On Wednesday, May 1, the American Independence Museum opens for 2019 with a full week of programs capped off by Spring Tea in Folsom Tavern on Saturday, May 4 at 11am and 2pm.
The event, which features tea, assorted finger sandwiches, scones, and desserts by colonial inspired caterers, For the Love of Food and Drink, follows similar themed events in December.
“Our Holiday Tea sold out,” said the museum’s Victoria Su, who organizes the event. “This is a great way to celebrate spring and enjoy the ambiance of Folsom Tavern, which once entertained George Washington in his visit to Exeter in 1789.”
Earlier in the week on Thursday, May 2 from 2pm to 4pm, Folsom Tavern will also host Revolutionary Story Time!, presented by Exeter Hospital.
Designed to entertain kids, ages 3 to 5+, and their families, the free series provides, entertainment and live music. After the 30+ minute program, parent-supervised playtime includes imaginary play, colonial games and period dress-up.
According to Emma Bray, the upcoming 2019 season at the museum may be its busiest ever. This year, much of the museum’s programs and events are conceptually linked by a Civic Engagement theme.
“From our Lecture Series, presented by People’s United Bank, to our Genealogy Workshop series and more, we have an interesting lineup of programs this year that I think will surprise people,” she said. “We want the museum to strive for relevance–whether as an educational resource or a place for the entire family to gather.”
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.
Museum program continues its ‘travels’
Making its way across the nation with stops in California, Minnesota and Utah to name just a few, the American Independence Museum’s Traveling Trunk program recently made its way back from Massachusetts.
“The traveling trunk made our American Revolution unit much more engaging and dynamic,” said Mike Ryan, teacher at Pollard Middle School in Needham, Massachusetts.
Expected to travel more than 25,000 miles throughout the United States in 2019, the Traveling Trunk program is presented by Service Credit Union.
“We believe in the program, because it provides important insight into the formation of our nation,” said Service Credit Union’s Wendy Beswick. “This is hands-on learning at its best.”
Featuring 70+ high quality replica items and colonial history curriculum to engage students of varying ages, the program reflects an emerging focus at the American Independence Museum on creating “an institution without walls.”
“If we cannot get people to the museum, we want to bring it to them,” said museum Executive Director Emma Bray. “Our partnership with Service Credit Union has provided us with the resources to expand the program and the educational branch of our mission.”
Noting he used nearly every object in the trunk in his classroom, Ryan said the program provided him with pedagogical flexibility.
“The copies of the Declaration of Independence were used so that each partnership was able to have their own,” he said. “I only have 4 facsimiles, so it was great that these additions allowed each student to have the document in front of them.”
He said the included uniforms were “fantastic.”
“Students used these throughout our unit and greatly appreciated them,” he added.
According to Beswick, such experiential learning programs are critical today, as many schools struggle with shrinking budgets.
“We are very pleased to be part of the program, which is expanding far beyond what any of us could have expected,” she said. “We believe an appreciation and understanding of American history is very important.”
In addition to continued financial support from Service Credit Union, the Traveling Trunk program was made possible with initial seed funding from the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation.
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.
Exeter Hospital to present Revolutionary Story Time in 2019
For the third consecutive year, Exeter Hospital will present Revolutionary Story Time! at the American Independence Museum on the first Thursday of each month through December.
Designed to entertain kids, ages 3 to 5, and their families, the free series reflects both nonprofit organization’s belief in the importance of community.
“We see our role in a much broader sense than just as a museum,” said Victoria Su, who developed and manages the program. “We want to serve as an anchor point in the community, a place where families can gather, have fun and spend quality time together…Story Time is part of our mission to create that sense of community.”
For Jenn McGowan of Exeter Hospital, the museum’s program is part of a larger puzzle, one in which many pieces can be made to fit.
“A healthy, strong community involves many stakeholders, each working together for a greater good, a shared vision,” she said. “The museum shares in our vision, and we believe in their programming and their leadership.”
On the first Thursday of each month from 2 to 4 pm at the museum’s Folsom Tavern at 164 Water Street in Exeter, kids and families are entertained by stories and live music. After the 30+ minute program, parent-supervised playtime includes imaginary play, colonial games and period dress-up.
“This is a fun free program and takes place right across from Swasey Parkway, so we hope families join us and visit Exeter for the entire afternoon,” added Su. “This is a great town for families.”
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.
Lecture Series gets a boost from People’s United Bank
For several years, People’s United Bank has sponsored the American Independence Museum’s evening and afternoon lecture series, a partnership that has been renewed for 2019. According to museum Executive Director Emma Bray, though, this partnership is particularly fruitful.
“It is one where both organizations are working toward a shared vision,” she said. “The level of involvement by People’s United Bank not only includes financial support, but their attendance at individual events. That level of engagement is important and enhances the program.”
