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Children, Families the Focus in July at American Independence Museum

In July, children and families are a big focus at the American Independence Museum in Exeter.

On Tuesday, July 2, The Provident Bank is sponsoring free admission for residents of any age from SAU 16, which includes Brentwood, East Kingston, Exeter, Kensington, Newfields, and Stratham. On Saturday, July 6, free admission will also be made available to SAU 16 residents, courtesy of Kennebunk Savings.

“Both banks are also sponsoring the free admission for SAU 16 residents on the first Tuesday and Saturday in August, respectively,” said museum Executive Director Emma Bray. “This is a wonderful opportunity for local residents to see first hand the improvements we have made within our museum as well as our new exhibits.”

Presented by Exeter Hospital, a special patriotic sing-along edition of Revolutionary Story Time! takes place on Thursday, July 4 from 11am to 1 pm.  At this event, families and guests of all ages are invited to Folsom Tavern to celebrate Independence Day with song led by a colonial reenactor, patriotic cake, and colonial games. The event is free and part of a year long series, which takes place on the first Thursday of each month through December.

The largest event annually hosted by the museum, the American Independence Festival takes place on Saturday, July 13 and is expected to attract thousands. Presented by Newburyport Bank, the event features everything from traditional craft demonstrations and battle re-enactments to a beer garden, live music, games, local food, art and craft marketplace, and more.  

The Festival also marks the conclusion of the museum’s Revolutionary Kids Camp, which begins Tuesday, July 9. In this full-day living history experience, youth (ages 9 – 12) immerse themselves in the past and assume the role of a real 18th century Exeter resident, complete with colonial clothing.  At the Festival, youth show off what they have learned in camp, which concludes Friday, July 12.

“It’s a busy month for us and one in which I hope we see many new faces,” added Bray.  “We want people to see the museum as ‘their’ space.”

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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Newburyport Bank to present American Independence Festival

History is often seen as a sequence of events that resides in the past, which is only partly accurate and serves as a subtle theme that underscores the American Independence Festival on Saturday, July 13.

“Our Revolutionary history provides a unique and relevant glimpse into who we are today as Americans,” said Emma Bray, executive director of the American Independence Museum, which hosts the festival. 

This theme recently caught the attention of Newburyport Bank, which presented Bray with a $5,000 check  at their new branch in Exeter to sponsor the festival.  

“We are so enthusiastic about this partnership and the connection between our two organizations,” said Bray. “It is clear we both value and honor the importance of history.”

Lloyd Hamm, Jr., president and CEO, Newburyport Bank, agreed and described himself as “a strong enthusiast of history.”

“I love seeing it energized and want to thank the museum for bringing history to life for the citizens of our communities,” he said.

At the American Independence Festival, visitors experience everything from traditional craft demonstrations and battle re-enactments to a beer garden, live music, games, local food, art and craft marketplace, and more.

In serving as presenting sponsor of the festival, Hamm, Jr.  said he believes Newburyport Bank takes an important step to supporting the greater Exeter community.

“I so appreciate that our Bank, which is new to the Exeter community but active in the region since 1854, can share in this important opportunity for inspiration and learning,” he said.

The festival also serves to conjure within Hamm, Jr. fond memories of a childhood experience in which he participated in the 1976 bicentennial celebrations as a member of the Town of Upton, MA militia. 

“For me, it was a vibrant instrument for understanding and enjoying history,” he recalled. “I  remember bounding through fields of New England with my 75 caliber Brown Bess in hand, battling the British 10th or 54th regiments. It was so much fun to see the looks of awe and enjoyment on the faces of the crowds as our nation’s important history was brought to life.”

It is precisely this kind of experience that Bray said visitors can experience at the festival, which features more than 100 colonial re-enactors, most of whom stay in character throughout the day.

“The festival literally brings history to life,” she said. “We are so thankful to partner with Newburyport Bank to present this unique and engaging experience for people of all ages.”

