The onset of spring means many museums on the NH Heritage Museum Trail are beginning to thaw from the winter season to welcome the public back. For the American Independence Museum in Exeter, this means restarting tours.
“Visitors can journey back in time to experience the 1775 Folsom Tavern,” said Executive Director Emma Stratton. “Our public tours begin May 15.” Tours will be offered Thursdays from 10 am – 12 pm and Fridays and Saturdays from 10 am – 3 pm. Tours start every hour and require pre registration. They are limited to 8 people and masks are required at all times.
In addition to Folsom Tavern Tours, the American Independence Museum will celebrate both the 300th anniversary of the Ladd-Gilman House and 30th anniversary of the museum itself. “We will focus on building digital programs this spring and then shift to in-person and outdoor events for the spring and summer,” added Stratton.
Founded in 1991, the American Independence Museum connects America’s Revolutionary past with the present. For more information about the museum, click here.
Canterbury Shaker Village in Canterbury also has their sights set on May 15 with their semi-annual 5K race. “This year, the Village is planning two 5K races, one on May 15 and the other on October 23,” said Executive Director Leslie Nolan. “All ages are welcome—there’s no obligation to run, as it can be walked as well.” Starting at 10 am, the race is organized in partnership with Capital Area Race Series (CARS) and Millennium Running. There is a registration fee of $25.
The 5K race is part of Canterbury Shaker Village’s plan for more outside activities throughout the season. “The main focus is on the outdoors, including tours on Saturdays and Sundays that take groups around the village,” said Nolan, who noted the Heifer cows will also revisit the Village on May 15. The Village will also open for brand new indoor tours beginning Saturday, June 12. Reservations are suggested.
To learn more about the race, tours, or the Village, click here.
Formed in 2014 as a way to share resources and better promote their respective collections, programs and events, the NH Heritage Museum Trail is divided into the Seacoast, Merrimack Valley and Lakes Regions. Member institutions are located in Canterbury, Concord, Dover, Exeter, Laconia, Manchester, Moultonborough, Plymouth, Portsmouth, Tamworth and Wolfeboro.