things to do in nh - American Independence Museum

August 16, 2018June 9, 2021

American Independence Museum offers programs for school groups

With school nearly back in session, the American Independence Museum is busying itself for visits with school groups from across the state. Available programs are geared toward students from K- 12, and several spots are still available.

“Our school programs are great because they bring students into an environment that makes history seem very real,” said Abigail Pietrantonio, education manager. “They can see where some of the leaders of Exeter lived during the Revolution and sit in a room that once welcomed George Washington. This is a perfect setting for hands-on learning.”

2018 -2019 school year programs include Letters to a Young Nation (grades K-2), Roots of Revolution – Patriot or Loyalist? (grades 5+), Students as Tour Guides (grades 8-12), and Colonial Living Days (grades 1-12).

The cost for these programs are per student and vary between $5 and $8. All programs are between 60 and 90 minutes long and accommodate a maximum of 50 participants.

“We want to be a resource for teachers and schools,” said Pietrantonio. “Our programming can be customized to complement what is taught in the classroom with the added bonus of being in an 18th century environment.”

To book a school group, or learn more about the American Independence Museum, visit www.independencemuseum.org. Pietrantonio may be reached at [email protected].

August 9, 2018June 9, 2021

Museum to Host Architectural Tour

Although in a town as historic as Exeter (375+ years old), it is impossible to cover its entire history in one event, the American Independence Museum is trying to provide folks with a peek “behind the scenes.”

On Friday, August 24, the museum will host the third of four Architectural Tours this season. It will provide visitors with the opportunity to see areas of both 18th century buildings on the property that are not typically open to the public.

Among many interesting historical footnotes, the ca. 1721 Ladd-Gilman House was home to NH’s first Governor, John Taylor Gilman, who served in such capacity off and on for 14 years from 1794 to 1816. In 1985, a Dunlap Broadside, the first official printing of the Declaration of Independence, was re-discovered in its attic.

“The Ladd-Gilman House has been home to many interesting characters and events through the years,” noted museum Executive Director Emma Bray.

Originally built in the center of downtown Exeter where Me & Ollies exists today, the ca. 1775 Folsom Tavern is now “down the hill” from the Ladd-Gilman House and boasts a unique history of its own. In addition to where the New Hampshire Chapter of the Society of the Cincinnati was founded in 1783, Folsom Tavern welcomed George Washington in 1789 where he “partook in a collation” served by the Folsom family.

“The Society still owns our properties, so this tie to history is still evident today,” added Bray. “Folsom Tavern was undoubtedly a gathering spot for many, including politicians and soldiers, during the Revolution.”

During the Architectural Tour, visitors will learn how the two buildings have changed through the years, their decorative styles and architectural features. The tour takes place at 10:30 am on Friday, August 24.

Due to the historic nature of both buildings, they are not handicap accessible. Tickets are $10 for non-members and $5 for members.

August 8, 2018June 9, 2021

Global impact of American Revolution to be explored at Next Lunch & Learn

Located next to each other in downtown Exeter, the American Independence Museum and People’s United Bank are more than simply neighbors, but partners as they present the next Lunch & Learn on Wednesday, August 15.

Entitled, “Global Perspectives on the Revolution: The Exhibit Up-Close,” the presentation will be facilitated by the museum’s Collections Manager, Rachel Passannante, who will discuss their “global theme” and 2018 special exhibit.

“So much of our programming relates to our theme, Global Perspectives on the Revolution, which helps frame the importance the war had on other nations,” she said. “Our special exhibit this year tells that story, so I look forward to talking to people about it and then taking them on a tour of the museum to show it to them.”

For the past two years, People’s United Bank has helped present the museum’s evening talks with an expansion in 2018 to include the Lunch & Learn series, which takes place at noon at Folsom Tavern.

“Education is so important to us, and we love the museum’s focus on engaging the community,” said Marc Ouellette, vice president, senior market manager at People’s United Bank. “We are proud to partner with them to bring these talks and discussions to the community at no charge.”

Tavern Talks are additionally supported by a Humanities-To-Go grant from the NH Humanities Council.

