Exeter NH

August 4, 2016
Exeter, NH

This little gem was close to our campground and we had heard of an "American Independence Museum" there.  We decided to take a look.  

I didn't have my camera with me, so the photos are from our phones.

This is the Ladd-Gilman House that is now the museum. 

There's a copy of the Draft of the Declaration of Independence in Thomas Jefferson's handwriting with his notes. There's also a copy of the "Dunlap Broadside" of the Declaration. Before the signing of the Declaration, a broadside (a poster size print) was made (Dunlap was the printer) and sent to the colonies to be read out loud to the colonists and militia.  About 150 of these were printed and distributed, only 26 remain.  One was found in the attic of this house under some floor boards, during renovation.

This house was home to a State Treasurer, a Governor, and a Constitutional Convention member.  John Taylor Gilman was the longest serving governor of New Hampshire.  His father, Nicholas Gilman was a member of the Constitutional Congress and part of the exhibits is a copy of the original 9 page Draft of the Constitution with notes  and comments in the margins.  

This house was originally brick and as additions were made, they covered the brick with 
clapboard

Long before the purple heart existed as we know it, there was one that George Washington gave out as a ribbon of valor.  This museum has one of only a couple in existence today.

A few more photos.

 The Folsom Tavern was a meeting place for the Sons of Freedom and George Washington had breakfast there once.  

A 13 colony flag.

We consider this to be well worth the stop to see.