EXPERIENCE HISTORY IN THE SEACOAST OF MAINE

Charming American Independence Museum with a flower garden, decorated with patriotic buntings near The Exeter Inn

American Independence Museum

The American Independence Museum is a historic house museum located in Exeter, New Hampshire. Its 1-acre campus includes two buildings: the Ladd-Gilman House, a registered National Historic Landmark built in 1721 by Nathaniel Ladd, and the Folsom Tavern, built in 1775 by Colonel Samuel Folsom. The museum was opened in 1991 after a rare copy of the Declaration of Independence known as a Dunlap Broadside was found in the Ladd-Gilman house, 200 years after its arrival in Exeter. It is the centerpiece of the museum’s collection. The museum’s mission is “Connecting America’s Revolutionary past with the present.

 

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Open book on a stack of books in Portsmouth Athenaeum, a quiet reading spot near The Exeter Inn

Portsmouth Athenaeum

Membership libraries were first created in the 18th century for the mutual edification of their members and to elevate the educational resources available in the community. The name “Athenæum” was used by a number of societies established during the nineteenth century to describe institutions with broader aims than just a library. While there were once hundreds of membership libraries across America, there are now fewer than twenty left. 

 

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Entrance of Exeter Historic Society, a classic building with an arched entrance and bright autumn foliage near The Exeter Inn

Exeter Historic Society

Their collections illustrate Exeter's rich and fascinating history, its residents and, ultimately, its place in the larger history of both the State And the Nation. The research library acts as a resource for Genealogical Research. Open Tuesdays and Thursdays 2 PM To 4:30 PM; Saturdays 9:30 AM To 12:00 PM. 

 

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Exterior view of The Tuck Memorial with a parking lot and manicured lawn near The Exeter Inn

Tuck Memorial

Tuck Memorial features a collection of early furniture, farm equipment, and pictures, as well as a recreated 1850'S schoolhouse and firefighting museum.

 

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Exterior view of John Paul Jones House with American flag bunting and white trim on a sunny day near The Exeter Inn

John Paul Jones House

John Paul Jones, the legendary sea warrior, roomed at this house frequently, and the house features fascinating 18th and 19th century artifacts.

 

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