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RiverWoods Exeter to Sponsor Free Admission Day for Older Adults

Long-standing sponsors of the American Independence Museum, RiverWoods Exeter will sponsor Free Admission Day for older adults on Thursday, August 15, which will also commemorate its 25th anniversary.

“RiverWoods Exeter turns 25 on August 15, so we are thrilled we can work with the museum to provide free admission to older adults in our community and beyond,” said Felicia Gennetti, project coordinator at RiverWoods Exeter.

Noting they most recently supported the American Independence Festival in July, museum Executive Director Emma Bray said this latest partnership reflects an increasingly important organizational objective.

“We want to create opportunities to provide value and enhance lives for all members of our community, including underserved populations,” she said. “We have previously brought programs to RiverWoods, so Free Admission Day is our latest partnership…We value older adults in our community and we are grateful for RiverWoods for their support of this event.”

Gennetti agreed and said community engagement and involvement is an essential part of RiverWoods’ mission.

“Our resident community is part of the larger Exeter and Seacoast community,” she said. “We care about our residents and the vitality of our community. We are excited that we can celebrate 25 years in the community through such a fun and meaningful initiative.”

Free Admission Day for Older Adults will take place on Thursday, August 15 at the American Independence Museum, which is open 10 am to 4 pm.

For more information about RiverWoods Exeter, visit RiverWoodsExeter.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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Restoration work begins at American Independence Museum

After months of planning, major restoration work has begun at the American Independence Museum that will “transform its one acre campus,” according to Executive Director Emma Bray.

“It’s not just the aesthetics of our property, but some of the actual nuts and bolts of our Ladd-Gilman House,” she noted.

These “nuts and bolts” include concrete skirt removal around the Ladd-Gilman House (c.1721), repointing the foundation and replacement of rotten sills at its front.

“We will move to the drainage and re-grading portion of the work in August, weather-permitting,” said Bray, who said one outcome from this portion of the project will be quite noticeable.

“There will be a new path from Governors Lane and the brick patio of Ladd-Gilman House to Folsom Tavern [on Water Street],” she explained. “There will also be substantial improvements to the front yard between the caretaker’s cottage and gift shop entrance.”

That entire area, Bray noted, will be lowered to provide for a 6″ foundation reveal, which she described as “best practice in historic house preservation.” 

“Currently, our sill line for that portion of the house sits below grade, which contributes to our issues of water in the basement and rot for those clapboards below grade,” she said. “The front yard space will also be lowered, yard drains installed and entry pathways re-laid.”

In addition to $80,000 grant from the NH Land and Community Heritage Investment Program (LCHIP), the project is funded by the Lewis Family Foundation, Samuel P. Hunt Foundation, William W. Treat Foundation, and private donors.

“We received a tremendous amount of support for this project, which is critical for the museum’s future and our ability to best care for our collection,” she said.

The museum’s collection includes one of only 26 surviving copies of the Dunlap Broadside of the Declaration of Independence and two rare drafts of the U.S. Constitution.

According to Bray, the project began in mid July with the removal of several trees, one of which included a dying ash located adjacent to People’s United Bank staff parking lot. 

“The removal of this and other trees were important for many reasons, but done so only after careful consideration and consultation,” said Bray.

In looking ahead, Ozzie Ayscue, president of the museum’s Board of Governors, said the project “puts a literal foundation under the 1721 Ladd-Gilman House and American Independence Museum collection.”

“We feel like we have a solid new platform for launching diverse experiential programs for an expanding community,” he said.

Bray agreed and added, “We are but stewards of this property, so it is very gratifying to prepare for the future, especially as we look to the Ladd-Gilman’s 300th anniversary in 2021.”

Even with the financial support received so far, Bray said it is clear more funding will be needed to successfully accomplish all aspects of the project.

“It is important we take this opportunity to do all we can right now to ensure the integrity of the Ladd-Gilman House and our collection, so future generations may enjoy it far into the future,” she added. “This is an exciting moment for the museum and the Town of Exeter.”

