridges, buildings and highways. Join Kathleen and Sheila Bailey as they recount the stories behind the stones.

Join these authors as they highlight New Hampshire monuments associated with the American Revolution. Signed copies of the book will be available for purchase.Lunch & Learns are held in Folsom Tavern, 164 Water Street, Exeter, NH and are free and open to the public. You are welcome to bring your lunch to eat during the presentation. Parking is available in the Museum parking lot on Spring Street, Exeter Municipal Lots, and street parking on Water Street. Please note that lectures will take place on the second floor of the Folsom Tavern. Because of the historic nature of the building it is not handicap accessible.

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’.

Beer for History: Sap House Meadery

Woman in an 18th century blue dress with a white fichu over it drinks beer from a ceramic mug.

Date:  Thursday, October 6
Time:  6-8 p.m.
Location:  Folsom Tavern
Cost:  $10 Member/ $15 Non-Member
free for individuals under 21

What’s a tavern without beer? Join us for Beer for History as we bring the spirit of Folsom Tavern alive. The event on October 6 will feature meads from Sap House Meadery in Ossipee. Mead is considered the oldest known alcoholic beverage. dating back over 7,000 to ancient Egypt. Beer for History is presented by Donahue, Tucker & Ciandella, PLLC.

Different programming will be ‘on tap’ at each event including music, trivia or colonial tavern games.

Held outside on the lawn of the Folsom Tavern, featuring tents and campfires for sitting or mingling.

Meads “on tap:”

  • My Hour of Darkness
  • Ready to Drum
  • Sugar Maple

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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Brewers from across NH to Participate in Beer for History

Brewer in a brown jacket stands behind a portable tap and pours for four Beer for History guests outside the Folsom Tavern

A series of events begun more than 5 years ago to promote the importance of history education, the American Independence Museum’s Beer for History will feature brewers from across New Hampshire. Pipe Dream Brewing (Londonderry) starts the series on September 22 followed by Sap House Meadery (Center Ossipee) on October 6, Earth Eagle Brewings (Portsmouth) on October 20, and UNH Brewing Science Laboratory (Durham) on November 3.

“We are thrilled to have such an incredible lineup this year,” noted Jennifer Carr, Acting Executive Director of the museum.

In addition to featuring unique brews, most of which are not available locally in the greater Seacoast region, Beer for History features colonial-inspired games and music. The series, sponsored by Donahue Tucker & Ciandella, takes place within Folsom Tavern (c. 1775), which once welcomed George Washington.

“Kids can play outside on our spacious lawn and enjoy the beginning of fall in beautiful and historic downtown Exeter,” added Carr.

Beer for History events takes place from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 22 at the American Independence Museum’s Folsom Tavern, 164 Water St., Exeter, NH. Tickets are $10 for members and $15 for non-members, while youth (under 21) are free.

Ticket prices include beer (21+), entertainment and light snacks. To purchase tickets, or learn more about Beer for History, visit independencemuseum.org.

About the 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’.

Beer for History: Earth Eagle

Woman in an 18th century blue dress with a white fichu over it drinks beer from a ceramic mug.

Date:  Thursday, October 20
Time:  6-8 p.m.
Location:  Folsom Tavern
Cost:  $10 Member/ $15 Non-Member
free for individuals under 21

What’s a tavern without beer? Join us for Beer for History as we bring the spirit of Folsom Tavern alive. Each event will highlight a different local brewery who will pour three of their beers, including some of their most seasonal and popular beers. Brewers are looking for feedback, so this is a chance to talk with them directly! Beer for History is presented by Donahue, Tucker & Ciandella, PLLC.

Different programming will be ‘on tap’ at each event including music, trivia or colonial tavern games.

Held outside on the lawn of the Folsom Tavern, featuring tents and campfires for sitting or mingling.

Earth Eagle beers on Tap:

  • New England Gangsta’, a West Coast style IPA with Pacific NW hops, and two more beers (it is a surprise!)

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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Beer for History Returns to Folsom Tavern

Brewer from Pipe Dream Brewery in Londonderry standing behind a table full of their beers and merchandise.