Lunch & Learns are held in Folsom Tavern, 164 Water Street, Exeter, NH and are free and open to the public, who are welcome to bring lunch to eat during the presentation.

August 2, 2018June 9, 2021

Museum anticipates 2018 Beer for History series

When it comes to good craft beer and history, the American Independence Museum in Exeter has the market cornered with its third Beer for History series, which kicks off on September 20 with Neighborhood Beer Co.

Sponsored by Hoefle Phoenix Gormley & Roberts, P.A. Attorneys at Law since its inception in 2016, Beer for History will feature a different brewer at each subsequent event. Earth Eagle Brewings is the featured brewer on October 4 with Throwback Brewery and von Trapp Brewing from Stowe, VT on October 18 and November 1, respectively.

According to museum Executive Director Emma Bray, each brewer in the series is well known and regarded for its “well-crafted brews.”

“Beer for History is known for bringing in high-quality brewers,” she said. “This event is perfect for folks who simply love a good beer. It’s also fun for history lovers, as we’ve worked unique history programming into the event in creative and fun ways.”

In addition to craft beer, each event will include Colonial Tavern Games, Colonial Trivia, and/or Escape Room as well as music and light snacks. Lexie’s Burger Bus will be on hand selling local food at all events except October 4, as the museum will announce a partnership with another local food truck for that event soon.

This year, Throwback Brewery and von Trapp Brewing join Beer for History for the first time, which excites Bray.

“Throwback and von Trapp both have unique histories themselves, so it is fun to connect our history with their history through this event,” she said.

All Beer for History events take place at the museum’s historic Folsom Tavern from 6pm to 8pm. Built in 1775, Folsom Tavern has served as backdrop to several noteworthy events in its long history, including a visit by George Washington in 1789.

“Have a beer where George Washington ate–not many museums can say that,” added Bray.

Tickets for each event are $15 for members and $20 for non-members. Series tickets are $50 and $70 for members and nonmembers, respectively, while children (under 21) are $3. Ticket prices include beer (21+), entertainment, light snacks and more.

To purchase tickets, or learn more about Beer for History, visit www.independencemuseum.org.

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July 31, 2018June 9, 2021

Ruffner Real Estate invests in Exeter and the American Independence Museum

When Emma Bray, executive director of the American Independence Museum, first arrived in Exeter in March of 2017, one of the first people she met in town was Florence Ruffner of Ruffner Real Estate.

“It was clear she not only knew this area well, but loved it and especially the museum,” said Bray. “I realized right then that she is an important part of Exeter.”

Recently, Ruffner Real Estate contributed $1,500 to support the museum’s American Independence Festival, which saw more than 4,000 people visit downtown Exeter on Saturday, July 14. For Ruffner, the sponsorship reflects her love of the museum and what is one of the largest events in the area.

“I love to see people here at the festival, taking in the sights and sounds of a town I truly love,” she said. “Exeter is a town with a wonderful art and music scene, culture, shopping and restaurants…I want people to come visit us and discover why this town is so special and unique.”

For Bray, Ruffner’s vision of a vibrant, culturally rich Exeter aligns with that of the museum.

“The museum is just as concerned about the town as it is its own operations,” she said. “In order for us to thrive, the town must thrive, too, and vice-versa…We need to work together as businesses to maximize Exeter’s potential.”

Ruffner, whose office is just across the street from the museum’s Ladd-Gilman House (c.1721) and Folsom Tavern (c.1775), said she is enthused at Bray’s leadership and vision.

“I appreciate Emma and her ability to see the potential of this town and act on it,” she said. “This town has such an incredible, rich history and an even brighter future. It’s important we seize opportunities.”

One opportunity is a rich arts and culture scene, which she said the museum is helping to encourage with collaborations with numerous agencies, including TEAM (Town.Exeter.Arts.Music).

“We need vibrancy in this town in multiple ways, and so enhancing our local arts and culture scene is important to our town’s future,” Ruffner said. “With a beautiful space right in downtown Exeter, the museum is part of that, which I completely support.”

Bray added, “I am so thankful for Florence and what she has done for the museum through the years and in my time here,” she said. “She is a wonderful part of our museum.”

