American Independence Museum

12/12/2024

We are thrilled to announce that AIM received a generous $170,590 LCHIP, Land and Community Heritage Investment Program grant to support a major restoration project for the Ladd-Gilman House! This project, set to begin next year, includes restoring our historic windows, clapboard repair and replacement, new paint, foundation repair, structural support, and repairs to doors, jambs, and thresholds. Stay tuned for updates!

L-R: AIM Board member Karen Prior, NH State Senator Debra Altschiller, NH State Representative Julie Gilman, LCHIP Board Chair Richard Lewis, AIM Board President Joe Pace, NH State Representative Mark Paige, Gov. Chris Sununu, AIM Interim Executive Director Jen Carr, and LCHIP Executive Director Paula Bellemore.

Photo credit: Joe Klementovich

12/05/2024

Join Us Tonight for a Free Open House

Celebrate the season with us tonight at the beautifully decorated Folsom Tavern, located at 164 Water Street in Exeter.

Stop by anytime until 7 PM to enjoy festive refreshments, live violin music, and a fascinating presentation about Christmas traditions in the Colonial era. Don’t miss the chance to explore our gift shop for unique holiday treasures. Thank you to for beautiful floral arrangements.

We look forward to seeing you tonight!

12/03/2024

Today is Giving Tuesday! The American Independence Museum is more than a museum—it’s a place where history, reflection, and civic responsibility come together.

In challenging times, AIM provides a space to connect, learn, and engage with the founding principles that unite us. Your gift today will help preserve history, inspire future generations, and foster meaningful dialogue.

Make a difference this Giving Tuesday!
https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/nUPk99MlVn6qXndZgrKDng

12/02/2024

Tomorrow is Giving Tuesday! Join us in supporting the American Independence Museum to keep the spirit of independence, democracy, and civic responsibility alive. Together, we can protect history and inspire future generations.



Donations can be made here:
https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/nUPk99MlVn6qXndZgrKDng

11/26/2024

Giving Tuesday is just one week away! Support the American Independence Museum and help us bring the story of independence, democracy, and civic responsibility to life. Together, we can preserve history and inspire future generations. Mark your calendar and join us!



Donations can be made here:
https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/nUPk99MlVn6qXndZgrKDng

11/25/2024

On November 2nd, the New Hampshire State Organization Daughters of the American Revolution (NHSODAR) unveiled a historical marker at the Winter Street Cemetery honoring New Hampshire's Black Revolutionary War Soldiers. The marker was sponsored by gifts and grant funding from all 25 chapters of NHSODAR throughout the State.

On the same day, NHSODAR unveiled an America 250! marker at AIM for the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence commemorating patriots who fought in the Revolutionary War. This marker and dedication was funded by the 25 chapters as well.

Watch the video below to learn more.

On Saturday, November 2nd, the Daughters of the American Revolution held a ceremony at Winter Street cemetery honoring Exeter's black revolutionary war soldi...

11/22/2024

Board member Karen Prior believes AIM has the potential to "build bridges" that connect the community and keep history relevant to today.

“You get two people together, and there’s always disagreement,” she notes, “but it’s become so uncivilized. How do you build a better democracy?”

Read the blog post at https://www.independencemuseum.org/blog/

11/21/2024

Tonight from 6-8 p.m. is our final Beer for History event of the season. We want to send a huge shout out to OTTO (Exeter), who has donated pizza for the past three Beer for History nights. Their support has allowed us to offer delicious, complimentary food to our guests all season. Check them out at https://www.ottoportland.com/

Beer for History tickets are $25 and include pizza, beer from UNH Brewing Science Laboratory, and programming by Paul and Denise Pouliot of the Cowasuck Band of the Pennacook Abenaki People. Buy yours at the door tonight.

11/20/2024

Tomorrow, Thursday, Nov. 21, from 6-8 p.m. plan a visit to Folsom Tavern (164 Water St., Exeter) to learn about Abenaki Autumn Traditions and Thanksgiving Myths from Paul and Denise Pouliot of the Cowasuck Band of the Pennacook Abenaki People. We will have beer from UNH Brewing Science Laboratory and pizza will be provided by OTTO Exeter.

