EXETER — Visitors to the American Independence Festival will be transported back almost 250 years to the brink of the American Revolution.
The festival takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, July 13.
One highlight of the festival will be special exhibits, including a temporary exhibit featuring weaponry of the Revolution.
“The exhibit will explore antique arms from this period, including a high-speed video of the arms firing, and the history behind a French shipment of muskets that came into Portsmouth in 1777,” said Ashley Hlebinsky.
Nationally known Arms Historian, Hlebinsky designed the exhibit and will serve as AIM consultant through 2024. “I’m excited to be part of AIM and the Festival,” she added.
At the festival, hosted by the American Independence Museum (AIM), visitors will also have the opportunity to experience AIM’s new educational garden, an interactive exhibit-in-the-making.
“It will provide people with an opportunity to see changes in agricultural practices and the ways in which plants were used by peoples over the centuries,” said Jennifer Carr, who designed the exhibit. “It will bring that history to life by allowing guests to touch and taste the products of the garden.”
This year’s festival is presented by Service Credit Union, whose support enables AIM to offer free admission. “Led by Service Credit Union, the Festival is a big celebration with many community partners,” said Dr. Robert Levey, AIM’s Interim Executive Director. “Downtown Exeter has a unique charm that is difficult to match.”
Additional support is provided by New Hampshire State Council on the Arts, which presents a Traditional Artisans Village with demonstrations, and Kennebunk Savings.
In addition to special exhibits and Traditional Artisans Village, the festival features reenactors and soldiers, games, vendor marketplace, beer garden, and a display of an original copy of the Declaration of Independence (Broadside).
At adjoining Swasey Parkway, nonprofit TEAM (Town.Exeter.Arts.Music) will host Independence Fest, which features live music, food, and art.
“On July 13, we bring history to life here in Exeter, New Hampshire,” added Levey. “It will be educational, experiential, and a lot of fun.”
Home to 3,000 historic artifacts, AIM develops programs, events, and exhibits that engage people of all ages in the ongoing struggle for freedom and self-governance. To learn more about the Festival, visit independencemuseum.org.