For Marc Ouellette, vice president, senior market manager at People’s United Bank, the Lecture Series addresses an important educational need in the community.
“This is a great series because it touches on the fundamentals of our nation’s history, which is not taught in the classroom as much as maybe it should,” he said.
Referring to the museum as “unique and forward-thinking” in its educational approach, Ouellette said the continued partnership with the American Independence Museum represents “a win-win.”
“The museum benefits as does the community,” he said. “People’s United Bank is very thankful to be included in this wonderful educational lecture series.”
This year, the museum plans to host 6 or more lectures, some during the afternoon known as Lunch and Learns with evening events referred to as Tavern Talks. This year, all events in the series will reflect the museum’s 2019 theme of Civic Engagement.
“We feel this theme is very relevant given the climate of today,” said Bray. “Regardless of someone’s politic beliefs, I think we can all say it is important to be involved as civic-minded citizens. The questions we will try to answer this year is what does that really mean?”
Ouellette said he looks forward to this year’s series, which kicks off with Moved and Seconded: Town Meeting in New Hampshire on Wednesday, May 15 at 6:30 p.m. Author of eleven books, Rebecca Rule will facilitate the talk. For ten years, she hosted “The New Hampshire Authors Series” on NHPTV. She currently hosts “Our Hometown,” which is also on NHPTV.
“We are excited to see this series unfold and very enthusiastic at the quality of the speakers they are bringing into the community,” he said. “People’s United Bank sees tremendous value in this series, and we are proud to sponsor it.”
Other scheduled talks include New England’s Colonial Meetinghouses and Their Impact on American Society, which is scheduled for Tuesday, October 8 at 12 noon.
Additional talks, which will soon be added to the schedule, are likely to include town officials who will speak on their various respective capacities and roles.
“We also plan to bring in some folks at the state level,” added Bray. “This series keeps expanding, and we are happy to have the support of People’s United Bank behind us.”
Tavern Talks are additionally supported by a Humanities-To-Go grant from the NH Humanities Council.
American Independence Museum to host Programs during School Vacation Week
During public school vacation week in New Hampshire from April 23 to April 25, the American Independence Museum will host 2-hour programs designed for kids, ages 9 to 11.
In the program, Colonial Vacation Days, Education Manager Abigail Pietrantonio said each day will provide a unique opportunity to experience colonial life. On April 23, the program will focus on Colonial School followed by Colonial Clothes and Colonial Games on April 24 and 25, respectively.
“We’re excited to be able to offer this hands-on vacation program for the first time,” she said. “We have received requests for the last couple years for vacation programming, so this is a great first step to deliver something that is both fun and educational at the same time.”
The program will take place from 10 am to 12 pm on April 23, 24 and 25. Kids may register for one or all three programs. Registration is available online with the cost for non-members and members $10 and $8 per day, respectively.
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. The 2019 season for the museum begins May 1.
Major work to begin at American Independence Museum
This spring, perimeter excavation will begin outside the Ladd-Gilman House (c.1721) at the American Independence Museum, work that will kick off a number of projects to rehabilitate its structure.
“For many years, the Ladd-Gilman House has suffered from water infiltration from an old roof, a deteriorating foundation and other deferred maintenance issues,” explained museum Executive Director Emma Bray.
Such issues, she noted, compromise the building’s internal environment, which jeopardizes some of the museum’s “most rare and delicate artifacts.”
“In our effort to better care for our historic building and our 3,000 objects housed in it, we must address the moisture getting into our building,” she said.
The complete scope of the project includes archaeology, perimeter excavation and regrading, foundation repointing, repair of a modern stone retaining wall, restoration of rotten sills and the addition of storm doors.
In addition to an $80,000 grant award from New Hampshire’s Land and Community Heritage Investment Program (LCHIP), the museum received support from other sources, including $20,000 from the Samuel P. Hunt Foundation and $10,000 from the William W. Treat Foundation. “LCHIP and several very generous matching donor partners have made our day,” noted Ozzie Ayscue, president of the museum’s Board of Governors. “This grant puts a literal foundation under the 1721 Ladd-Gilman House and American Independence Museum collection and a figurative one under a spirited and forward-looking organization.”
Expressing thanks for “the financial contribution of many,” Bray said the project is particularly important given the upcoming 300th anniversary of the Ladd-Gilman House and 30th anniversary of the museum, both occurring in 2021.
“As stewards of this property, it is most fitting that we undertake this work to ensure the long term integrity of this house,” she said.
Home of the State Treasurer for New Hampshire and State Treasury from 1785 to 1789, the Ladd-Gilman House also served as home of the Granite State’s fifth Governor beginning in 1794. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Properties.
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.
