America 250: Founder and Framer

Calendar Date:
Thursday, July 9, 2026 - 4:00pm to 8:00pm

flyer showing portraits of William Whipple and Nichalas Gilman with the text Founder & Framer

The 250 Celebration Commission is inviting the public to attend "Founder and Framer" on Thursday, July 9th, 2026 from 4 to 8 PM at the American Independence Center.

View an original Dunlap Broadside of the Declaration of Independence and learn about William Whipple of Portsmouth, who signed the Declaration in 1776 as a Founder.

View an original draft of the United States Constitution and learn about Nicholas Gilman of Exeter, who signed the Constitution in 1787 as a Framer.

These rare historic documents will both be on display in the museum at the American Independence Center free of charge!

This event is a partnership between the American Independence Center of Exeter, where Nicholas Gilman lived, and the Moffatt-Ladd House of Portsmouth, where William Whipple lived.