American Independence Center

Trouble in the Tavern: An Escape Room Adventure
2023-06-02 17:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Folsom Tavern, 164 Water Street, Exeter, NH, 03833, United States
Date: June 2, 2023Time: 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.Location: Folsom Tavern, 164 Water St., Exeter, NHCost: $25 adults, $12 children, Members get a 10% discountCapacity: 8 people per timeslot
Heart pumping history is coming to Folsom Tavern. This spring, AIM is introducing a new activity: “Trouble in the Tavern: An Escape Room Adventure.” Participants must work together to decipher clues, solve puzzles, and even learn a little history. Groups of up to 8 people are in for an hour of fun with some learning thrown in. Preregistration is highly encouraged.
About American Independence Center
Located in Exeter, NH, the American Independence Center 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’.

CANCELLED: Trouble in the Tavern: An Escape Room Adventure
2023-05-20 12:00 - 16:00 | Folsom Tavern, 164 Water Street, Exeter, NH, 03833, United States
Date: May 20, 2023Time: 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.Location: Folsom Tavern, 164 Water St., Exeter, NHCost: $25 adults, $12 children, Members get a 10% discountCapacity: 8 people per timeslot
Due to tomorrow’s weather forecast, the Exeter Arts & Music Festival (the reason we were offering this special event) has been postponed. Anyone who would like to experience the Folsom Tavern Escape Room should call the museum or email: alena@aicnh.org and we will set it up just for you.
Heart pumping history is coming to Folsom Tavern. This spring, AIM is introducing a new activity: “Trouble in the Tavern: An Escape Room Adventure.” Participants must work together to decipher clues, solve puzzles, and even learn a little history. Groups of up to 8 people are in for an hour of fun with some learning thrown in. Preregistration is highly encouraged.
Trouble in the Tavern takes place during TEAM (Town, Exeter, Arts, Music) spring Arts and Music fest. Please enjoy some live music, vendors, and artists, and then spend a delightful time in Historic Folsom Tavern with friends.
About American Independence Center
Located in Exeter, NH, the American Independence Center 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’.

Opening Day 2023
2023-05-03 10:00 - 16:00 | Ladd-Gilman House, 1 Governors Ln, Exeter, NH, 03833, United States
Date: May 3, 2023
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Location: American Independence Center,
1 Governors Lane, Exeter, NH
American Independence Center opens for the season! Guided or self-guided tours take visitors through a docent-led exploration of important moments in our nation’s history as seen through the lens of New Hampshire and untold stories from voices beyond the battlefield.
Tours are available of two buidlings. the Ladd-Gilman house, built in 1721 as a private residence and now serves as a history museum. Throughout our two floors of exhibits you will find hundreds of objects that tell the story of New Hampshire’s role in the fight for Independence. In The Folsom Tavern, tours examine the place taverns held in colonial and revolutionary history and the different experiences people had in taverns. This is an immersive, sensory-friendly tour and is recommended for all ages.
About American Independence Center
Located in Exeter, NH, the American Independence Center 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’.

African American Soldiers and Sailors of New Hampshire During the American Revolution
2023-04-11 19:00 - 20:00 | Folsom Tavern, 164 Water Street, Exeter, NH, 03833, United States
Date: Tuesday, April 11, 2023Time: 7:00 p.m.Location: Folsom Tavern, 164 Water St., Exeter, NHCost: FREECapacity: 30
One of the most interesting aspects of the American Revolution is the role played by African Americans in the fight for independence. Both free African Americans and those that were enslaved were key in manning state militias and Continental Army units, as well as serving on the high seas in the Navy and on privately armed ships. Indeed, their service to the colonies was crucial in a conflict that lasted nearly seven years. Prohibited from serving in military units and largely considered “undesirable elements,” how is it that these African-American soldiers came to fight for the cause of liberty, even when their own personal liberty was not guaranteed?
In this Tavern Talk, Glenn Knoblock examines the history of African-American soldiers’ service during the war, including how and why they enlisted, their interaction with white soldiers, service on the battlefields, how they were perceived by the enemy and the officers under whom they served, and their treatment after the war.
About Glenn Knoblock
Glenn A. Knoblock is an independent scholar and author of over twenty books. Knoblock has served as the main military contributor to Harvard and Oxford University’s landmark African American Biography Project, and he has also written for the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History. His work documents a wide variety of subjects in New Hampshire and New England history, including African American history, historic cemeteries and grave markers, and transportation related topics, including covered bridges and the Kancamagus Highway. He holds a BA in History from Bowling Green State University.This program is made possible by a grant from New Hampshire Humanities. Learn more at www.nhhumanities.org.
About American Independence Center
Located in Exeter, NH, the American Independence Center 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’.

Open Questions: What Does it Mean to be an American?
2023-03-21 18:30 - 19:30 | Folsom Tavern, 164 Water Street, Exeter, NH, 03833, United States
Date: March 21, 2023Time: 6:30 p.m.Location: Folsom Tavern, 164 Water St., Exeter, NHCost: FREECapacity: 30
Open Questions is a series of thought-provoking community conversations presented by New Hampshire Humanities. This series explores essential questions about meaning and life that are important to Granite Staters. Each program is facilitated by philosophy professors who will explore essential questions about meaning and life. Preregistration is highly encouraged.
About Joshua Tepley
Dr. Joshua Tepley is an Associate Professor and Chair of the Philosophy Department at Saint Anselm College, where he has taught for the last decade. He received his B.A. in Philosophy from Bucknell University (2004) and his Ph.D. in Philosophy from the University of Notre Dame (2013). His research interests include free will, personal identity, ontology (the study of being), and the intersection between philosophy and science fiction.This program is made possible by a grant from New Hampshire Humanities. Learn more at www.nhhumanities.org.
About American Independence Center
Located in Exeter, NH, the American Independence Center 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’.

