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Tour Information: (603) 772-2622
Thursday – Saturday: 10 am to 4 pm

Tag: inclusivity

We Are One “Taking Sides (Patriot or Loyalist)” MiniCamp

Kids with Sarah

Date: July 27, 2023
Time: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Location: AIM, 1 Governors Ln., Exeter, NH
Cost: Non-members – $55 per day or $195 for all four:
Members – $45 per day or $170 for all four

Patriot, loyalists, neutral or something else? It wasn’t always easy to know what side to be on. Wrestle with the tricky decision of deciding your stance. Participate in a trial of your neighbors on the opposite side as you, decide if you would have taken the Oath of Allegiance to the Patriotic cause. This camp is designed for ages 7 to 11.

We Are One MiniCamps
During the minicamps, campers ages 7 to 11 will immerse themselves in hands-on 18th century life, uncovering the stories of the people who helped build our nation and how they can continue to be a part of America’s unfolding story. Each week, campers will dress in colonial clothing, participate in games and activities, create projects and eat a colonial-inspired snack. Enlist for one, two, three, or all four sessions!

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’.

We Are One “Protest and Engagement” MiniCamp

Kids with Sarah

Date: July 20, 2023
Time: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Location: AIM, 1 Governors Ln., Exeter, NH
Cost: Non-members – $55 per day or $195 for all four:
Members – $45 per day or $170 for all four

Everyone living in the colonies was deeply affected by the war and contributed to the cause. Uncover their stories and how it is the People, including us, who have the power to make change and keep our nation strong. Dress in colonial clothes, create your own ‘printing press’, make liberty tea, and learn ways you can make change in your community. This camp is designed for ages 7 to 11.

We Are One MiniCamps
During the minicamps, campers ages 7 to 11 will immerse themselves in hands-on 18th century life, uncovering the stories of the people who helped build our nation and how they can continue to be a part of America’s unfolding story. Each week, campers will dress in colonial clothing, participate in games and activities, create projects and eat a colonial-inspired snack. Enlist for one, two, three, or all four sessions!

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’.

We Are One “Land Connection” MiniCamp

Kids with Sarah

Date: July 13, 2023
Time: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Location: AIM, 1 Governors Ln., Exeter, NH
Cost: Non-members – $55 per day or $195 for all four:
Members – $45 per day or $170 for all four

Winter, summer, inland or by the coast- where you lived and the season played a role in daily life during the 18th century. Discover why Exeter was settled (the river), how the River provided jobs and food, and how the seasons affected food and daily habits. Work in the garden, prepare seasonal food and preserve food for the winter, forage for seasonal food and learn about how the river served as a highway, transporting goods and people for thousands of years. This camp is designed for ages 7 to 11.

We Are One MiniCamps
During the minicamps, campers ages 7 to 11 will immerse themselves in hands-on 18th century life, uncovering the stories of the people who helped build our nation and how they can continue to be a part of America’s unfolding story. Each week, campers will dress in colonial clothing, participate in games and activities, create projects and eat a colonial-inspired snack. Enlist for one, two, three, or all four sessions!

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’.

We Are One “Daily Life” MiniCamp (SOLD OUT!)

Kids with Sarah

Date: July 6, 2023
Time: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Location: AIM, 1 Governors Ln., Exeter, NH
Cost: Non-members – $55 per day or $195 for all four:
Members – $45 per day or $170 for all four

Everyday people, laborers, farmers, housewives, and even children all were deeply affected by the war and contributed to the cause. In this camp, carry out daily chores (hauling water and wood, tending the garden, cooking, etc.) and discover what life was like living in the shadow of the Revolution. This camp is designed for ages 7 to 11.

We Are One MiniCamps
During the minicamps, campers ages 7 to 11 will immerse themselves in hands-on 18th century life, uncovering the stories of the people who helped build our nation and how they can continue to be a part of America’s unfolding story. Each week, campers will dress in colonial clothing, participate in games and activities, create projects and eat a colonial-inspired snack. Enlist for one, two, three, or all four sessions!

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’.

Architecture Tour

Architectural Tour Highlight of the main bannister, wooden railing with many spindles.

$5 AIM Members
$10 Not yet members

Stop by for a ‘behind the scenes’ look at the Ladd-Gilman House and Folsom Tavern! Learn about the evolution of the buildings, decorative styles, and architectural features that make them unique. Put your thinking cap on while you look for clues around the rooms, closets and attics. Tours will take place on Fridays at 12:30 and 2 p.m. and last approximately 90 minutes. They will depart from the Ladd-Gilman House. Tours are limited to 6 people, pre-registration is encouraged, masks required.Note: Due to the historic nature of our buildings, they are not handicap accessible. This tour will include many areas of the buildings not typically open to the public. Guests should be comfortable navigating uneven floors, steep staircases, low ceilings and the occasional spider web.

Folsom Tavern & Grounds Tour (Morning)

These tours are offered every Thursday and Saturday at 11 am and 2 pm through November 21. Tours dates for the following month will be posted on 15th of each month.*

Cost: $8 – Adults; $5 – Seniors, Students, Educators & First Responders; $3 – Children (ages 6-18); FREE for Museum Members and Veterans.

