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Newburyport Bank sponsors overnight Family Camp Out

Newburyport sponsoring the Family Camp Out on July 24

The final event of the 2021 American Independence Festival, the Family Camp Out, is made possible thanks to Newburyport Bank.

The Family Camp Out will begin on Saturday, July 24 at 7 p.m. and extend overnight until 9 a.m. on Sunday, July 25. The Acton Minutemen, a patriot reenactment group, will accompany families overnight and lead various family friendly activities.

Event highlights will include a lantern tour of the Folsom Tavern, 18th century campfire cooking demonstrations, a morning muster with the Acton Minutemen, and camping out under the stars. This popular event has already sold out.

“We’re so extremely proud to support the American Independence Museum’s Family Camp Out,” noted Newburyport Bank President & CEO Lloyd L. Hamm. “It’s quintessential Americana with families getting together under the stars to play games, sing songs, make crafts, and so much more to celebrate our proud history. It’s one of those memories that lasts a lifetime and we’re so happy to play a small part in making it happen.”

Celebrating the arrival of the Declaration of Independence in Exeter on July 16, 1776, the American Independence Festival features a variety of entertainment, including music, military demonstrations, traditional artisan working village, and more. Sponsored by the New Hampshire State Council on the Arts, this year’s festival includes in-person events spanning the month of July.

To learn more, 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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Kennebunk Savings sponsors Declaration of Independence reading in Exeter

Kennebunk Savings generously sponsors the Declaration of Independence reading in Exeter

Kennebunk Savings will sponsor one of the American Independence Festival’s enduring traditions, the public reading of the Declaration of Independence.

On July 10, 17, and 24, at 2:00 pm the Declaration of Independence will be read aloud as part of the Festival’s in-person events. A virtual reading will also air on the museum’s website on July 16.

The declaration will be 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. A copy of the Dunlap Broadside, the Declaration of Independence’s first printing, will be on display in Folsom Tavern and is one of the festival’s highlights.

“What is so special about the American Independence Museum and this festival in particular is that it illuminates a pivotal chapter in our nation’s history,” said Carlos Maldonado, Retail Experience Manager at Kennebunk Savings. “Seeing the words on a page is one thing, but hearing and seeing it recited this way truly brings history to life.”

Celebrating the arrival of the Declaration of Independence in Exeter on July 16, 1776, the American Independence Festival features a variety of entertainment, including music, military demonstrations, traditional artisan working village, and more. Sponsored by the New Hampshire State Council on the Arts, this year’s festival includes in-person events spanning the month of July.

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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RiverWoods Exeter to present concert with Theo Martey & The Akwaaba Ensemble

Riverwoods Exeter and AIM representatives standing in front of the Folsom Tavern

On Saturday, July 10 the American Independence Festival will cap off an exciting day with an outdoor concert featuring Theo Martey & The Akwaaba Ensemble, presented by RiverWoods Exeter.

Theophilus Nii Martey, originally from Ghana, is a master of West African drumming and dance. Martey founded the Akwaaba Ensemble in Manchester, NH. Their energetic and engaging performances are a reflection of their name, which means ‘welcome’ in the Twi language of Ghana. The Ensemble’s music evokes the life and culture of their West African ancestors, who were among those living free and enslaved in New Hampshire during the Revolutionary era.

This outdoor concert takes place from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. and is free of charge thanks to generous support from RiverWoods Exeter. Guests are encouraged to bring chairs, blankets, and picnics.

“The RiverWoods Exeter community is more than just a local business, we are neighbors!” said RiverWoods Exeter Executive Director, Deb Riddell. “Our residents and staff are big fans of the Exeter area and eager supporters whenever and wherever possible. We’re excited to be able to sponsor this concert, allowing it to be a free community event.”

Celebrating the arrival of the Declaration of Independence in Exeter on July 16, 1776, the American Independence Festival features a variety of entertainment, including music, military demonstrations, traditional artisan working village, and more. Sponsored by the New Hampshire State Council on the Arts, this year’s festival includes in-person events spanning the month of July.