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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The Provident Bank to sponsor Free Admission Day

Sponsored by The Provident Bank, the American Independence Museum will offer free admission on Tuesday, August 6 to residents of Brentwood, East Kingston, Exeter, Kensington, Newfields, and Stratham as well as town employees and teachers with valid ID.  

According to museum Executive Director Emma Bray, the first SAU 16 Free Admission Day sponsored by The Provident Bank  in July proved quite successful.

“We had the best Tuesday of the year,” she said. “We are working to eliminate any financial barrier whatsoever for people to visit us, so this partnership has been wonderful…We also hope these days will be used by educators and teachers, so they may better utilize us as a resource during the school year.” 

The museum’s collection includes one of only 26 surviving copies of the Dunlap Broadside of the Declaration of Independence and two rare drafts of the U.S. Constitution.

“Our tour guides can take you on a virtual trip through Exeter and the nation,” she said. “History can be pretty fun.”

To learn more about Free Admission Day, or the museum , 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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Free Admission Day at American Independence Museum

On Saturday, August 3, the American Independence Museum will offer free admission to residents of Brentwood, East Kingston, Exeter, Kensington, Newfields, and Stratham as well as town employees, including teachers, with valid ID.  

Made possible by Kennebunk Savings, SAU 16 Free Admission Day represents the museum’s ongoing effort to increase access to its collection and programs.

“We have a new exhibit on Civic Engagement, iPads we will include very soon in some rooms, LED lighting and new cases that display some of our most unique items,” said Executive Director Emma Bray. “We want to encourage families to visit us, which makes Free Admission Day such a great opportunity for local residents and those who work here.”

“If you have not visited us recently, we’d love for you to visit us and see all the changes,” added Bray. “Our tour guides are knowledgeable and fun, too.”

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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Kids welcome at Exeter Hospital’s Revolutionary Story Time!

Presented by Exeter Hospital, Revolutionary Story Time! turns Folsom Tavern at the American Independence Museum into a place for kids, ages 3 to 5, the first Thursday of each month, April through December.

At the next Revolutionary Story Time! on Thursday, August 1 from 2 to 4 pm, museum Executive Director Emma Bray said families and caregivers can expect everything from story-telling to live music.

“We have a colonial re-enactor who really engages with the kids,” she said. “It’s a lot of fun.”

After the initial 30 minute story time, families are invited to “stay and play” for parent-supervised playtime, which includes imaginary play, colonial games and period dress-up.

“Kids and families can play outside on our lawn, too,” added Bray. “This is a great way to spend the afternoon and then walk right over to the Farmers’ Market afterwards on Swasey Parkway.”

Due to the historical nature of the Tavern, strollers are not encouraged, as the building is not handicapped accessible. Reservations are accepted but not required. 

About the American Independence Museum
The American Independence Museum is a history museum in Exeter, NH that features a collection of 3,000 historic artifacts that shed light on the American Revolution. Many of our programs touch on civics and the fight for independence, while we incorporate  inclusivity and diversity into the experiences we create on-site and in digital formats. We feature a variety of things to do for people of all ages, including festivals, an historic tavern, guided tours and our annual American Independence Festival. 

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American Independence Museum to host 29th American Independence Festival

On Saturday, July 13, thousands will descend upon downtown Exeter, NH, former capital of the Granite State during the Revolutionary War, for the 29th Annual American Independence Festival. 

Celebrating the arrival of an original copy of the Declaration of Independence in town on July 16, 1776, the festival features a variety of entertainment, including music, battle re-enactment, tradition artisan working village and more. 

One of the festival’s most unique highlights, however, is within the museum’s Ladd-Gilman House, which will feature one of the few remaining copies of the Declaration of Independence. Its arrival in Exeter is recreated at 11 am with a horseback delivery of the document that is then read by Greg Gilman. He is the direct descendant of John Taylor Gilman, who read the Declaration of Independence to the townspeople of Exeter on July 16, 1776.

“This is a unique opportunity to participate in a recreation of a seminal point in our state’s and nation’s history,” said museum Executive Director Emma Bray.

Presented by Newburyport Bank, the festival is additionally supported by New Hampshire State Council on the Arts, RiverWoods Exeter, Ruffner Real Estate, Exeter Hospital, Historic Motor Sports, Mitchell & Monti and Proulx Oil & Propane.

