The American Independence Museum, located in downtown Exeter, offers a fascinating glimpse of America's early days during the Revolutionary War. The campus and tours include the Ladd-Gilman House, c. 1721, a National Historic Landmark, and Folsom Tavern, c. 1775, the site of heated political debates before and during the Revolution and visited by President Washington in 1789. Highlights of our collection include a Dunlap Broadside of the Declaration of Independence, one of 26 copies in the world, plus Nicholas Gilman's drafts of the U.S. Constitution, as well as an original Purple Heart. Children will love our hands-on Colonial life exhibit or a chance to become a Junior Curator! Guided and self-guided tours available, in 2014 we are open Thurs-Sat and in 2015 we will be open Tues - Sat. Our hours are 10 - 4 pm from May through November. Group tours of 55 or less are welcome and should call ahead to reserve! Signature annual American Independence Festival is held third Saturday of July, our 25th Anniversary Festival will be held on July 18, 2015. FMI on the museum and our Calendar of Events, visit www.independencemuseum.org Also, check out our Folsom Tavern for your event!
Meetings
The American Independence Museum offers its Folsom Tavern, Museum Grounds and/or back patio of the Ladd-Gilman House for private functions and meetings on a limited basis. The expanded use of this building helps raise public awareness and increase appreciation of the museum’s historic structures and grounds. The Tavern can hold a maximum of 50 individuals for an event and guests can be seated at tables throughout multiple rooms. Our large room holds 20-30 auditorium style or at tables. A podium, tables and chairs are available and we have a list of preferred vendors that you may work with to plan your event.
Weddings
The American Independence Museum offers its Folsom Tavern, Museum Grounds and/or back patio of the Ladd-Gilman House for private functions and meetings on a limited basis. The expanded use of this building helps raise public awareness and increase appreciation of the museum’s historic structures and grounds. Our Tavern is ideal for smaller weddings of 50 individuals or less. Use our beautiful grounds, and the backdrop of our historic buildings for your ceremony - let your guests enjoy private tours of our Museum, and then dine with family and friends in the very same Tavern George Washington once ate breakfast. We do have some tables and chairs available and we have a list of preferred vendors that you may work with to plan your event for catering and other rentals. Larger (outdoor) weddings maybe accommodated, please inquire.