To learn more, or purchase tickets, visit independencemuseum.org.

For more information about RiverWoods Exeter, part of the largest family of non-profit Continuing Care Retirement Communities in Northern New England, 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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2021 American Independence Festival: July 3-24

Man in 18th century clothing kneels on a lawn outside and palys a stringed instrument for a group of children.

Saturday, July 3 will kick off the 31st American Independence Festival, a modified in-person event that will run through July 24 on the grounds of the American Independence Museum.

Presented by New Hampshire State Council of the Arts with additional support from Kennebunk Savings, Newburyport Bank, and RiverWoods Exeter, the Festival will feature a traditional artisan working village, entertainment, reenactments with military drills, and more.

The theme of this year’s Festival is diversity and inclusivity, which underscore that ‘liberty and freedom for all’ has not been experienced in the same way for many in the nation to this day.

“While the Festival celebrates American independence, it also provides a forum for discussion and reflection. We hope it can serve to bring people of all backgrounds and ages together,” noted Executive Director Emma Stratton.

This year’s in-person Festival will be held Saturday July 10, 17 and 24 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Highlights include a concert by Theo Martey & The Akwaaba Ensemble on July 10, a British and French military reenactment on July 17, and a Family Camp Out on July 24.

“For this year’s Festival, we are offering something for everyone with our variety of events and features. We hope everyone will discover something they connect with or learn from,” added Emma Scheinmann, Program Assistant and Festival Coordinator.

This year’s Festival also marks the 300th anniversary of the Ladd-Gilman House, which served as the state treasury during the American Revolutionary War. One of the state’s first brick houses, but clapboarded three decades later, the home was birthplace to Nicholas Gilman, Jr., a signer of the United States Constitution and U.S. senator.

Built in 1775 by Samuel Folsom, Folsom Tavern is also located on the grounds of the museum. Site to the founding of the Society of the Cincinnati in the State of New Hampshire in 1783, Folsom Tavern was visited by George Washington in 1789.

“The Society owns the buildings and collection today, so the museum reveals so much about our past and its connection to the present,” noted Stratton. “The Festival will be a terrific time to get a sense for all this history.”

Taking place July 3- 24, the 2021 American Independence Festival will feature entertainment, historic military reenactments, traditional artisan working village, and more. Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for children ages 4 to 18, and free to museum members. Virtual series, online community readings, and additional programming will go live throughout the festival. To learn more, or for a full schedule of events, 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.

Folsom Tavern Open House

Members: Free
Non-Members: $5

Tickets available at the door.

The Folsom Tavern is open for self-guided tours on Saturday, June 28 and July 3.

The Tavern will be open from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. with the last entry available at 2 p.m.

Tickets for Saturday, June 28 include admission to our Family Friendly Saturday: Our Waterways Program.

Folsom Tavern Open House

Members: Free
Non-Members: $5

Tickets available at the door.

The Folsom Tavern is open for self-guided tours on Saturday, June 28 and July 3.

The Tavern will be open from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. with the last entry available at 2 p.m.

Tickets for Saturday, June 28 include admission to our Family Friendly Saturday: Our Waterways Program.

Concert: Theo Martey and the Akwaaba Ensemble

End the Festival Day with an outdoor concert featuring master percussionist, dancer, and teacher, Theophilus Nii Martey. Originally from Ghana, West Africa and now living in Manchester, NH, Theo is a master of West African drumming and dance, a heritage that has many subtle variations in rhythmic patterns, dance styles, and costumes all specific to a wide diversity of tribal groups from the region. Theo started his drumming and dancing studies in Bukom Accra, Ghana at the age of 6, working under the wing of master drummers and dancers. As a young man, he journeyed to London, England and Australia where he studied with other master artists. Since moving to Manchester, he has founded the Akwaaba Drum and Dance Ensemble. The Akwaaba Ensemble’s energetic and engaging performances are a reflection of their name, which means ‘welcome’ in the Twi language of Ghana. They bring West African drumming and dance to vivid life, holding sway with the rich and subtle rhythmic patterns and styles specific to different tribal groups of West Africa.

