Independence Museum Moves Ahead After Reorganization

The American Independence Museum, which closed last year after financial problems, is moving ahead after reopening earlier this year.

The museum is extending its season this year, staying open through Dec. 27. The museum's board also promoted Julie Hall Williams to executive director and hired Michelle Johnson of Manchester to coordinate the museum's programming. Williams had served as interim administrator.

“This has been a year of re-organization,” says Allison Field, president of the museum's board. “Museum attendance is on par with last year and we're very grateful to the community for embracing July's American Independence Festival and making it successful. We're excited to welcome visitors for an additional two months this year.”

Last year, the board laid off all museum staff. Williams was then hired as interim administrator. She said the museum is now moving ahead thanks to volunteers.

“We're able to extend our fall hours due to the incredible dedication of our volunteers,” Williams said. “Staying open later in the year enables us to better meet the needs of our visitors, as well as experiment as to how we may serve our community in different ways moving forward.”

Williams has helped the museum recruit volunteer guides, increased membership support, and broke records in securing festival sponsorship, Field said.

“We're thrilled to be able to offer Julie this promotion,” says Field. “She's been instrumental in rallying support for the museum and is an integral part of our future.”