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. Located at One Governor’s Lane in Exeter, the museum is open 10am to 4 pm, Tuesday through Saturday.

July 26, 2018June 9, 2021

Foy Insurance renews ties with American Independence Museum

Exeter, NH—July 24, 2018—Recently, Foy Insurance made an investment of $1,500 to support the American Independence Museum, a financial contribution whose roots extend back nearly 400 years for Co-Owner Jeff Foy.

“I am a direct descendant of Anthony Colby, who was one of the first settlers of Amesbury, Massachusetts where his home, the Macy-Colby house built around 1650, still stands today,” he said. “For so many years growing up, I heard the stories from my grandparents and great-grandparents.”

This interest in history was also encouraged by his schooling.

“I had great history teachers growing up in all levels of school at Sanborn in Kingston, New Hampshire and at UNH,” he added.

For Emma Bray, executive director at the museum, Foy’s enthusiasm and support is important on many levels.

“It gets other people excited about and interested in history and what we are doing here,” she said.

Foy agrees and added, “The museum embodies so many of the things I care about–our national and local history, supporting local enterprises, being part of the fabric of Exeter, making sure young people learn about history…We feel that we succeed when Exeter and the Exeter area is prosperous so we do as much as we can to support it.”

Home to a world-class collection of 3,000 historic artifacts, the museum welcomes more than 5,000 visitors annually and offers a diverse array of programs and events for all ages.

For Foy, history is not just a subject that interests him on a personal level, though, as he noted it is also reflected in his professional narrative.

“Foy Insurance and its predecessors insurance agencies called Elwell Insurance and then Elwell-Collishaw Insurance have been operating in Exeter for 125 years,” he said. “My family is the third family to own it.”

In referencing Foy’s personal and professional story, Bray said it helps to illustrate one very important key concept.

“History is not just something from our deep past,” she said. “It is happening today.”

History can also be predictive of the future.

“I have always looked to the past to predict and prepare for the future,” said Foy.

May 22, 2018June 9, 2021

Education, metaphors and shared philosophies bring two organizations together

When People’s United Bank agreed to sponsor the American Independence Museum’s evening and afternoon lecture series, Executive Director Emma Bray was thrilled.

“It is more than a fiscal sponsorship,” she said. “It’s a partnership.”

In describing ‘partnership,’ Bray went on to explain that Marc Ouellette, vice president, senior market manager at People’s United Bank, attended nearly every lecture last year when they also presented the lively educational talks.

“It was great to have Marc here and talk with our guests and get to know them as people,” she said. “Their support enables us to put on a first-class event and promote it effectively…the high attendance numbers this year support that.”

For Ouellette, partnering with the museum makes sense in several ways.

“I see the bank and the museum as branches on the same tree,” he said. “The community is this tree, and each of us have our roles. It is a wonderful partnership.”

Bray agreed and extended the metaphor of a tree a bit further. “People’s United Bank enables us to branch out into the community,” she said.

In reflecting on the partnership as a whole, Bray said it is “immensely important.”

“I tremendously value our partnership with Marc and the bank,” she said. “Their support enables us to continue to develop programs and opportunities for experiential learning that are really very important. Understanding history and its relevance to today gives us all a much needed sense of place.”

Tavern Talks are additionally supported by a Humanities-To-Go grant from the NH Humanities Council.

March 6, 2018June 9, 2021

Museum welcomes new president to the board

In January, Ozzie Ayscue of Exeter was elected president of its Board of Governors. The appointment follows two years of service on the board during which time Ayscue said he became increasingly motivated by the museum’s mission.

“The mission really resonated with me, especially the part about ‘encouraging and inspiring civic engagement today,’” he said. “It is vitally important to find clever ways to help people to slow down and gain a deeper understanding of the people, places and ideas of American Independence from all sides. With that base of knowledge, people will be more excited to engage in civic life in a constructive manner.”

He also expressed interest in the museum’s assets, which include a Broadside copy of the Declaration of Independence printed on July 4, 1776 and working drafts of the US Constitution with handwritten corrections.