This free concert is presented through sponsorship from Riverwoods Exeter.

*Visitors who are above the age of 2 and are vaccinated are no longer required to wear a mask outdoors. Following the CDC and NH DHHS guidelines, masks are required indoors at all times.

American Independence Festival

American Independence Festival July 10, 17 & 24

Tickets available at the door or online.
Adults: $5
Children 4-18: $3
Members: Free
Active Military and Veterans: Free
Festival 3-Day Pass Adult: $10
Festival 3-Day Pass Child: $6

Join us for the final Saturday of our modified Independence Festival.

Today’s Festival Highlights:

Artisans:

  • Steve Zoldak- Potter
  • Larry Leonard- Tinsmith
  • Chuck Walker- Horner
  • Ron Raiselis- Cooper
  • Tara Raiselis- Millinery

Reenactor Groups:

  • Acton Minutemen
  • Captain Dearborn’s Company
  • Danvers Alarm List Company

Other Festival Highlights:

  • John Taylor Gilman Declaration Reading Reenactment at 2 pm

Ongoing programs:

  • Folsom Tavern tours
  • Hands-on family activities
  • Beer garden (12-4 p.m.)

Evening Event: Family Camp Out with the Acton Minutemen

American Independence Festival

Tickets available at the door or online.

Adults: $5
Children 4-18: $3
Member Adults: Free
Member Children: Free
Active Military and Veterans: Free
Festival 3-Day Pass Adult: $10
Festival 3-Day Pass Child: $6

Join us for the second Saturday of our modified Independence Festival.

Today’s Festival Highlights:

Artisans:

  • Laurel Jamieson- Spinning and Weaving
  • Adam Hodges-LeClaire- Tailoring
  • Walter Hanson- Ranger in Colonial Times
  • R.P. Hale- Dulcimer
  • Denise and Paul Pouliot- Abenaki Culture

Reenactor Groups:

  • The 4th (King’s Own) Regiment of the Foot
  • 85th Régiment de Saintonge

Other Festival Highlights:

  • Welcome and Land Acknowledgment at 10:15 am
  • John Taylor Gilman Declaration Reading Reenactment at 2 pm
  • From Sheep to Socks in Colonial America hands at 11 & 2:30

Ongoing programs:

  • Folsom Tavern tours
  • Hands-on family activities
  • Beer garden (12-4 p.m.)

Evening Event: Historic Enemies and Rivals: European Armies in North America

Enjoy living history as two reenactor units of the British and French army perform military drills and engage in some friendly rivalry. This evening program is free of charge.

American Independence Festival

American Independence Festival July 10, 17 & 24

Tickets available at the door or online.
Adults: $5
Children 4-18: $3
Member Adults: Free
Member Children: Free
Actively Military and Veterans: Free
Festival 3-Day Pass Adult: $10
Festival 3-Day Pass Child: $6

Join us for the first Saturday of our modified Independence Festival.

Today’s Festival Highlights:

Artisans:

  • Linda Oakley- Needlework
  • Peter Oakley- Shoemaker
  • Peter Cook- Flax to Linen
  • Bill Wasson- Ropemaking

Reenactor Groups:

  • First Regiment of New Hampshire- special presentations at 11:30 a.m. & 2:45 p.m.
  • Ladies Association of Revolutionary America- special presentations at 11 a.m. & 1:30 p.m.

Other Festival Highlights:

  • Meet “Black Jack” Staines- special presentations at 10:45 a.m., 12 p.m., 1:15 p.m. & 3:30 p.m.
  • John Taylor Gilman Declaration Reading Reenactment- 2 p.m.

Ongoing programs:

  • Folsom Tavern tours
  • Hands-on family activities
  • Beer garden (12-6 p.m.)

Evening Event: Theo Martey and the Akwaaba Ensemble

This free event is made possible through the sponsorship of Riverwoods Exeter.

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