Touring the John Adams Homestead in Quincy, Massachusetts is something that is growing in popularity of late. The recent showing of the HBO series “John Adams” has sparked or rekindled interest in this great American patriot and the second president of the United States. Being able to go back in time is not possible but visiting the home and the grounds owned and cherished by John and Abigail Adams can do a great deal towards giving visitors a real appreciation for the atmosphere and the mood that must have surrounded them in their daily lives here.
A National Park for a National Treasure. John Adams was a favorite son of Massachusetts. He was a man of integrity and seemed to personify the rough hewn straightforward approach to life that was much honored in his home state. Certainly even without being elected to the office of the presidency, John Adams played a significant role in the development of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and was even responsible for writing the state constitution. It is likely that there would have been a lasting state monument to Adams in one or more places in Massachusetts.
John Adams’ contributions went beyond the state borders however and when he became the nations first vice-president and then second president, in addition to all his work prior to and during the revolutionary war, he became a national treasure. As is only correct, John Adams is honored in Quincy, MA at the site of his birth by the Adams National Historical Park. .
Whose House Is This Anyway. During John Adams one term presidency he was privileged in a sense to be the first president to actually reside in the White House. Unfortunately while he was living there the house that would one day be the site of much opulence was very much a work in progress, lit by candles and often drafty. Adams also spent many months living overseas in Paris, the Netherlands and eventually in London as American ambassador to the Court of St. James. But despite his many brushes with other more power laden addresses, it was always to his home in Quincy, MA that he returned and from which he seemed to draw his strength.
The National Park surrounds the birth place of both John Adams and his son John Quincy Adams, the sixth president of the United States. In fact this land is Adams through and through. Beginning in 1720 – 1927 four generations of the family have begun life here and gone on to do extraordinary things.
What You Will See. At the Adams National Historical Park you will get to visit two houses and view 11 total buildings spread over some 13 acres of property. The first major building is the actual birthplace of John Adams. The second is called “The Old House” and is the birthplace of John Quincy Adams and the spot where John and Abigail lived their married life and raised their family. It was also here that Adams met with important state leaders during the early days of the revolution. Future members of the Adams family like Charles Francis Adams, minister to England during the American Civil War and Henry and Brooks Adams both men of letters and historians in their own right were also born here. In fact you will feel like you are in the midst of an incredible American family
Next to the “Old House” is the Stone Library which shelters the private collection of books held by various members of the Adams family and amounting to some 14,000 volumes, quite a collection in their times. The stone structure was constructed following the instructions of John Quincy Adams in his will. The idea was to house his papers and books in a location not susceptible to fire. The surrounding grounds are also opened to those visiting the park. They include an orchard and a formal garden maintained in the style of the 18th century.
Of course of greater significance than the buildings themselves are the contents. Perhaps because many members of the Adams family were historians there is a wonderful collection of family artifacts left to us today to view and consider. In all there are over 100,000 objects that have been left to future generations of Americans to peruse. Furnishings, paintings, artifacts, books all help us to better comprehend the story of an amazing American family
The Particulars. The Adams National Historical Park is opened only during part of the year from April 19-November 10. During that span the park is open from 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. for seven days each week. Those wishing to view the park are required to take the two hour tour which leaves regularly from the visitors center. A frugal man himself John Adams would be happy to know that admission at his park is only $5 per person and that young people 16 years of age or less are admitted free.
John Adams for many people is that lesser president who somehow is sandwiched between the two early greats, George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. A trip to the Adams National Historical Park will give you a different window into the life of a truly remarkable patriot.
