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

Tag: things to do in nh

Virtual Summer Camp: Not a Soldier?

Cost for 1 week: $45 non-members, $35 members

Cost for all 5 weeks: $200 non-members, $150 members
Includes a reproduction Badge of Military Merit like the ones Revolutionary War heroes received!

Not a soldier? Everyday people, laborers, farmers, housewives, and even children all were affected deeply by the war and contributed to the cause.

This week’s summer camp will feature two live zoom meetings that will include live demonstrations and a show-and-tell of 18th century life and objects.

Receive your very own American Independence Museum tote filled with books, toys, games, and activities each week. 

Weekly Schedule:

Tuesday, 9:30-10:15: Zoom meeting to discuss your activities for the week

During the Week: Complete activities, which may include watching online videos, visiting local sites, at home activities, or reading a book.

Friday, 9:30-11: Zoom meeting for online show-and-tell demonstrations and activities

Virtual Summer Camp: Remember the Ladies

Cost for 1 week: $45 non-members, $35 members

Cost for all 5 weeks: $200 non-members, $150 members
Includes a reproduction Badge of Military Merit like the ones Revolutionary War heroes received!

This week we will focus on learning how the Revolution affected the lives of women and their contributions to the cause. As Abigail Adams said, “Remember the ladies.”

This week’s summer camp will feature two live zoom meetings that will include live demonstrations and a show-and-tell of 18th century life and objects.

Receive your very own American Independence Museum tote filled with books, toys, games, and activities each week.

Weekly Schedule:

Tuesday, 9:30-10:15: Zoom meeting to discuss your activities for the week

During the Week: Complete activities, which may include watching online videos, visiting local sites, at home activities, or reading a book.

Friday, 9:30-11: Zoom meeting for online show-and-tell demonstrations and activities

Virtual 18th Century School Day

June 25: 10 am – 11:30 am

Cost: $15

School may be out for summer, but it’s time to hit the hornbook! Learn what an 18th century classroom was like in this interactive online program. Schoolmaster Mike will share tools used by students during the 18th century, such as a hornbook and quill pen.

Following his presentation with an active question and answer period, participants will be led in a fun 18th century movement break and a quill writing exercise. Receive your very own 18th century packet with quill pen, dry ink packet, ink well, slate and chalk and one adult and child admission ticket (good through the 2021 season) in an American Independence Museum tote bag.

Colonial school kit may be shipped for an additional flat fee of $10 or picked up at our gift shop at no additional charge

* Have more than one student? Select any additional supplies needed to add to your tote when you purchase your tickets.

Ghosts of Winter Street Cemetery

Tour times: 3pm, 3:30pm, 4pm, 4:30pm, 5pm, 5:30pm

$10 Non-members, $7 Non-member children ages 6-18
$7 Members, $3 Member children ages 6-18
Free, children under 6

Families with elementary school aged children are invited to join our 3:00 or 3:30 tour created with them in mind! Don your Halloween costume as we become detectives using the cemetery to uncover stories of the past. At the end of the tour you will receive a colonial treat!

The American Independence Museum invites you to Winter Street Cemetery to celebrate the waning light and autumn season on Saturday, October 24. Your colonial tour guide will meet you at the Winter Street Cemetery, where you will see the final resting place and the graves of many of Exeter’s famous and infamous revolutionary residents, hear their stories, and learn about this historic cemetery.

All ticket prices include a free pass to visit the museum in 2021.