“The potential for storytelling and enabling an intimate experience with these and many other amazing items are a huge opportunity for the museum,” he said.

While not an Exeter native, Ayscue said he is also excited at the prospect to give back to a town that helped lay the foundation for his future.

“I first experienced Exeter and New Hampshire as a 3-year boarding student at Phillips Exeter Academy,” he said. “I never imagined I would return here later in life, but I am glad I did.”

As for his role as president of the Board of Governors, Ayscue said his first goal is to support museum staff and the important work that is already underway. Some of this work includes the Traveling Trunk program, presented by Service Credit Union, and the planning behind the 3rd Beer for History.

“Beer for History is sponsored by Hoefle Phoenix Gormley & Roberts—and we are thrilled at this renewed partnership and the many partners who help advance our mission,” he said. “Our events and programs reflect a steady effort to enliven visitors’ museum experience so they come away with something a little deeper and different each time they visit.”

To learn more about the museum, which opens for the 2018 season on Saturday, May 5 with free admission for NH residents, visit www.independencemuseum.org.

February 9, 2018June 9, 2021

Registration open for innovative summer programs

American Revolutionary history is alive and well at the American Independence Museum, as it recently opened registration for its kids’ summer programs.

The museum’s summer programming includes a brand new Colonial Tales program, which will utilize stories to introduce kids, ages 6 to 8, to various aspects of daily colonial life. In this half-day program, which takes place July 23 to July 27, kids will learn through activities, crafts and games.

In Revolutionary Kids, participants (ages 9 – 11) will have the opportunity to assume the roles of real 18th century Exeter children, complete with colonial clothing. At the end of the program (July 9 to July 13), participants will demonstrate what they learned at the American Independence Festival on July 14.

Designed for kids, ages 12 to 14, History Adventures will help participants build upon their knowledge of 18th century life and Revolutionary War period history. This program (August 6 to August 10) will consist of hands-on activities and crafts, demonstrations, field trips, living history, re-enacting and more.

In commenting on the museum’s summer programming, Education Manager Abby Pietrantonio said they are excited to offer programs that will reach a wider audience. “We received a generous grant from the William W. Treat Foundation, which really enabled us to expand our summer programs for kids,” she said.

Museum Executive Director Emma Bray expressed excitement at the opportunity to provide kids with a chance to “immerse themselves in our shared colonial history.”

“We are thrilled to expand our hands-on learning opportunities for children this summer,” she added.

Registration is open for all three programs and space is limited. To learn more or register, visit https://www.independencemuseum.org/educate/summer-education-programs/.

December 11, 2017June 9, 2021

Holiday Celebration a big success

From December 1 through December 3, the American Independence Museum welcomed nearly 1,000 visitors for its 2017 season-ending Holiday Celebration, presented by The Provident Bank. The weekend kicked off with a holiday party and fundraiser on Friday with more than $5,000 netted to support museum programs and initiatives.

“This more than doubled what we raised last year,” said museum Executive Director Emma Bray, who noted this was her first year at the annual celebration. “It was wonderful to see so many people of all ages take part in this year’s festivities. It capped off a very successful 2017 season.”

The weekend festivities took place at the museum’s Folsom Tavern, which was professionally decorated by The Willow. In addition to their annual holiday celebration on Friday, the museum served refreshments during the holiday parade on Saturday and participated in Womenade’s Holiday Home Tour on Sunday.

In speaking on the success of the 2017 season, Bray credited corporate partners, including major contributors Service Credit Union; GEICO Local Office, Manchester; Hoefle, Phoenix, Gormley & Roberts, P.A.; New Hampshire State Council on the Arts, and Ruffner Real Estate.

“Aside from financial support, these and many other sponsors are involved in what we do—some like People’s United Bank sponsor educational lectures while others, including The Provident Bank, support specific events and visit with us weekly,” she added.

According to Bray, the museum’s value proposition extends far beyond preserving history.

“We are of course a museum, but we are also a resource for community development,” she explained. “One of the central questions we seek to answer is how can we be of value and service to the communities around us? If we can attract more visitors here, we enhance Exeter and the surrounding region. Corporate partnerships help us advance this larger mission.”

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