“This is a wonderful community event that educates, entertains and, we hope, inspires others to learn more about our nation’s history and its continued importance today,” added Bray.

Other highlights of the festival include colonial-inspired beer brewed by Cisco in Folsom Tavern from 12 to 6 pm, a craft and art fair and local food.

Tickets for the festival, which takes place from 10 am to 4 pm, are $10 for adults, $5 for ages 6 to 18, and free for children under 6 and museum members. Courtesy of Chinburg Properties, free admission is also available to active/retired military, veterans, and their immediate families. All proceeds benefit the American Independence Museum and support future festivals. 

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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Children, Families the Focus in July at American Independence Museum

In July, children and families are a big focus at the American Independence Museum in Exeter.

On Tuesday, July 2, The Provident Bank is sponsoring free admission for residents of any age from SAU 16, which includes Brentwood, East Kingston, Exeter, Kensington, Newfields, and Stratham. On Saturday, July 6, free admission will also be made available to SAU 16 residents, courtesy of Kennebunk Savings.

“Both banks are also sponsoring the free admission for SAU 16 residents on the first Tuesday and Saturday in August, respectively,” said museum Executive Director Emma Bray. “This is a wonderful opportunity for local residents to see first hand the improvements we have made within our museum as well as our new exhibits.”

Presented by Exeter Hospital, a special patriotic sing-along edition of Revolutionary Story Time! takes place on Thursday, July 4 from 11am to 1 pm.  At this event, families and guests of all ages are invited to Folsom Tavern to celebrate Independence Day with song led by a colonial reenactor, patriotic cake, and colonial games. The event is free and part of a year long series, which takes place on the first Thursday of each month through December.

The largest event annually hosted by the museum, the American Independence Festival takes place on Saturday, July 13 and is expected to attract thousands. Presented by Newburyport Bank, the event features everything from traditional craft demonstrations and battle re-enactments to a beer garden, live music, games, local food, art and craft marketplace, and more.  

The Festival also marks the conclusion of the museum’s Revolutionary Kids Camp, which begins Tuesday, July 9. In this full-day living history experience, youth (ages 9 – 12) immerse themselves in the past and assume the role of a real 18th century Exeter resident, complete with colonial clothing.  At the Festival, youth show off what they have learned in camp, which concludes Friday, July 12.

“It’s a busy month for us and one in which I hope we see many new faces,” added Bray.  “We want people to see the museum as ‘their’ space.”

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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Newburyport Bank to present American Independence Festival

History is often seen as a sequence of events that resides in the past, which is only partly accurate and serves as a subtle theme that underscores the American Independence Festival on Saturday, July 13.

“Our Revolutionary history provides a unique and relevant glimpse into who we are today as Americans,” said Emma Bray, executive director of the American Independence Museum, which hosts the festival. 

This theme recently caught the attention of Newburyport Bank, which presented Bray with a $5,000 check  at their new branch in Exeter to sponsor the festival.  

“We are so enthusiastic about this partnership and the connection between our two organizations,” said Bray. “It is clear we both value and honor the importance of history.”

Lloyd Hamm, Jr., president and CEO, Newburyport Bank, agreed and described himself as “a strong enthusiast of history.”

“I love seeing it energized and want to thank the museum for bringing history to life for the citizens of our communities,” he said.

At the American Independence Festival, visitors experience everything from traditional craft demonstrations and battle re-enactments to a beer garden, live music, games, local food, art and craft marketplace, and more.

In serving as presenting sponsor of the festival, Hamm, Jr.  said he believes Newburyport Bank takes an important step to supporting the greater Exeter community.

“I so appreciate that our Bank, which is new to the Exeter community but active in the region since 1854, can share in this important opportunity for inspiration and learning,” he said.

The festival also serves to conjure within Hamm, Jr. fond memories of a childhood experience in which he participated in the 1976 bicentennial celebrations as a member of the Town of Upton, MA militia. 

“For me, it was a vibrant instrument for understanding and enjoying history,” he recalled. “I  remember bounding through fields of New England with my 75 caliber Brown Bess in hand, battling the British 10th or 54th regiments. It was so much fun to see the looks of awe and enjoyment on the faces of the crowds as our nation’s important history was brought to life.”