On Thursday, September 22 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m, Beer for History 2022 kicks off at the American Independence Museum’s Folsom Tavern (c. 1775) with Pipe Dream Brewing. Based in Londonderry, Pipe Dream Brewing has made a name for itself with a wide variety of craft brews, including sours, stouts, IPA’s, and specialty beers.

“Pipe Dream Brewing is excited to be back at Beer for History,” said Pipe Dream’s Tasting Coordinator Morgan Brown. “We love being able to help highlight New Hampshire’s rich history in fun and exciting ways.”

At the event, Pipe Dream will pour three beers, including West to East IPA, Berrylicious Sour Ale, and Pumpkin Ale In addition to craft beer and historic ambiance—George Washington had visited Folsom Tavern—Beer for History often features colonial-inspired games and occasionally live music.

This year’s series is sponsored by Donahue Tucker & Ciandella. “We are thrilled to again sponsor this series, as it brings the community together and champions the importance of history,” said Beth MacDonald, partner at Donahue Tucker & Ciandella.

According to Jennnifer Carr, Curator and Acting Executive Director at the American Independence Museum, proceeds from Beer for History support their inclusive storytelling initiative. In the museum’s current programs, events, and exhibits, many of the highlighted stories are told from different perspectives, such as those of Black Americans, women, and Indigenous people.

“We hope Beer for History can serve as an open invitation to surrounding communities and those who have yet to hear about the museum,” said Carr. “Come have a beer for history, learn about our initiative to reinterpret our collection and history as a nation, and feel welcomed by new friends.”

Beer for History with Pipe Dream Brewing takes place from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 22 at the American Independence Museum’s Folsom Tavern, 164 Water St., Exeter, NH. Tickets are $10 for members and $15 for non-members, while youth (under 21) are free.

Ticket prices include beer (21+), entertainment and light snacks. To purchase tickets, or learn more about upcoming events in the Beer for History series, visit independencemuseum.org.

About the 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’.

Beer For History: UNH BrewLab

Woman in an 18th century blue dress with a white fichu over it drinks beer from a ceramic mug.

Date:  Thursday, November 3
Time:  6-8 p.m.
Location:  Folsom Tavern
Cost:  $10 Member/ $15 Non-Member
free for individuals under 21

What’s a tavern without beer? Join us for Beer for History as we bring the spirit of Folsom Tavern alive. Each event will highlight a different local brewery who will pour three of their beers, including some of their most seasonal and popular beers. Brewers are looking for feedback, so this is a chance to talk with them directly! Beer for History is presented by Donahue, Tucker & Ciandella, PLLC.

Different programming will be ‘on tap’ at each event including music, trivia or colonial tavern games.

Held outside on the lawn of the Folsom Tavern, featuring tents and campfires for sitting or mingling.

UNH BrewLab beers on Tap:

  • Harvest Thyme (brown ale)
  • Chocolate Bog (chocolate cranberry milk stout)
  • Wildcat Wheat (Belgian wheat ale)

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’.

Beer For History: Pipe Dream Brewing

Woman in an 18th century blue dress with a white fichu over it drinks beer from a ceramic mug.

Date:  Thursday, September 22
Time:  6-8 p.m.
Location:  Folsom Tavern
Cost:  $10 Member/ $15 Non-Member
free for individuals under 21

What’s a tavern without beer? Join us for Beer for History as we bring the spirit of Folsom Tavern alive. Each event will highlight a different local brewery who will pour three of their beers, including some of their most seasonal and popular beers. Brewers are looking for feedback, so this is a chance to talk with them directly! Beer for History is presented by Donahue, Tucker & Ciandella, PLLC.

Different programming will be ‘on tap’ at each event including music, trivia or colonial tavern games.

Held outside on the lawn of the Folsom Tavern, featuring tents and campfires for sitting or mingling.

Pipe Dream Beers on Tap:

  • West to East IPA
  • Berrylicious Sour Ale
  • Pumpkin Ale

Click here to read more about Pipe Dream Brewing.

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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Colonial Reenactors, Traditional Artisans, and Beer Garden Highlight American Independence Festival

Line of individuals dressed in knee breeches, shirts, and tricorn hats typical to the 18th century play on the drums.

Featuring Colonial reenactors, Traditional Artisans Village, games, and Beer Garden next to an historic tavern (c. 1775), the American Independence Festival on Saturday, July 16 is expected to attract 1,000+ from across New England.

