News & Blog

Facebook-f Instagram X-twitter

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

Tag: we the people

Reflective Patriots: Thursday Mini Camps

Children in 18th century clothing washing clothes

Dates:  Thursday, July 14, 21 & 28
Time:  9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Location:  Folsom Tavern Grounds
Cost: Non-members $55 per day or $150 for all three
Members $45 per day or $120 for all three
all participants receive a reproduction Badge of Military Merit like the ones Revolutionary War heroes received!
These camps are best for: ages 6-10, all genders

Campers 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. Enlist for one, two, or all three sessions!

Each week campers will dress in colonial clothing, participate in games and activities, create projects and eat a colonial-inspired snack.

Weekly Themes

July 14: Freedom
A war to fight for freedom but what did that mean? Uncover what freedom meant to the different people living in colonial America and how they joined in the fight. Dress in colonial clothing, carry out daily chores, protest British taxation, spin your own yarn, and write a petition using a quill pen.

July 21: Compromise
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 and discover how compromise is what finally led to American independence. This week campers will dress in colonial clothing, play team building games, recreate historical debates, work together to create a group project, and vote on the direction of their day.

July 28: We the people
Everyday people, laborers, farmers, enslaved, housewives, and even children all were 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.

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’.

Reflective Patriots: Thursday Mini Camps

Children in 18th century clothing washing clothes

Dates:  Thursday, July 14, 21 & 28
Time:  9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Location:  Folsom Tavern Grounds
Cost: Non-members $55 per day or $150 for all three
Members $45 per day or $120 for all three
all participants receive a reproduction Badge of Military Merit like the ones Revolutionary War heroes received!
These camps are best for: ages 6-10, all genders

Campers 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. Enlist for one, two, or all three sessions!

Each week campers will dress in colonial clothing, participate in games and activities, create projects and eat a colonial-inspired snack.

Weekly Themes

July 14: Freedom
A war to fight for freedom but what did that mean? Uncover what freedom meant to the different people living in colonial America and how they joined in the fight. Dress in colonial clothing, carry out daily chores, protest British taxation, spin your own yarn, and write a petition using a quill pen.

July 21: Compromise
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 and discover how compromise is what finally led to American independence. This week campers will dress in colonial clothing, play team building games, recreate historical debates, work together to create a group project, and vote on the direction of their day.

July 28: We the people
Everyday people, laborers, farmers, enslaved, housewives, and even children all were 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.

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’.

Reflective Patriots: Thursday Mini Camps

Children in 18th century clothing washing clothes

Dates:  Thursday, July 14, 21 & 28
Time:  9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Location:  Folsom Tavern Grounds
Cost: Non-members $55 per day or $150 for all three
Members $45 per day or $120 for all three
all participants receive a reproduction Badge of Military Merit like the ones Revolutionary War heroes received!
These camps are best for: ages 6-10, all genders

Campers 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. Enlist for one, two, or all three sessions!

Each week campers will dress in colonial clothing, participate in games and activities, create projects and eat a colonial-inspired snack.

Weekly Themes

July 14: Freedom
A war to fight for freedom but what did that mean? Uncover what freedom meant to the different people living in colonial America and how they joined in the fight. Dress in colonial clothing, carry out daily chores, protest British taxation, spin your own yarn, and write a petition using a quill pen.

July 21: Compromise
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 and discover how compromise is what finally led to American independence. This week campers will dress in colonial clothing, play team building games, recreate historical debates, work together to create a group project, and vote on the direction of their day.

July 28: We the people
Everyday people, laborers, farmers, enslaved, housewives, and even children all were 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.

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’.

Posted on

Questioning “Does Truth Matter?” with the American Independence Museum

The American Independence Museum is pleased to announce the first virtual Tavern Talk of 2022 on Wednesday, March 23 at 6:30 p.m. featuring guest speaker Dr. Joshua Tepley presenting “Does Truth Matter?” Tepley is an Associate Professor of Philosophy at St. Anselm College, whose research interests include concepts of free will and personal identity, as well as the intersection of philosophy with science fiction and pop culture. Tepley has supported the museum in the past as a program participant and presenter.

“This Tavern Talk will touch on the timeless concept of truth, questions that both past and present Granite State citizens grapple with,” said museum Program Manager Sarah Jaworski.

The coexistence of multiple truths and experiences ties directly to the American Independence Museum’s mission of sharing the diverse stories of New Hampshire during the American Revolution.

“Our work at the museum requires examining multiple perspectives to find out what happened in the past. We understand that no singular truth exists. We are delighted to have Dr. Tepley share his ideas on truth with us,” said museum Executive Director Emma Stratton.

Participants will have the opportunity to share their concepts of truth as Tepley leads the group in a thought-provoking community conversation.

Tavern Talks are also supported by a Humanities-To-Go grant from the NH Humanities Council.
Click here to register for the zoom presentation on Wednesday, March 23, 6:30 p.m.

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.

Tavern Talk: Does Truth Matter?

