Museums to Offer In-Person and Digital Programs

As museums on the NH Heritage Museum Trail reopen for the spring and summer seasons, many will continue to provide digital events as part of their mission. For the American Independence Museum in Exeter, this means keeping guests engaged with history even from home.

“Even though we’re reopening for the season in May, we still want to provide digital programs for those audiences who do not live locally,” said Executive Director Emma Stratton.

These digital programs, she noted, offer historical insight into the museum and explore the concepts of freedom and independence, including an upcoming lecture on May 20. The lecture includes the documentary Uprooted, which discusses the lives of five refugees who resettled in New Hampshire. Part of the New Hampshire Humanities To Go program, the lecture will feature a guided discussion and is free to the public.

In addition to digital lecture programs, the American Independence Museum also offers virtual scout programs for Boy and Girl Scouts to explore history and earn a badge.

“We want people to have options to learn through our museum, whether it be in-person or at home,” said Stratton.

For more information about the American Independence Museum, visit independencemuseum.org.

Located in Manchester, the Currier Museum of Art is now open Thursday through Sunday and offers a variety of online art classes and programs.

“We offer classes for both children and adults as well as beginners or those more advanced in their artistic career,” said Tracey Carrier, Manager of Membership and Guest Experience. “We also have special programs geared towards veterans, and other community groups.”

Classes and workshops range from comic art and impressionism to printmaking, sculpture, and art discussions. With varying time frames, topics, and prices, the Currier offers a wide variety of classes and programs through online registration. The museum also offers a weekly, free art discussion: Art Conversations from Home, every Wednesday at 1pm.

For more details, or to register for classes, visit currier.org.

Formed in 2014 as a way to share resources and better promote their respective collections, programs and events, The NH Heritage Museum Trail is divided into the Seacoast, Merrimack Valley and Lakes Regions. Member institutions are located in Canterbury, Concord, Dover, Exeter, Laconia, Manchester, Moultonborough, Plymouth, Portsmouth, Tamworth and Wolfeboro. To learn more, visit nhmuseumtrail.org.