American Independence Festival

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There may be no better place in the entire nation to celebrate American history than Exeter, New Hampshire, a quaint, historic, nearly 400 year-old town that served as state capital during the Revolutionary War.

Every July, the town celebrates this history with the American Independence Festival, which features militia encampments, battle re-enactments, costumed re-enactors, nationally-recognized traditional artisans, colonial inspired beer, music, children's activities, local craft and food vendors, and more.

This year's event takes place on Saturday, July 14 on the landscaped property of the American Independence Museum, Festival organizer and host. Spilling out onto the streets of Exeter, the Festival also takes place on adjoining Swasey Parkway (alongside Exeter River), which serves as backdrop for an American and British troop encampment and battle portrayal that delights visitors.

In addition to the day's activities, which also features multiple cannon firings, the event highlights the museum's incredible collection. Items in its collection include handwritten drafts of the US Constitution and a Dunlap Broadside, the first official printing of the Declaration of Independence that was read to Exeter townspeople on July 16, 1776 (and read again to Festival-goers each year). The Festival is the one day every year in which original copies of these documents are on view to the public.

In total, more than 4,000 people are expected to visit downtown Exeter, which includes numerous shops and restaurants that remain open during the Festival. Just one hour north of Boston and southwest of Portland Maine, Exeter is accessible from both locations by train. Located within walking distance to numerous parks and extensive trails and just 15 miles from the ocean, the town and museum has quietly begun to shake off the moniker as “NH's best kept secret.”

About the American Independence Museum

Founded in 1991 in historic downtown Exeter, the private, not-for-profit American Independence Museum includes the Ladd-Gilman House (c.1721) and Folsom Tavern (c.1775). Its collection includes one of only 26 surviving copies of the Dunlap Broadside, an original printing of the Declaration of Independence, two rare drafts of the U.S. Constitution, and what is believed to be an original Purple Heart awarded by General George Washington (who also visited Folsom Tavern). In addition to presenting the American Independence Festival, the museum hosts guided tours and year round family-friendly events and interactive programs to showcase New Hampshire’s rich colonial history.

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Cost/Tickets/Registration

Tickets for the Festival are $10 for adults, $5 for ages 6 to 18, and free for children under 6 and museum members. All activities held on Water Street and Swasey Parkway are free and open to the public. To learn more about the American Independence Festival or the museum, a National Landmark Property, visit www.independencemuseum.org.

Location

American Independence Museum
One Governors Lane
Exeter, NH 03833

Directions/Transportation/Parking

Parking is available at various locations around downtown Exeter. Our recommended parking areas include:

The Main Street School – Exeter Public Schools is allowing us to use the lot at the Main Street School today! Address is 40 Main Street, and it is a brief 3 minute walk to our Campus. You may choose to drop your friends off at the Corner of Spring and Water Streets, before making a left to go to Main Street School.

PEA Campus – There is parking available on PEA’s Campus, just follow their signs and rules, please.

Municipal parking lot located on Water Street (across from the Green Bean)

Municipal parking lot located on Center Street (across from Russman Law offices and behind the Phillips Exeter Academy Bookstore)

We strongly discourage Street Parking as there is a brief 2 hour limit which is strictly enforced. We also hope these spots can be left open to those needing to pop into one of our wonderful Downtown stores that day.

Important reminders on parking:

The Citizen’s Bank located at 11 Front Street and People’s United Bank located at 1 Center Street will be available for further parking at 12:00pm (Please do not park here before noon, parking will be available AT 12:00pm)

To make room for our festivities, a section of Water Street will be closed off between the intersections on Water Street and Front Street, and the intersection between Spring Street and Water Street/Main Street.

Swasey Parkway will be closed to vehicle traffic on Festival Day.

For those who need it, drop off/ pick ups are recommended at Water and Center Streets, and at Spring Street (Spring Street is one way off of Front Street).