Preserving the past: Exeter's historic Ladd-Gilman House in need of repairs and support

EXETER — One aspect that sometimes goes unseen is the work required to preserve history, a reality visible as the American Independence Museum opened for the 2024 season on Thursday, May 9.

Built in 1721, the museum’s Ladd-Gilman House requires significant work in the next several years, beginning with plaster repair to deteriorating walls and ceilings in two rooms. The project, led by Drew Bedard of Hall & Parlor Historic Preservation, has run into unexpected challenges.

“During the demolition phase, we discovered structural issues with the exterior brick walls where doorways were cut in below,” he explained. “Unfortunately, proper consideration wasn't given to the integrity of the bricks above these doorways, leading to their failure.”

To address the issue, Bedard said they must affect several structural repairs, including the installation of a steel lintel to reinforce an upstairs wall.

“We were not expecting this,” he added.

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Earlier this year, the American Independence Museum received a $11,200 grant from the Cogswell Benevolent Trust to complete the project. According to Facilities Manager Rebeccah Seely, Bedard estimates the project may exceed $35,000.

“This project begins a longer-term strategy where we will focus our attention on the interior of the house,” she said. “The complexity of this project underscores why we seek community support.”

In addition to the plaster repairs, examples of other necessary projects at the Ladd-Gilman House in 2024 include electrical upgrades and lining the chimney that vents the furnace. In total, these repairs are expected to approach $60,000.

A National Historic Landmark property that was home to Nicholas Gilman Jr., a signer of the Constitution, the Ladd-Gilman House was also the governor’s mansion when his brother, John Taylor Gilman, was governor of New Hampshire. Their father, Nicholas Gilman Sr., also served as the state’s first treasurer.

“The Ladd-Gilman House is an important state treasure, especially as we prepare for the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026,” said Robert Levey, interim executive director of the museum. “We hope to rally support from the community to help us preserve this home so we can continue to not just share its history, but reimagine a shared future.”

Home to 3,000 historic artifacts, including an original copy of the Dunlap Broadside (Declaration of Independence), the American Independence Museum develops programs, events and exhibits that engage people of all ages in the ongoing struggle for freedom and self-governance. To help preserve the Ladd-Gilman House, visit independencemuseum.org.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Exeter's historic Ladd-Gilman House in need of repairs and support