The American Independence Festival takes place on Saturday, July 13 at the American Independence Festival from 10 am to 4 pm with the beer tent open until 6 pm.

Festival tickets are $10 for adults; $5 for ages 6 to 18; and free for children under 6, active and retired military, veterans, and Museum members. 

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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American Independence Museum to host ‘Unearthed at the AIM’

Presented by People’s United Bank, ‘Unearthed at the AIM’ on Wednesday, June 26 at 12 noon is the next free Lunch and Learn event in the 2019 Lecture Series at the American Independence Museum.

According to museum Executive Director Emma Bray, this talk will be particularly meaningful, as guests will be able to learn about some of the findings of a recent archaeological project outside the Ladd-Gilman House (c. 1721).

“We are currently engaged in a project that will include perimeter excavation and regrading outside the Ladd-Gilman House, foundation repointing and repair of a modern stone retaining wall,” she said. “We are also restoring rotten sills and adding storm doors…Archaeology, though, was the first step, and some interesting things were found.”

The project is made possible from an $80,000 grant award from New Hampshire’s Land and Community Heritage Investment Program (LCHIP) and private funders, including Samuel P. Hunt Foundation, William W. Treat Foundation, Lewis Family Foundation and Society of the Cincinnati in the State of New Hampshire.

“We have been fortunate to receive a groundswell of support for this project, which will take care of many issues around and in the Ladd-Gilman House that jeopardize some items in our collection,” added Bray.

At ‘Unearthed at the AIM,’ Jesse Cofelice, principal investigator at Independent Archaeological Consulting will discuss what has been found outside the museum and in other projects around the region.

“This is a chance to meet an archaeologist that is literally digging through history — it really will be quite fascinating,” said Victoria Su, who organizes the 2019 Lecture Series. “This is a great way to spend your lunch hour and learn something, too.”

‘Unearthed at the AIM’ will take place on Wednesday, June 26 at 12pm.

Presented by People’s United Bank, there is no charge to attend any event in the 2019 Lecture Series and attendees are welcome to bring their own lunch.

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 to partner with American Independence Museum

In 2019, the American Independence Museum is working with a number of local businesses to create free or reduced admission for area residents with the latest partnership with Kennebunk Savings.

In this partnership, the museum will provide free admission on the first Saturday of July and August to residents of SAU 16, which includes Brentwood, East Kingston, Exeter, Kensington, Newfields, and Stratham.

On these dates, July 6 and August 3, respectively, residents of any age from the aforementioned towns will gain entry to the museum’s Ladd-Gilman House and Folsom Tavern at no charge.

Bradford Paige, President and CEO of Kennebunk Savings, said they support this initiative because the museum is “keeping history alive by engaging the youth in our community.”

“We see the importance in ensuring the museum is accessible to everyone and are very pleased to sponsor ‘Free Admission First Saturdays’ for residents as part of our Community Promise Program,” he said. 

Paige also expressed enthusiasm in the museum’s 2019 theme of civic engagement.

 “The museum’s theme of civic engagement is sure to inspire young minds to dream big and know they can affect positive change in the world,” he added.

Museum Executive Director Emma Bray said she is grateful at the opportunity to work with Kennebunk Savings for the first time. Recently, Bray met with Kelly Hutchinson, Vice President/Branch Manager of Kennebunk Savings in Stratham, to discuss the museum’s collection and the partnership.

“In visiting with Kelly, it became clear we have a shared vision for Exeter,” she said. “This partnership results from this shared vision.” 

On Saturday, July 6 and Saturday, August 3, free admission will be provided to residents of Brentwood, East Kingston, Exeter, Kensington, Newfields, and Stratham. 

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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Local festival shows history ‘at work’

For many, history is a subject reserved for academic debates and classrooms, which could not be farther from what takes place at the American Independence Festival in Exeter every July.

