Description

It’s true that July 4th was the day that the Declaration was approved, but July 16th was the day that John Taylor Gilman read our copy aloud to the citizens of Exeter informing us of our liberation from England! Hosted by Exeter’s American Independence Museum, the American Independence Festival celebrates this day with colonial artisans, reenactments, and museum tours. The original document read to the people of Exeter, the Dunlap Broadside of the Declaration, will be on a one day only display in the Museum; as will an early draft of the U.S. Constitution with Nicholas Gilman's annotations in the margins and handwritten letters of George Washington. Experts in cabinetry, millinery, pottery, and various other colonial crafts will be working and teaching about their trade on the Museum grounds! After viewing the Museum’s collection and talking to the various artisans, Festival attendees can watch reenactments, hear colonial music, and witness the firing of the cannon on nearby Swasey Parkway. Children can learn to muster, participate in a scavenger hunt, and join the junior militia! Food and shopping tents can be found along Water Street in addition to Exeter’s own restaurants and boutiques! Additionally, Redhook Independence Ale will be available for purchase in the historic Folsom Tavern. After the closing of the Festival, the town of Exeter will continue the celebration with live music at 6:45pm and a firework display at 8:45pm! We are excited for you to join us in this exciting celebration of American patriotism and Revolutionary history!