American Independence Museum

New Hampshire


Celebrating Exeter’s early history, this museum maintains the town’s historic collections inside the 18th-century Ladd-Gilman House. Among the highlights of this National Landmark property are the furnishings and possessions of the Gilman family, who lived here from 1720 to 1820, along with a document archive, including two original drafts of the US Constitution and personal correspondence of George Washington, Pierre L’Enfant and other notables. The museum also maintains Folsom Tavern, which once hosted George Washington and his revolutionary officers.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby New Hampshire attractions

1. Hampton Beach State Park

8.96 MILES

The beach actually begins south of the state line, on the north bank of the Merrimack River at Salisbury Beach State Reservation in Massachusetts. Take I…

2. Jenness Beach State Park

9.48 MILES

This pretty beach is a prime spot for picnicking, swimming or just relaxing on the sand. You can also watch the surfers, who ride the waves on longboards…

3. John Paul Jones House

11.52 MILES

This former boardinghouse is where America's first great naval commander resided in Portsmouth. Jones, who uttered, 'I have not yet begun to fight!'…

4. USS Albacore

11.54 MILES

Like a fish out of water, this 205ft-long submarine is now a beached museum on a grassy lawn. Launched from Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in 1953, the…

5. Nahcotta

11.59 MILES

Nahcotta is one of Portsmouth's key galleries, located in the historical center.

6. Wallis Sands State Park

11.61 MILES

This popular beach – it has 500 parking spots – has a wide sandy coastline with views of the Isles of Shoals. Besides the bathhouses and a snack shop,…

7. Market Square

11.71 MILES

The heart of Portsmouth is this picturesque square, set neatly beneath the soaring white spire of the North Church. Within a few steps of the square are…

8. Moffatt-Ladd House

11.74 MILES

Originally built by an influential ship captain for his son, the Georgian Moffatt-Ladd House was later the home of General William Whipple, a signer of…