Entering its 29th year, the American Independence Festival not only features classic festival elements — live music,  local food, games for kids, art and craft marketplace — but a living history experience for all ages.

“We have traditional artisans outside Folsom Tavern, built in 1775, and dozens of colonial re-enactors on Swasey Parkway and throughout historic downtown Exeter,” said Emma Bray of the American Independence Museum, which hosts the annual event. “It’s what you would expect at a festival, but with history mixed into it.”

The traditional artisan village is made possible by a grant from New Hampshire State Council on the Arts.

“From basket weavers to blacksmiths, shoemakers and more, our traditional artisans village has always been a hit with families,” added Bray. “These artisans demonstrate how our colonial ancestors made – by hand – the things that they needed for life in the 1700s.”

This year, the festival takes place on Saturday, July 13 in Exeter, NH from 10 am to 4 pm. 

For the local business community, the yearly event is important on several fronts.

“It brings people into downtown Exeter, which features a downtown as vibrant and beautiful as you will find anywhere,” noted Florence Ruffner of Ruffner Real Estate, a longtime sponsor of the event.

Bob Mitchell, who sponsors the event through his two businesses, Historic Motor Sports and Mitchel & Monti, said he “loves the festival.”

“America was built by people who worked with their hands in ways that are being lost today,” he said. “If we can inspire a young person to just consider for a moment the ingenuity and creativity that went into how America was built, we just might have a future artisan.”

Other festival elements include a parade beer garden, Revolutionary War battle re-enactment,  and viewing of an original printed copy of the Declaration of Independence.

“It’s such a wonderful community event unique to Exeter, which has a history that rivals any town or city in New England,” said Bray. “The festival is history with an emphasis on fun, community, family…If you haven’t been to Exeter, this is one day you absolutely should visit.”

In total, more than 4,000 visitors are expected to attend the festival on Saturday, July 13 with proceeds to benefit educational programs and collections care at the museum, which features more than 3,000 items. Its collection includes one of only 26 surviving copies of the Dunlap Broadside of the Declaration of Independence and two rare drafts of the U.S. Constitution, both of which will be displayed at the festival.

Festival tickets are $10 for adults; $5 for ages 6 to 18; and free for children under 6, active and retired military, veterans, and Museum members. 

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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American Independence Museum to provide free admission to SAU 16 residents

On the first Tuesday of July and August this summer, the American Independence Museum will provide free admission to residents of SAU 16, which includes Exeter, Brentwood, East Kingston, Exeter, Kensington, Newfields, and Stratham.

Free admission for residents of these towns is made possible by The Provident Bank.

“Offering free admission to SAU 16 residents provides a valuable educational opportunity to residents who may otherwise not be able to enjoy the Ladd-Gilman House,” said Leland Ward, AVP, Regional Relationship Officer – New Hampshire. “The Provident Bank is proud to participate in such a worthwhile cause.”

In 2019, exhibits within the Ladd-Gilman House include both digital and physical interactives, which museum Executive Director Emma Bray said will enhance the learning experience for all ages.

“We want visitors to experience our collection in new ways,” she said. “This partnership with The Provident Bank is exciting because it creates an opportunity for local residents to visit us at no charge on two days this summer.”

On Tuesday, July 2 and Tuesday, August 6, free admission will be provided to residents of Exeter, Brentwood, East Kingston, Exeter, Kensington, Newfields, and Stratham.

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Local historic agencies to offer free admission on NH Appreciation Day on June 15

On Saturday, June 15 from 10 am to 4 pm, the American Independence Museum, Historic New England’s Gilman Garrison House, and Exeter Historical Society will be open for free.

At the American Independence Museum, visitors can take self-guided and docent-led tours on a first come, first served basis with colonial games outside, weather permitting. Gilman Garrison House will offer guided tours on the hour, while Exeter Historical Society will host an open house and offer guided walking tours of historic downtown Exeter at 11 am and 1 pm. 