According to Jennifer Carr, interim Executive Director of the American Independence Museum, which presents the annual festival on its downtown Exeter, NH campus, its continued popularity and relevance stems from its unique subject matter. “There is a lot of curiosity about our nation’s formative years,” she said. “This event not only presents folklife from this time period, but interprets it through demonstrations by professional traditional artisans who practice colonial ways of creating things that shed light on our past and present.”

Within the Village, artisans demonstrate everything from ropemaking, spinning, coopering, and millinery, to tinsmithing and pottery, while others play instruments, including the clavichord, dulcimer, and harpsichord. Aside from the Village, presented by New Hampshire State Council of the Arts, visitors can tour the Ladd-Gilman House (c. 1721) within which an original copy of the Declaration of Independence may be viewed.

“We recreate the reading of the Declaration of Independence with a direct descendant of John Taylor Gilman, who read it to the townspeople in 1776,” added Carr. “At this year’s festival, visitors can also experience some of our new exhibits, which interpret Revolutionary-era events and culture from diverse perspectives.”

At the museum’s Folsom Tavern, kids can enjoy the newly opened Foy Family Children’s Library, which features a reading nook, curated books on 18th century life, Revolutionary-era dress-up, play kitchen, games, and more. Outside the tavern, adults (ages 21+) can enjoy craft brew from Cisco Brewers.

“We also feature discussions led by first-person reenactors who provide insight into Revolutionary America and ourselves today,” added Carr. “It’s a wonderful immersive experience.”

This immersive experience centered on New Hampshire’s collective Revolutionary past and present is what has attracted Newburyport Bank as a leading festival sponsor for several years. “This is such a unique event that helps visitors of all ages better understand and appreciate what it took to make a nation,” said Mercedes Monaco, business development manager, Newburyport Bank. “We are thrilled to support this year’s American Independence Festival. It is such an honor to be part of the Revolutionary Era legacy of Exeter.”

The 32nd American Independence Festival takes place on Saturday, July 16 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tickets are $5 for kids (ages 4 to 18) and $10 for adults with admission free for kids under 4, museum members, and veterans and active military.

To learn more about the museum or purchase festival tickets in advance visit independencemuseum.org.

About the 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 Uses History To Teach People of All Ages

Aim and Kennebunk Savings Partner for Festival

History is not a term that merely describes the past, a theme that partly explains the popularity of the American Independence Museum’s upcoming American Independence Festival. Entering its 32nd year, the festival features first-person re-enactors and military demonstrations, all of which shed light on Revolutionary America and its connection to the present.

“History is not just a page in a book—history is all around us,” noted Jennifer Carr, interim executive director of the American Independence Museum. “Our annual festival brings history to life and helps to demonstrate how what happens in our past has direct connections to what takes place today.”

Generally attracting nearly 1,000 visitors to its one-acre campus located in the heart of downtown historic Exeter, the festival takes place this year on Saturday, July 16. Other festival highlights include a beer garden with Cisco Brewers and a Traditional Artisan Village presented by the New Hampshire State Council of the Arts.

For corporate sponsors, the festival represents an important community event. “Through reenactments and storytelling, the event preserves an incredibly important time in the history of our nation for both current and future generations,” said Bradford C. Paige, President and CEO of Kennebunk Savings.

In addition to Kennebunk Savings and New Hampshire State Council of the Arts, major sponsors include Newburyport Bank with additional support from RiverWoods Exeter, Cambridge Trust, and Cisco Brewers. “Sponsors of this event,” said Carr, “help us not only pay traditional artisans and Revolutionary reenactors, but to also put one of the only remaining original copies of the Declaration of Independence on display.”

While experienced as fun by visitors, Carr said the deeper mission behind the festival is “to get people thinking.” “We are a product of our past,” she said. “If we can inspire just a handful of people to rethink what they think they know about American history and, by extension, themselves, then we have been successful.”

The 32nd American Independence Festival takes place on Saturday, July 16 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tickets are $5 for kids (ages 4 to 18) and $10 for adults with admission free for kids under 4, museum members, and veterans and active military.

To learn more about the festival and to purchase tickets, visit independencemuseum.org.

About the 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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