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EXETER —Featuring first-person reenactors, military reenactments, Traditional Artisans Village, games, beer garden, food, and more, the 33rd American Independence Festival takes place on Sat., July 15, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
According to Jennifer Carr, executive director of the American Independence Museum (AIM), which organizes and presents the annual Festival, this year’s version may be the biggest yet, courtesy of presenting sponsor Service Credit Union. “Their sponsorship enables us to offer free admission to all ages, which is an incredible opportunity for families in our local region to enjoy a unique, fun-filled day of activities,” she said.
Other sponsors of this year’s Festival include NH State Council on the Arts, which presents a working Traditional Artisans Village. “This is an incredible opportunity to see some talented people demonstrating everything from shoe-making to coopering and basket making to name just a few,” said Alena Shellenbean, AIM events and marketing manager.
This year also marks the return of the Marketplace, which will stretch throughout downtown Exeter. Presented by Kennebunk Savings, the Marketplace will feature local businesses with various items for sale, including housewares, crafts, art, books, jewelry, and collectibles.
“Local organizations will get a chance to tell visitors all about the good work they do throughout the year,” said Shellenbean. “It’s essentially a fair in the center of town—this is going to be a town-wide celebration.”
This celebration is made even more special, as it marks the one time of year in which AIM’s original copy of the Declaration of Independence—known as the Dunlap Broadside—will be on display. The copy is one of just 26 remaining copies known to exist.
“We also recreate the original reading of the Broadside with a descendant of John Taylor Gilman, who read it to residents of Exeter in 1776,” said Carr. “This year’s Festival will be an immersive experience.”
The Festival will also be inclusive, as several reenactors will represent marginalized perspectives, including Tammy Denease as Elizabeth “Mumbet” Freeman and Gwendolyn Quezaire-Presutti as Ona Judge Staines.
“Their participation underscores our three-year theme, We Are One, which reflects our organizational belief that all voices and all perspectives matter,” added Shelenbean. “We look forward to welcoming people from all backgrounds to the Festival. This is your festival as much as it is ours.”
Presented by Service Credit Union, the 33rd American Independence Festival takes place on Sat., July 15 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Admission is free.
Home to a world-class collection of 3,000 historic artifacts, AIM develops programs, events, and exhibits that honor and invite inclusive and diverse perspectives. To learn more about AIM, including We Are One, visit independencemuseum.org.
