Adams National Historical Park

BostonUnited States of America 42° N · 71° W

Adams National Historical Park, located in Quincy, Massachusetts, is a profound testament to America's early history and the lives of two U.S.

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Cover page of American Magazine of Useful and Entertaining Knowledge vol.3 1837 Boston illustration — Illustration from the American Magazine of Useful and Entertaining Knowledge, volume 3, published in Boston in 1837, showcasing historical magazine cover design.

Historic parlor room at Adams National Historical Park with antique furniture and decor — The parlor room inside Adams National Historical Park showcasing the historical interior of the Adams family home in Quincy, Massachusetts, part of a site preserving the legacy of Presidents John Adams and John Quincy Adams.

Historic office desk at Adams National Historical Park in Quincy, Massachusetts — Office desk inside Adams National Historical Park, featuring historic furnishings linked to the Adams family, notable American Presidents John Adams and John Quincy Adams, located in Quincy, Massachusetts.

Historic bedroom interior at Adams National Historical Park Massachusetts — Bedroom at Adams National Historical Park in Quincy Massachusetts, historic site featuring birthplaces of U.S. Presidents John Adams and John Quincy Adams, and the Old House with cultural significance.

Historic Adams National Historical Park Massachusetts with farm view and location map — Historic image of Adams National Historical Park in Massachusetts showing a view of Adams farm, location map and color illustration. Image available through Library of Congress.

Adams National Historical Park Massachusetts historic farm view and location map — Historic image showing Adams National Historical Park in Massachusetts including a text panel, location map, and color illustrations. Features view of Adams farm with historical notes and map details.

16 high school students standing by a board displaying state-by-state votes on independence — 16 students from Matt Maggio Scituate High School standing by a board illustrating how each state voted on the issue of independence during a performance of the play "1776" at Adams National Historical Park in 2019 Region 1.

Portrait of Colonel William Stephen Smith by Mather Brown, 1786 — Detailed portrait of Colonel William Stephen Smith, husband of Abigail (Nabby) Adams Smith, painted by Mather Brown in 1786

Entrance to the Cottage of John and Abigail Adams — Photographic print showing the entrance to the historic Cottage of John and Abigail Adams

Charcoal portrait of Fanny Crowninshield wife of John Quincy Adams II 19th century — A 19th-century charcoal drawing of Fanny Crowninshield, wife of John Quincy Adams II, created by artist Samuel Worcester Rowse.

Historic John Adams residence in Quincy Massachusetts — Black and white image of the historic John Adams residence in Quincy, Massachusetts from the Gottscho-Schleisner Collection at the Library of Congress.

Historic residence of John Adams in Quincy, Massachusetts — Black and white image of John Adams' historic residence in Quincy, Massachusetts, from the Gottscho-Schleisner Collection at the Library of Congress

What the Place Is

The John Adams Birthplace is a historic house at 133 Franklin Street in Quincy, Massachusetts, and part of Adams National Historical Park. The park preserves the birthplaces and homes of John Adams and John Quincy Adams, offering visitors a chance to explore the lives and legacies of the two U.S. presidents. For additional details, visit the National Park Service website.

History

The House and the Adams Family

Built in 1681, the John Adams Birthplace is a framed New England house with two lower and two upper rooms arranged around a massive central chimney. An 18th-century lean-to added two downstairs rooms and two small upper chambers. The house is commonly called a “saltbox,” after the sloping rear roofline resembling the salt-storage boxes used in colonial kitchens (NPS).

John Adams, the second president of the United States, was born in the house in 1735. The Adams family owned the two birthplaces and rented them to tenants until 1893. From 1893 to 1940, the Quincy Historical Society operated the homes as house museums while the family retained ownership. In 1940, the Adams family gave the houses to the city of Quincy (NPS).

The Farm

At the time of John Adams’ father’s death, the farm was estimated to cover about 188 acres behind the houses, extending west. Corn was the principal crop; rye, wheat, oats, and barley were also grown. Livestock included oxen, horses, sheep, hogs, and poultry, and farm outbuildings stood behind the two cottages. A large granite slab on the John Quincy Adams birthplace side of the stone wall covers the well that supplied water to both properties (NPS).

Preservation and Recognition

The John Adams Birthplace was recognized as a National Historic Landmark in 1960 and is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places (WhichMuseum).

In 1978, legislation was introduced in Congress proposing that the Adams birthplaces become a National Park Service unit commemorating the second and sixth presidents. On May 1, 1979, the City of Quincy, in cooperation with the Adams Memorial Society, presented the birthplaces of John and John Quincy Adams to the people of the United States. The National Park Service now preserves and interprets the houses, with the aim of inspiring public service and responsible citizenship (NPS).

Structural and historical problems arose over the years, and the city of Quincy could no longer support the escalating maintenance costs. The National Park Service became involved and has undertaken restoration efforts to preserve the site’s historical and architectural integrity (NPS).

What to See and Do

The house’s central chimney, saltbox design, and 18th-century lean-to show features of colonial New England architecture (NPS). The historic stone walls, gardens, and well-preserved house also provide settings for photography.

The site commemorates John Adams’ role as a Founding Father, his contributions to drafting the Declaration of Independence, and his presidency. It also reflects the Adams family’s contributions to the nation and their commitment to public service and responsible citizenship (NPS).

The National Park Service offers guided tours and hosts special events and themed tours throughout the year. Events may include reenactments, lectures, and interactive activities. Check the NPS website for upcoming events.

Practical Visiting Information

Hours and Tickets

The birthplace is open to the public for guided tours managed by the National Park Service. Tickets can be purchased at the Adams National Historical Park Visitor Center. Visiting hours are generally 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and ticket prices vary. Check the NPS website for current hours and pricing.

Getting There and Accessibility

Quincy is accessible by car and public transportation. Ample parking is available near the site. The site is accessible to visitors with mobility issues, with ramps and accessible restrooms.

Tips

Spring and fall are ideal times to visit for comfortable weather and fewer crowds. Visitors can share photographs on social media using the hashtag #JohnAdamsBirthplace.

Nearby Places

Other historical sites in Quincy include the Adams National Historical Park and the United First Parish Church, where John Adams and John Quincy Adams are buried.

FAQ

What are the visiting hours for John Adams Birthplace?

Visiting hours are generally from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Check the NPS website for current information.

How much are tickets for John Adams Birthplace?

Ticket prices vary. Check the NPS website for the latest pricing information.

Are there special events at the John Adams Birthplace?

Yes. The National Park Service hosts special events throughout the year. Check the NPS website for a schedule of upcoming events.