It is precisely this kind of experience that Bray said visitors can experience at the festival, which features more than 100 colonial re-enactors, most of whom stay in character throughout the day.

“The festival literally brings history to life,” she said. “We are so thankful to partner with Newburyport Bank to present this unique and engaging experience for people of all ages.”

The American Independence Festival takes place on Saturday, July 13 at the American Independence Festival from 10 am to 4 pm with the beer tent open until 6 pm.

Festival tickets are $10 for adults; $5 for ages 6 to 18; and free for children under 6, active and retired military, veterans, and Museum members. 

To learn more, or purchase tickets, 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 to host ‘Unearthed at the AIM’

Presented by People’s United Bank, ‘Unearthed at the AIM’ on Wednesday, June 26 at 12 noon is the next free Lunch and Learn event in the 2019 Lecture Series at the American Independence Museum.

According to museum Executive Director Emma Bray, this talk will be particularly meaningful, as guests will be able to learn about some of the findings of a recent archaeological project outside the Ladd-Gilman House (c. 1721).

“We are currently engaged in a project that will include perimeter excavation and regrading outside the Ladd-Gilman House, foundation repointing and repair of a modern stone retaining wall,” she said. “We are also restoring rotten sills and adding storm doors…Archaeology, though, was the first step, and some interesting things were found.”

The project is made possible from an $80,000 grant award from New Hampshire’s Land and Community Heritage Investment Program (LCHIP) and private funders, including Samuel P. Hunt Foundation, William W. Treat Foundation, Lewis Family Foundation and Society of the Cincinnati in the State of New Hampshire.

“We have been fortunate to receive a groundswell of support for this project, which will take care of many issues around and in the Ladd-Gilman House that jeopardize some items in our collection,” added Bray.

At ‘Unearthed at the AIM,’ Jesse Cofelice, principal investigator at Independent Archaeological Consulting will discuss what has been found outside the museum and in other projects around the region.

“This is a chance to meet an archaeologist that is literally digging through history — it really will be quite fascinating,” said Victoria Su, who organizes the 2019 Lecture Series. “This is a great way to spend your lunch hour and learn something, too.”

‘Unearthed at the AIM’ will take place on Wednesday, June 26 at 12pm.

Presented by People’s United Bank, there is no charge to attend any event in the 2019 Lecture Series and attendees are welcome to bring their own lunch.

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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Kennebunk Savings to partner with American Independence Museum

In 2019, the American Independence Museum is working with a number of local businesses to create free or reduced admission for area residents with the latest partnership with Kennebunk Savings.

In this partnership, the museum will provide free admission on the first Saturday of July and August to residents of SAU 16, which includes Brentwood, East Kingston, Exeter, Kensington, Newfields, and Stratham.

On these dates, July 6 and August 3, respectively, residents of any age from the aforementioned towns will gain entry to the museum’s Ladd-Gilman House and Folsom Tavern at no charge.

Bradford Paige, President and CEO of Kennebunk Savings, said they support this initiative because the museum is “keeping history alive by engaging the youth in our community.”

“We see the importance in ensuring the museum is accessible to everyone and are very pleased to sponsor ‘Free Admission First Saturdays’ for residents as part of our Community Promise Program,” he said. 

Paige also expressed enthusiasm in the museum’s 2019 theme of civic engagement.

 “The museum’s theme of civic engagement is sure to inspire young minds to dream big and know they can affect positive change in the world,” he added.

Museum Executive Director Emma Bray said she is grateful at the opportunity to work with Kennebunk Savings for the first time. Recently, Bray met with Kelly Hutchinson, Vice President/Branch Manager of Kennebunk Savings in Stratham, to discuss the museum’s collection and the partnership.

“In visiting with Kelly, it became clear we have a shared vision for Exeter,” she said. “This partnership results from this shared vision.” 

On Saturday, July 6 and Saturday, August 3, free admission will be provided to residents of Brentwood, East Kingston, Exeter, Kensington, Newfields, and Stratham. 

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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