Historic Tours & Events at American Independence Museum, Exeter

Located in Exeter, New Hampshire, the American Independence Museum offers an immersive dive into early American history through hands-on tours, engaging mini camps, and special events. This museum’s unique blend of well-preserved 18th-century buildings—including the Ladd-Gilman House and Folsom Tavern—creates a living-history experience far richer than a typical museum visit. These historic sites anchor the story of New Hampshire’s role in the Revolutionary War and bring to life the complex perspectives of patriots, loyalists, and neutrals during America’s fight for independence.

Visitors can join guided tours that illuminate the political and social currents that shaped the American Revolution. The Folsom Tavern Guided Tour provides a recreation of colonial tavern life, complete with sensory-friendly tours designed to engage all ages and abilities. For homeschooling families, tailored programs such as “Multiple Perspectives: Patriots & Loyalists” and “Waterways for Homeschoolers” offer in-depth, curriculum-aligned learning outside the classroom.

The museum’s “Beer for History” series uniquely pairs craft brewing with Revolutionary-era stories, taking place at local breweries like Czar's Brewery and von Trapp Brewing. These events mix education with a social atmosphere, connecting today’s cultural experiences to the past. Annual highlights include the vibrant American Independence Festival and themed mini camps on topics from historic culinary practices to camp life in the 18th century.

Although the museum is rich in artifacts like the Dunlap Broadside—an early print of the Declaration of Independence—visitors should note the historic buildings have limited accessibility, with staff ready to assist those with mobility concerns. Open May through November, this museum stands as a cultural landmark in Exeter and a vital educational resource that invites visitors to examine the roots of American democracy through history, community events, and interactive storytelling.