Center Tours
2021-09-02 10:00 - 16:00 | Ladd-Gilman House, 1 Governors Ln, Exeter, NH, 03833, United States
Masks are required.
Cost:

$8 – Adults
$6 – Seniors, Students, Educators & First Responders
$4 – Children (ages 6-18)
FREE for Center Members and Veterans.

Ladd-Gilman House Tours (10 am, 12 pm, 2 pm & 3 pm): Our trained docents will lead you on an hour-long exploration of important moments in our nation’s history, as seen through the lens of New Hampshire, and hear untold stories from voices beyond the battlefield. We will explore not only the events that shaped the foundations of the American nation, but also the people who contributed to the cause of independence, some of whom will be very familiar and others who may be new to you.
Folsom Tavern Tours (11 am & 1 pm): Our trained docents will lead you on a tour that will will examine Folsom Tavern’s unique history, the place that taverns held in colonial and revolutionary history and the different experiences that people had in taverns. This is an immersive, sensory-friendly tour and guests are encouraged to sit on the chairs and touch the objects on view. A children’s room, complete with period clothing and books, is also featured on the tour. This tour is recommended for all ages.
All guided tours are limited to six participants and depart from the Ladd-Gilman House. Pre-registration is strongly encouraged. Visitors are also welcome to take a self-guided tour of Ladd-Gilman House at any time during our open hours, Wednesday-Saturday, 10 am – 4 pm. Self-guided tickets can be purchased at the time of visit. Folsom Tavern is open by guided tour only.Due to guide availability the last Ladd-Gilman guided tour on Friday will begin at noon.
Other dates and times are also subject to guide availability.
About the American Independence CenterThe American Independence Center 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.

Holiday Tavern Open House
2022-12-01 16:00 - 20:00 | NH
Date: Thursday, December 1Time: 4:00 pm – 8:00 pmLocation: Folsom Tavern, 164 Water St.Cost: Free
Join us as we ring in the season, as Folsom Tavern will be decorated for the season and open to the public.
Light refreshments will be served, a make and take craft will be available, and a silent auction will be held. Items include a private behind the scenes tour of the Ladd-Gilman House, an American Girl Teas in the Tavern, a private party in the Tavern as well as curated gifts. Everyone is welcome for this family-friendly, festive event.
Holiday Tavern Open House is presented by:
About American Independence Center
Located in Exeter, NH, the American Independence Center 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’.

Center Tours
2022-05-04 10:00 - 16:00 | Ladd-Gilman House, 1 Governors Ln, Exeter, NH, 03833, United States
Masks are required indoors.
Cost:$8 – Adults$6 – Seniors, Students, Educators & First Responders$4 – Children (ages 6-18)FREE for Center Members and Veterans.
Ladd-Gilman House Tours (10 am, 12 pm, 2 pm & 3 pm): Our trained docents will lead you on an hour-long exploration of important moments in our nation’s history, as seen through the lens of New Hampshire, and hear untold stories from voices beyond the battlefield. We will explore not only the events that shaped the foundations of the American nation, but also the people who contributed to the cause of independence, some of whom will be very familiar and others who may be new to you.
Folsom Tavern Tours (11 am & 1 pm): Our trained docents will lead you on a tour that will will examine Folsom Tavern’s unique history, the place that taverns held in colonial and revolutionary history and the different experiences that people had in taverns. This is an immersive, sensory-friendly tour and guests are encouraged to sit on the chairs and touch the objects on view. A children’s room, complete with period clothing and books, is also featured on the tour. This tour is recommended for all ages.All tours depart from the Ladd-Gilman House. Visitors are also welcome to take a self-guided tour of Ladd-Gilman House at any time during our open hours, Wednesday-Saturday, 10 am – 4 pm. Tickets can be purchased at the time of visit. Folsom Tavern is open by guided tour only.Tour dates and times are also subject to guide availability.
About American Independence Center
Located in Exeter, NH, the American Independence Center 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’.

Lunch and Learn: NH War Monuments
2022-11-10 12:00 - 13:00 | Folsom Tavern, 164 Water Street, Exeter, NH, 03833, United States
Date: Thursday, November 10Time: 12-1 p.m.Location: Folsom TavernCost: FreeCapacity: 30
Grab a bagged lunch and head over to the Folsom Tavern for our first Lunch and Learn since the pandemic.
Learn how the Granite State honors the sacrifices of its many brave veterans, memorializing their stories in statues, bridges, buildings and highways. Join Kathleen and Sheila Bailey as they recount the stories behind the stones.
Join these authors as they highlight New Hampshire monuments associated with the American Revolution. Signed copies of the book will be available for purchase.Lunch & Learns are held in Folsom Tavern, 164 Water Street, Exeter, NH and are free and open to the public. You are welcome to bring your lunch to eat during the presentation. Parking is available in the Center parking lot on Spring Street, Exeter Municipal Lots, and street parking on Water Street. Please note that lectures will take place on the second floor of the Folsom Tavern. Because of the historic nature of the building it is not handicap accessible.
About American Independence Center
Located in Exeter, NH, the American Independence Center 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’.