This virtual event is free. Registration required.What is truth? Does truth exist? Does truth matter? This event is a facilitated discussion of these and related questions about one of the oldest topics in philosophy: truth. After a brief introduction to some basic concepts and distinctions, Dr. Tepley will lead the audience in a conversation about these questions. The goal is not to tell attendees what to believe but rather to give them the opportunity explore these questions, and possible answers to them, together as a group. If you like big ideas and stimulating conversation, then this event is for you. Come ready to think, to share, and to learn!

2022 Season Begins

Yellow Colonial House with the American flag hanging out front.

The American Independence Museum will be reopening on Wednesday, May 4th!
Ladd Gilman House tours will take place Wed-Sat: 10 am, 12 pm, 2 pm & 3 pm. The Ladd Gilman House is open for self-guided tours anytime during museum open hours.
Folsom Tavern tours will take place Wed-Sat: 11 am & 1 pm.

Admission Prices

Adults $8
Seniors, Students, Educators & First Responders $6
Children ages 6-18 $4
Children under 6 $0
Active/Retired Military and Veterans $0
Museum Members, Library Passes or Time Travelers $0

American Independence Festival

American Independence Festival July 116, 10 am tp 4 pm

Date: Saturday, July 16
Time: 10 am – 6 pm
Location: American Independence Museum Grounds
Cost:
Adult: $10
Child (ages 4-18): $4
Children under 4: FREE
Veteran, Active or Retired Military: FREE
Museum Members: FREE

2022 Festival

Join us Saturday, July 16 for festivities on museum grounds. Make sure to check back in here as we update the festival program with confirmed presenters and activities. We invite you to engage with us as we celebrate, commemorate, and learn.

Festival Program Includes:

Posted on

Raise a Glass for Our Virtual Holiday Tea

Boston Tea Party Tea ca. 1775

On Saturday, December 4 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., the American Independence Museum will host Virtual Holiday Tea.

Featuring colonial music and opportunities to learn about colonial tea etiquette and 18th century foodways, the event additionally provides attendees with their own ‘room’ and colonial Zoom background for socialization with friends and family. As part of the virtual event, each participant will receive several colonial recipes suited for tea and a half-ounce package of tea from Alchemy & Herbs in Exeter.

“This is a great event where anyone anywhere can enjoy a festive time in their own home with a bit of colonial flair,” said museum Executive Director Emma Stratton. “It’s also a great way to invite people into the museum who might not otherwise be able to attend in person.

Tea can be picked up at the museum’s Ladd-Gilman House at 1 Governors Ln., Exeter, or shipped for $3.

Virtual Holiday Tea takes place from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m on Saturday, December 4. Admission is free for children under 6 with prices ranging from $5 to $10 per person. To purchase tickets, or to learn more about the museum, 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.

Posted on

Fireside Tavern Night at the American Independence Museum

Folsom Tavern covered in snow

On Thursday, December 2 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., the American Independence Museum will host Fireside Tavern Night at Folsom Tavern (c. 1775).

Free for all ages, the event will feature colonial music, fireside cooking demonstrations, hot cider and refreshments, and opportunities to make simple crafts. Attendees will also be able to purchase items from the museum’s gift shop inside the tavern.

“We will also have local vendors selling handcrafted and carefully curated gifts,” said the museum’s Sarah Jaworski, who noted Folsom Tavern will also be decorated for the holidays. “It will be a very festive atmosphere.”

Fireside Tavern Night takes place from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, December 2 both within and outside of Folsom Tavern, 164 Water St., Exeter, NH. Admission is free, and guests are encouraged to bring healthy non-perishable food and toiletry donations for St. Vincent dePaul. Masks are required inside.

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.

Posted on

AIM Encourages Shopping Local With Museum Store Sunday

Museum Gift store with items for the holiday season

On Sunday, November 28, 2021, the American Independence Museum will be taking part in its second annual Museum Store Sunday. More than 1,650 museum stores representing 50 states, 24 countries, and five continents will offer inspired shopping at museums and cultural institutions during Museum Store Sunday. The museum joins museum stores worldwide in this signature annual initiative by offering unique gifts for the holiday season—with all purchases supporting its mission.

“Last year was the American Independence Museum’s first year participating in Museum Store Sunday. We were still closed because of the pandemic, but used this event as further encouragement to make our store available online,” said Executive Director Emma Stratton.

With a variety of products in the store this is the perfect time to stock up on holiday gifts for loved ones. Items range from history books, examining New Hampshire’s revolutionary past, to colonial-inspired children’s games, and hand-crafted goods made by local artisans. All items can be shipped, or are available for local pick-up the week of November 29.

“Thanks to our participation in Museum Store Sunday we had online customers shopping from multiple states and shipped more than we had ever before!”

Shoppers can look forward to Museum Store Sunday as the global annual day to Be a Patron – and shop conscientiously and support museum stores and their missions worldwide. While there is only one Museum Store Sunday each year, everyone is encouraged to Be a Patron of museums and museum stores all year round.
To participate, shop on independencemuseum.org this November 28.

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.

Book Now Book Now