Homeschool Day: Colonial Living Days Spring 2020

A day just for homeschoolers! History comes alive as students travel to the 18th century to learn about daily life in the colonies. Possible activities include:

    • Don colonial clothing and learn about the wardrobe of a colonial child
    • Hear about the day in the life of a militia man from a local Revolutionary War participant
    • Try out some colonial games, including hoops and graces
    • Participate in a mock one-room school house demonstration
    • Hear stories of sailors and maritime adventures
    • Use a quill pen to write

CLICK TO PURCHASE TICKETS

Notes:

  • ​This is not a drop-off program. Parents must accompany children for the duration of the program.
  • Admission for the program must be paid in advance.  Payment may be completed either online or at the museum. No refunds will be made unless the Museum cancels the event. 
  • Please arrive at least 15 minutes prior to scheduled program for check-in.  
  • ​The event will take place rain or shine. Please ask your students to dress appropriately for the weather, as some activities may take place outside.
  • Due to the historic nature of the buildings, the museum is not handicap accessible.
  • Parking is quite limited, so ​carpooling is encouraged. Two hour on-street parking is available and the Museum’s parking lot is located on Spring Street (behind Folsom Tavern). Please do not park in the lot located near the Ladd-Gilman House (yellow building) and bank or bank parking lot.  
  • Please feel free to utilize museum grounds for lunch, but please be sure to take any trash with you.
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American Independence Museum to open Foy Family Children’s Library in 2020

The site of many American Independence Museum programs, Folsom Tavern (c. 1775) will undergo a transformation in 2020 with the creation of the Foy Family Children’s Library.

Featuring curated books, seating for children, activity table and more, the Foy Family Children’s Library is made possible by a gift from Jeff and Melissa Foy of East Kingston.

According to Jeff Foy, who has supported the museum for years as co-owner of Foy Insurance, the gift ensures “there will be a permanent place for kids at the museum.”

“My wife Melissa was an elementary school librarian before retiring and I have always loved history, so we saw a chance to combine both our passions and make a lasting impact here,” he said. “We are thrilled to be part of the museum and this project.”

In addition to a dedicated space for a children’s library, the gift will enable the museum to upgrade its entire Children’s Room, which will include high-quality games, clothes, toys and more.

“This library and space is part of a larger initiative to transform our campus into an inviting space for local community members and visitors to Exeter,” said Emma Stratton, museum Executive Director. “We are very thankful for this gift.”

Noting work will begin sometime in February or March, the Foy Family Children’s Library is expected to be complete and open for the start of the American Independence Museum’s 2020 season on May 1. 

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.

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American Independence Museum to open Foy Family Children’s Library in 2020

The site of many American Independence Museum programs, Folsom Tavern (c. 1775) will undergo a transformation in 2020 with the creation of the Foy Family Children’s Library.

Featuring curated books, seating for children, activity table and more, the Foy Family Children’s Library is made possible by a gift from Jeff and Melissa Foy of East Kingston.

According to Jeff Foy, who has supported the museum for years as co-owner of Foy Insurance, the gift ensures “there will be a permanent place for kids at the museum.”

“My wife Melissa was an elementary school librarian before retiring and I have always loved history, so we saw a chance to combine both our passions and make a lasting impact here,” he said. “We are thrilled to be part of the museum and this project.”

In addition to a dedicated space for a children’s library, the gift will enable the museum to upgrade its entire Children’s Room, which will include high-quality games, clothes, toys and more.

“This library and space is part of a larger initiative to transform our campus into an inviting space for local community members and visitors to Exeter,” said Emma Stratton, museum Executive Director. “We are very thankful for this gift.”

Noting work will begin sometime in February or March, the Foy Family Children’s Library is expected to be complete and open for the start of the American Independence Museum’s 2020 season on May 1. 

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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Beer for History welcomes Sea Dog Brewing

Presented by Donahue Tucker & Ciandella, the next Beer for History takes place on Thursday, Thursday 24 with Sea Dog Brewing the featured brewer.

Supplying food for each of the Series’ five events, Sea Dog Brewing is expected to bring three beers, each of which are only available hyper-locally. Exeter River Red is an Irish Red Ale in which the grain bill has been enhanced to give it greater complexity; Newington Abbey Ale, a traditional Belgium Trappist Abbey Ale; and Merrimac Valley Cream Ale is a lighter smoother beer that utilized corn in addition to barley to give it a more creamy quality.

In addition to craft brew and beer, the event will feature live colonial-inspired music and entertainment. Each event in the Series take place in historic Folsom Tavern (1775), which is one of two structures on the property of the American Independence Museum, which organizes it.