Tickets include beer, food, and programming. Buy yours at the door or online at https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/americanindependencemuseum/items/574967/?full-items=yes&back=https://www.independencemuseum.org/unh-brewing-science-laboratory-headlines-final-2024-beer-for-history/&g4=yes

Beer for history is sponsored by Donahue, Tucker & Cindella.

11/19/2024

On Thursday, Nov. 21 from 6-8 p.m. join us for our last Beer for History event of the season. Three beers from UNH Brewing Science Laboratory will be featured:

Pour-over Porter (4.9%) Dark rich beer with coffee forward flavors.

Fluke Vienna Lager (4.8%) Copper colored slightly sweet slightly hoppy crisp lager

Harvest Thyme Brown Ale (5%) Made with thyme from the UNH high tunnels, pumpkins and sweet potatoes from UNH’s Woodman Farm, hops from the organic garden club, and bread from the UNH dining hall.

Sponsored by Donahue, Tucker & Ciandella, OTTO Exeter will provide complimentary pizza.

Tickets include beer, food, and programming, and are available online or at the door.

Buy yours now at https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/americanindependencemuseum/items/574967/?full-items=yes&back=https://www.independencemuseum.org/blog/%23buildingbridges&g4=yes

11/19/2024

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Exeter Area Garden Club for their dedication and hard work in completing the fall cleanup of the perimeter garden at the Ladd-Gilman House. Your efforts help preserve the beauty and history of this cherished space for our community.

11/15/2024

11/12/2024

Don't miss our last Beer for History event of the season on Thursday, November 21 from 6-8 p.m.

UNH Brewing Science Laboratory will offer three unique beers and the event will feature a program hosted by Paul and Denise Pouliot of the Cowasuck Band of the Pennacook Abenaki People, "Abenaki Autumn Traditions and Thanksgiving Myths".

OTTO Exeter will provide pizza and we will have trivia and sea shanty sing-alongs.

Tickets include beer, pizza, and programming. Buy yours at https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/americanindependencemuseum/items/574967/?full-items=yes&back=https://www.independencemuseum.org/unh-brewing-science-laboratory-headlines-final-2024-beer-for-history/&g4=yes

On Thursday, November 21, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., the American Independence Museum (AIM) will host their final Beer of History of 2024, featuring beer brewed by UNH Brewing Science Laboratory.

11/07/2024

Starting at 6 p.m. TONIGHT, Thurs. 11/7, come learn about maritime history, pirates, and sunken treasure with Real Pirates Salem at Folsom Tavern, 164 Water St., in Exeter.

Tickets also include beer from Czar's Brewery and pizza from OTTO (Exeter). Tickets are $25 and available at the door.

11/07/2024

Come grab a beer from Czar's Brewery and learn about maritime history from Real Pirates Salem tonight, Thursday, Nov. 7, at 6 p.m.

Pizza will be provided by OTTO (Exeter).

Tickets are $25 and include beer, food and programing. Buy yours at the door.

11/05/2024

Go vote today and make history!

Honor all the people who fought for our democracy and your right to vote. Make your voice heard.

11/05/2024

To kick-off the statewide celebrations of the 250th anniversary of American independence, NH State DAR Regent, Kay Sternenberg, led all 25 local DAR chapters on a common project this past Saturday: to honor and commemorate the service and sacrifice of all the Black soldiers and sailors from NH who served in the Revolutionary War. Over 200 people witnessed and celebrated a historic marker that was unveiled at the Winter Street Cemetery in Exeter, NH where at least two Black soldiers are buried. Wreaths were laid by descendants and taps were sounded. The attendees then traveled via trolley to the American Independence Museum to witness the unveiling of a separate DAR "America 250" commemorative marker on their memorial staircase. Fife and drum music filled the air, and a musket salute finalized the historic day in Exeter. The public is invited to stop by either location to view the two signs.