“This is the first time in recent memory that the three sites have collaborated for a town-wide event and celebration of Exeter’s unique history,” said Emma Bray, executive director of the American Independence Museum. “We are very excited to offer this opportunity to NH residents.”

Home to a world-class collection of 3,000 historic artifacts, the American Independence Museum welcomes more than 5,000 visitors annually and offers educational school programs and events that make history fun and relevant.

Built in 1709 by the Gilman family, the Gilman Garrison House is an unusual structure, featuring walls constructed of massive sawn logs, a pulley above the main entrance, and view ports that reveal its architectural evolution.

The Exeter Historical Society offers regular programs of local historical interest and is a repository for documents, maps, photos, artifacts and other ephemera pertaining to Exeter, New Hampshire.

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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“Researching Veteran Ancestors” to take place on June 8

While many can claim their ancestors served our nation, much less is likely known about their service, which is the subject of the next workshop in the American Independence Museum’s Genealogy Workshop Series.

Presented in partnership with the New England Historic Genealogical Society (NEHGS), the workshop takes place on Saturday, June 8 from 1 to 4 pm in the museum’s Folsom Tavern.

At the workshop, entitled “Researching Veteran Ancestors: American Civil War, World War I, and World War II,” David Allen Lambert, chief NEHGS genealogist, will provide practical tools, tips, and strategies to research veteran ancestors.

“The New England Historic Genealogical Society is the foremost authority in this kind of research,” said museum Executive Director Emma Bray. “This is your chance to learn from and speak with a leading expert and researcher.”

Upcoming workshops include “Researching Early New England Ancestry” (9/21) and “Writing Your Family History: Taking the First Steps” (11/16). 

Individual workshop fees are $20 for museum and NEHGS members and $30 for ‘not-yet’ members. Reservations are required.

The museum’s Genealogy Workshop Series is sponsored by the William W. Treat Foundation.

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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Museum to offer inside look at 18th century buildings

Building on the success of last year’s series, the American Independence Museum will host three Architecture Tours in 2019, scheduled for May 29, June 13, and September 24.

A ‘behind the scenes’ look at the ca. 1721 Ladd-Gilman House and ca. 1775 Folsom Tavern, the Architecture Tour provides insight into the evolution of both buildings, respective decorative styles and architectural features.

“There is so much history behind these structures that we thought it would be fun to take people into areas of the buildings you won’t find on a standard tour,” said museum Executive Director Emma Bray.

Among many interesting historical footnotes, the Ladd-Gilman House was home to NH’s fifth Governor, John Taylor Gilman, who served in such capacity for a total of 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.

Originally built in the center of downtown Exeter where Me & Ollie’s exists today, 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 Architecture Tour will take place from 10:30 am to 12 pm on Wednesday, May 29, Thursday, June 13, and Tuesday September 24.

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

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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Fostering ‘community’ within Exeter Hospital’s Revolutionary Story Time!

With its Traveling Trunk program criss-crossing the nation in its mission to educate youth, the American Independence Museum has made “impressive progress” locally with Revolutionary Story Time!, presented by Exeter Hospital.

Designed for kids, ages 3 to 5, and their families, the series is free and is helping to create what museum Executive Director Emma Bray described as “a third community space.”

“We have a great space for kids and families, and this series helps to open up our property to others who might not know much about us,” she said. “Revolutionary Story Time! is free and accessible to all in our local communities.”

The next Revolutionary Story Time! takes place on Thursday, June 6 from 2 to 4 pm during which time children are entertained by books, live music and stories.

After the initial 30 minute story time, families are invited to “stay and play” for parent-supervised playtime, which includes imaginary play, colonial games and period dress-up.

“It is so much fun to see kids and their families here for this program,” added Bray. “I’m thrilled we can partner with Exeter Hospital to provide this space at no charge to families.”

Due to the historical nature of the Tavern, strollers are not encouraged, as the building is not handicapped accessible. Reservations are accepted but not required.

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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