Adams National Historical Park tells the story of four generations of the Adams family (from 1720 to 1927). The park has two main sites: the birthplaces of 2nd U.S. President John Adams and 6th U.S. President John Quincy Adams, and Peacefield, including the Old House, home to four generations of the Adams family, and the Stone Library, which contains more than 14,000 historic volumes.
The Basics
Hours:
To see the historic homes you must be on a guided tour. Tours last approximately two hours and depart regularly from the Visitor Center located at 1250 Hancock Street. Please be aware that the last tour leaves at 3:15 pm daily.
From November 11 through April 18 the historic homes are closed. The visitor center is open Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Special Event!! The Old House will be decorated and open for tours during the Quincy Holiday Stroll on December 9th from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. Don't miss this rare opportunity to see the home!
Address:
135 Adams Street
Quincy, MA 02169
Phone:
617-770-1175
Fax:
617-472-7562
Directions
Getting there by Boston and Route 128: Traveling south on U.S. Interstate 93 or Route 128, take exit 7 - Route 3 south to Braintree and Cape Cod. Take the first exit off Route 3 south - exit 18, Washington Street and the Quincy Adams T. Follow signs towards Quincy Center. Continue straight on Burgin Parkway through six sets of traffic lights. At the seventh set of traffic lights, turn right onto Dimmock Street. Follow Dimmock Street one block to the intersection of Hancock Street. Turn right onto Hancock Street. The National Park Service Visitor Center, located in the Galleria at President's Place is two blocks on your left, 1250 Hancock Street. Parking is in the garage in the rear of the building, turn left just before the building.
From Cape Cod: Traveling north on Route 3, take exit 19, Quincy Adams T. Quincy Center. Follow signs towards Quincy Center. Continue straight on Burgin Parkway through six sets of traffic lights. At the seventh set of traffic lights, turn right on to Dimmock Street. Follow Dimmock Street one block to the intersection of Hancock Street. Turn right on to Hancock Street. The National Park Service Visitor Center located in the Galleria at Presidents Place is two blocks on your left, 1250 Hancock Street. Validated parking is in the garage in the rear of the building, turn left just before the building.
Climate
Generally warm and humid in the summer. Often windy and wet in Fall and Spring. Generally cold in winter, with snow possible from November through March. Layered clothing is recommended and comfortable shoes recommended for walking on gravel.
The park's open season is April 19 through November 10. During this time the park is open seven days a week from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Fees
Individual: $5.00 Under 16 Years of Age Free!
Annual Family Pass $10.00 - 7 Days
Reservations
The park requires reservations for groups of eight or more and are subject to availability.
Things To Do
There are many things to do here at the Adams National Historical Park whether it is going on the guided tour of the homes, wandering the grounds on your own or coming to one of our special events. Whatever your choice is we are sure you'll have a great time!
Guided Tours
Leave your car in the parking garage behind the Visitor Center and leave the rest to us!
Tours of the park leave from the Visitor Center daily during our open season (April 19 - November 10). Tours depart the Visitor Center on a trolley which will bring you to the Presidential Birthplaces where you will be dropped off for a guided tour with a Park Ranger. After this half hour tour the trolley will then bring you to the Old House where you will have an hour long guided tour with a Park Ranger. The trolley will then pick you back up and return you to the Visitor Center. Tours last approximately two hours and the cost is $5.00 for adults, under 16 are free. All National Park Passes are honored. Please be aware that the only restrooms for the park are located at the Visitor Center. Large bags and backpacks are not permitted inside of the homes.
Nearby Attractions
Visit the United First Parish Church
The United First Parish Church is an important part of the Adams story and is just a short walk away from the Visitor Center. Both Presidents and their First Ladies are buried inside of the church. Tours are offered daily between April 19th and November 10th on a walk up basis. Fees apply.
The Abigail Adams Birthplace
The Abigail Adams Historical Society maintains Abigail’s birthplace in tribute to this most distinguished American woman. The Birthplace, located in Weymouth, Massachusetts, depicts early colonial life. The Society opens the birthplace to the public for tours each summer. Much work and restoration have gone into the preservation of this historic house so that it may be preserved and maintained as a memorial to Weymouth’s most distinguished daughter, Abigail Smith Adams. Located in Weymouth, Massachusetts at the intersection of North and Norton Streets. A small admission fee is charged.
Adams Academy /Quincy Historical Society
In his will, John Adams deeded 211 acres of land to the town of Quincy to be used to build a classical school when income from the property had been realized. John Adams established the Adams Temple and School Fund, to carry out his wishes. When the Adams Academy opened in 1871, it was known as one of the nation's finest preparatory schools for young men. Students came from all over the country and from other nations to attend. The school closed on April 22, 1907, since then, the money from the Fund has benefited Quincy Public Schools and the Woodward School for Girls. In 1893, Charles Francis Adams Jr., John Adams' great-grandson, was instrumental in establishing the Quincy Historical Society, headquartered in the Academy since 1972 and home to the Quincy History Museum. The museum and gift shop, located on 8 Adams Street, are open to the public, a small admission fee is charged.
USS Salem /U.S. Naval Shipbuilding Museum
The only preserved U.S. Naval Heavy Cruiser, the USS Salem, is on 739 Washington Street.
