American Independence Museum — Attraction in Exeter

A charming museum with knowledgeable guides, a fun gift shop, and great branding, the American Independence Museum is a great stop for families and history buffs alike.

The museum is open May through November on Wednesdays through Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Cost of admission is $8 for adults; $6 for seniors, students, educators, and first responders; $4 for children ages 6 through 18, and free for children under 6, military and veterans, museum members, library pass holders, NEMA members (like me!), and time travelers (as promised by their website).

Like many historic houses, the buildings are not wheelchair accessible and may prove difficult to navigate for people with mobility issues.

Tours of Ladd-Gilman House are guided at 10:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m., and 3:00 p.m., with plenty of signage for a self-guided tour. Folsom Tavern is only open to guided tours at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. This experience is billed as their “immersive, sensory-friendly tour”, as the tavern has a space for relaxation, playing with historical toys, and reading children’s books on early American history.

Overall, this is a great opportunity for local families to introduce children to the American Revolutionary War and view rare documents related to the founding of the...

We had a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse at the pre-season setup of the museum’s exhibits. A special shout-out to Joe Pace, President of the Board of Governors, and the dedicated staff—their passion for preserving and sharing our nation's heritage is truly evident.

The museum's knowledgeable docents offer guided tours that provide in-depth insights into the artifacts and historical context, including the remarkable Dunlap Broadside of the Declaration of Independence.

One particularly thought-provoking feature is a mirror exhibit that encourages visitors to reflect on their role in supporting democracy. This interactive element invites personal contemplation on civic engagement and the responsibilities of citizenship.

While the historic buildings are beautifully preserved, they present accessibility challenges. Visitors with mobility concerns are encouraged to contact the museum staff at (603) 772-2622 for more information—they are open and responsive to all inquiries.

Don’t miss the 34th Annual American Independence Festival on Saturday, July 12, celebrating the 1776 arrival of the Declaration of Independence in...

Dave our tour guide was intelligent, charming and an expert on the properties at the American Independence Museum. We purchased the tours of both the Ladd-Gilman House and Folsom Tavern. We had such a great time and I highly recommend this NH gem. I plan to return again when we have visitors from out of State. Elizabeth was wonderful and helped us in the gift shop and her warmth and welcoming personality was contagious. Sarah the Program Manager was very helpful with questions that I had emailed to her before our visit. Keep up the great work and please visit to help support this valuable...