Museum to host Genealogy Workshop Series
On Saturday, April 20, the American Independence Museum will host “Using DNA in Your Family History Research,” the first of 4 workshops in its Genealogy Workshop Series, sponsored by the William W. Treat Foundation.
In this initial workshop, presented by the New England Historic Genealogical Society (NEHGS), attendees will learn how DNA testing, which is becoming increasingly popular, can be used as a tool in genealogical research.
“The goal of the workshop is to explain the tests, show people what tools are available for research, and how to use them to identify ancestors and previously unknown relatives,” said the museum’s Victoria Su.
Each workshop in the series will feature experts from NEHGS, founded in 1845 and the nation’s leading resource for family history research.
At the workshops, which take place at the museum’s Folsom Tavern in Exeter from 1-4 pm, attendees are encouraged to bring laptops and tablets. Other workshops in the series take place on June 8, September 21 and November 16.
Individual workshop fees are $20 for museum/NEHGS members and $30 for ‘not-yet’ members. Series tickets are $70 for museum/NEHGS members and $100 for ‘not-yet’ members. Tickets are available for purchase online.
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.
Songs, stories and more at the American Independence Museum
On Thursday, April 4, the American Independence Museum in Exeter will host Revolutionary Story Time!, an enrichment program that brings children, ages 3 to 5, and their families onto its one-acre campus for free entertainment.
“Our costumed re-enactor tells stories and sings songs–it’s a program that often sees some older kids, too,” said the museum’s Victoria Su.
After the 30+ minute program, parent-supervised playtime includes , imaginary play, colonial games, and period dress-up.
The program takes place from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Folsom Tavern, 164 Water Street in Exeter, NH. 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.
“We want families to see our space as theirs,” added Su. “Revolutionary Story Time! is a great gateway into the museum.”
Revolutionary Story Time! takes place the first Thursday of each month through December. 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.
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.
Volunteers help behind the scenes at American Independence Museum
With the 2019 season just around the proverbial corner–opening day is May 1–American Independence Museum staff are hard at work developing a full calendar of programs and events, but they are not alone.
“Volunteers work alongside staff in so many areas of our operation,” said Emma Bray, executive director. “We could not do what we do without their time and expertise.”
Some volunteers, such as Bill Jennison, work as tour guides.
“It is not everyday you get to come to an historic town and work within a 300-year-old building and interact with people and rare objects,” he said. “I consider it a privilege to come and work here.”
Rachel Passannante, collections and visitor services manager, said Jennison has additionally taken on the role of general handyman.
“Bill has been incredibly reliable,” she said. “His personality is infectious and he always makes the day enjoyable. He absolutely loves history, and I am glad we can be an outlet for him and other guides to share their knowledge and love of history.”
For Jennison, who lives in Exeter, there is no other place where he would want to spend his free time.
“Seeing the staff working at making this place run and it succeeding is great,” he said.“It’s a great environment with great people.”
Bray added, “Volunteers provide so much value to the museum. Great people like Bill help energize staff, too.”
The American Independence Museum features more than 3,000 items in its collection, including one of only 26 surviving copies of the Dunlap Broadside of the Declaration of Independence.
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.
Kids discover history at American Independence Museum
On any given day in the summer, the American Independence Museum in Exeter welcomes dozens of visitors, including youth who participate in lively engaging programs with costumed re-enactors.
“Our Revolutionary Kids Summer Camp provides kids with a fun, interactive learning experience,” said Education Manager Abigail Pietrantonio. “It’s fun for kids to interact with colonial re-enactors and experience life as an 18th century resident of Exeter. It is a unique program.”
It is a program that also resonates with parents, including Mary Ann Cappiello, whose daughter Ella participated in the program for two years before volunteering her time for the past two years.
“She came to camp because she loved all the hands-on learning experiences and wearing 18th century clothing, but it also definitely helped deepen her knowledge and her love of history,” she said.
This love of history, she said, is crucial given the marginalization of social studies education at the elementary level.
“I want to do something about that,” said Cappiello, who noted she herself has become involved in the museum by serving on its education committee.
“[It] connects me with other local educators who care about history and want to help the museum make a difference in the lives of community members and visitors from all over the world,” she added.
Expressing excitement at the museum’s summer camp in 2019, Pietrantonio said she hopes Ella’s experience can entice others between the ages of 9 and 11.
“It’s a fun program that enables kids to step back in time and really use their imaginations,” she said.
The American Independence Museum features more than 3,000 items in its collection, including one of only 26 surviving copies of the Dunlap Broadside of the Declaration of Independence.
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.
The museum is also a member of the 17-member NH Heritage Museum Trail, which connects the public with culturally rich heritage institutions in New Hampshire. For more information about the NH Heritage Museum Trail, visit nhmuseumtrail.org.