“This is a chance to have a beer where George Washington had one in 1789,” said Series Organizer Victoria Su. “It’s festive, fun and family-friendly.”

Other events in the Series include Tilton Brothers Brewing (11/7) and Bad Lab Beer Co. (11/21). 

“The series is even more enjoyable because it features brewers deeply invested in the community,” added Su. “By supporting us and them, you support Exeter and surrounding towns while having a great night out.”

Proceeds from the event support educational programming and care of the museum’s collection, which includes two working drafts of the US Constitution and an original copy of the Declaration of Independence. 

Tickets for each Beer for History event are $15 for members and $20 for non-members, while youth (under 21) are $3. Ticket prices include beer (21+), entertainment and light snacks. $10 designated driver tickets are also available.

To purchase tickets, or learn more about Beer for History, 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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Huzzah Family Workshop to Explore Colonial Salad

On Wednesday, October 23 at the first of two workshops in the American Independence Museum’s Huzzah Family Workshop Series, presented by Harman Law Offices, participants will create an historically accurate colonial salad.

In addition to making a salad, participants will also learn about urban foraging today from Leslie Stevens, a UNHCE Master Gardener, Natural Resources Steward, and owner of Sturgeon Creek Farm in Eliot, Maine. Currently on the boards of Seacoast Permaculture and Seacoast Eat Local, Stevens has taught children and their families to grow food for more than 10 years.

“This is a chance to discover how America’s early colonists used a variety of grown and harvested greens, including herbs and flowers, to create delicious salads,” said museum Executive Director Emma Stratton. “We feel this will be very popular with people of all ages.”

Advanced registration is encouraged, while participants may also elect to upgrade and pre-buy dinner prepared by Laney & Lu, or bring their own picnic to enjoy.

“This workshop is all about local food, so we are so thankful to have Laney & Lu join us,” added Stratton.

At the second workshop of the Series, families will make colonial cole slaw, which would have been made with vinegar, and discover various methods of food preservation for the winter months.

To register for Huzzah! Family Workshop: Colonial Salad, which takes place in the museum’s Folsom Tavern from 5 p.m. to 7p.m. on Wednesday, October 23, 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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Colonel & Mrs. Folsom, Ghosts to take center stage at American Independence Museum

On Saturday, October 26, the American Independence Museum will host “Ghosts of Folsom Tavern and Winter Street Cemetery Tour.”

The tour will begin at Folsom Tavern where Colonel & Mrs. Folsom will introduce guests to their 1775 home and business. Guests will also have the opportunity to meet Elizabeth Ewer, a 19th century spiritualist who lived in the tavern. Participants will then walk or drive to Winter Street Cemetery to meet their colonial tour guide, who will reveal the Folsoms’ final resting place and discuss the graves of many of Exeter’s famous and infamous revolutionary residents.

“This is autumnal-themed, non-scary fun during the Halloween season that is appropriate for all ages,” noted the museum’s Victoria Su, who organizes the event.

Among Exeter’s earliest settlers, the Folsoms arrived with the Gilman family with whom they were related. The history of both families–and that of Exeter and its role in the Revolutionary War–feature prominently in the exhibits and collection at the American Independence Museum.

Ghosts of Folsom Tavern and Winter Street Cemetery Tour will take place on Saturday, October 26 from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. in Folsom Tavern with Winter Street Cemetery tours every 30 minutes beginning at 4 p.m. through 5:30 p.m. Cemetery tours will last approximately 45 minutes and guests attending the later two tours are encouraged to bring flashlights. 

The cost is $13 for non-members and $10 for non-member children, ages 6-18. Members are $8 and members’ children, ages 6-18, are $5. All children under the age of 6 are free.

Ticket prices include a visit to the museum day of the event (must visit Ladd-Gilman House before 3:30pm), activities and check in at Folsom Tavern with seasonal refreshments and cemetery tour.

To purchase tickets online, 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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