*Registration closes at 4 pm the day prior to the tour date.  Masks and pre-registration are required.

Join the American Independence Museum for a new and exciting tour experience! Join one of our docent for an hour-long tour of the museum grounds and Folsom Tavern.

The museum grounds once housed 5 unique buildings during the Revolutionary era, all of which are now gone. Hear about their occupants and life in revolutionary state capital of Exeter. You will also hear about the Tavern’s nearly 250 year history.

Your outdoor tour will last approximately 30 minutes and then you will explore the Tavern on a self-guided tour.

Interested in arranging a private tour for your group or classroom? Email us at [email protected]!

Folsom Tavern & Grounds Tour (Afternoon)

These tours are offered every Thursday and Saturday at 11 am and 1 pm through November 21. Tours dates for the following month will be posted on 15th of each month.*

Cost: $8 – Adults; $5 – Seniors, Students, Educators & First Responders; $3 – Children (ages 6-18); FREE for Museum Members and Veterans.

*Registration closes at 4 pm the day prior to the tour date.  Masks and pre-registration are required.

Join the American Independence Museum for a new and exciting tour experience! Join one of our docent for an hour-long tour of the museum grounds and Folsom Tavern.

The museum grounds once housed 5 unique buildings during the Revolutionary era, all of which are now gone. Hear about their occupants and life in revolutionary state capital of Exeter. You will also hear about the Tavern’s nearly 250 year history.

Your outdoor tour will last approximately 30 minutes and then you will explore the Tavern on a self-guided tour.

Interested in arranging a private tour for your group or classroom? Email us at [email protected]!

Folsom Tavern Tours

Masks are required.

Tour capacity is limited, pre-registration is recommended for guided tours.

Join the American Independence Museum for a new and exciting tour experience! Join one of our docents for an hour-long tour of the Folsom Tavern. Our new Folsom Tavern tour will examine its unique history, the place that taverns held in colonial and revolutionary history and the different experiences that people had in taverns. Your tour will last approximately 45 minutes with the opportunity to continue exploring the Tavern and museum grounds independently.

Guided tours are limited to 6 people and it is strongly recommended that visitors pre-register to guarantee a spot. Visitors are welcome to take a self-guided tour anytime during our open hours. Last admission will be a half hour before the museum closes.

Interested in arranging a private tour for your group or classroom? Email us at [email protected]

Cost:

  • $8 – Adults
  • $5 – Seniors, Students, Educators & First Responders
  • $3 – Children (ages 6-18)
  • FREE for Museum Members and Veterans.

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.

33rd American Independence Festival

Two young children sit on the grass in front of two reenactors demonstrating 18th century tailoring

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

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

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

Presenting Sponsor

About American Independence Museum

Located in Exeter, NH, the American Independence Museum features a rare collection of historic artifacts that shed light on the Revolutionary War. Examples of popular items in our exhibits include a dragoon pistol, brown bess musket, and 18th century powder horn. Many of our programs offer insight into civic duties, civic engagement and civic responsibility, while we also feature a variety of things to do in NH, such as camps for kids, festivals, summer festival, reenactments, and homeschool programs. Perfect for a day trip or weekend trips, we believe in inclusivity and inclusive history and the spirit behind the phrase, ‘we the people’.

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American Independence Museum Launches “We Are One”

Reflecting its organizational emphasis on inclusivity and diversity, the American Independence Museum (AIM) has launched We Are One, a concept that will serve as its guiding principle for the next three years.

“As we prepare for the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026, We Are One will help guide how we develop programs, events, and exhibits, and how we engage with visitors,” said Jennifer Carr, executive director.

Alena Shellenbean, AIM events and marketing manager, said the very formation of the United States serves as a testament to the rationale behind We Are One. “When the Declaration of Independence was written, a lot of people thought it would fail because each colony, each would-be state, was so different,” she said. “The concern was that they might not agree on anything, let alone how to be a country.”

In the early years of the Republic, an etching printed on flyers—the 18th century version of a logo—was developed to help signify the founders’ hope for a new United States. Revealing each of the original 13 colonies as a circle interlocked with one another, the image serves as the basis for AIM’s We Are One logo.

“We have many voices, many perspectives, and they all matter, which I think our logo captures,” remarked Carr. “As we move toward the 250th anniversary of the founding of our nation, We Are One reminds us what is possible when we unite during times of division.”

Carr said this concept inspired the 2nd NH Regiment during the American Revolution. “They used this symbol on their regimental flag,” she said.

According to Carr, We Are One will find expression in four initiatives, which include Bring History to Life, Educate Children & Youth, Engage Older Adults, and Build Community. “Our programs, events, and exhibits all fall within one of these initiatives, which explain quite clearly our intentions,” explained Carr. “We believe these initiatives will resonate with people of all ages and from diverse backgrounds.”

In looking ahead, Shellenbean said she hopes that “our differences as a nation” could be looked upon as a strength rather than a weakness. “We’ve always been a country full of people with big ideas, sometimes wildly different ideas, which I think makes us stronger,” she said. “We Are One is an idea that can hold us together and make our differences into a strength.”

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