Adams
National Historic Site

Adams National Historic Site is located in the City of Quincy, Norfolk County, Massachusetts. The site is approximately ten miles south of Boston. It is comprised of 12 historic structures and a cultural landscape totaling 12.59 acres.

The site is rich in natural and historic themes. Combined, the resources within provide a unique opportunity in preservation, education and participation in the history and development of the United States, in particular the Revolutionary War and United States Presidency. The story encompasses five generations (from 1720 to 1927) of the Adams family including two Presidents and First Ladies, three United States Ministers, Historians, Writers and family members who supported and contributed to the success of these public figures.

The site's main historic features include: (1) John Adams Birthplace, where second United States President John Adams was born on October 30, 1735, and less than 75 yards away the John Quincy Adams Birthplace, where his son, John Quincy Adams, 6th United States President was born on July 11, 1767; (2) the "Old House," home to four generations of the Adams family; (3) the United First Parish Church, where both Presidents and the First Ladies are entombed in the Adams family crypt; (4) the site also includes an off-site interim visitor center which is located within a one mile radius of the historic structures; (5) finally, the park has contracted for a bus trolley which provides transportation between sites.

VISITATION:

Highest in July, August and September; lowest in April, early May and November.

since 6/97.

LOCATION:

Quincy, Massachusetts

ADDRESS:

Headquarters: Adams National Historic Site
135 Adams Street
Quincy, MA 02169

TELEPHONE:

(617) 773-1177

OPERATING HOURS, SEASONS:

Daily, seven days a week, summer: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm; season begins April 19 and ends November 10th. Closed: November 11 to April 18.

CLIMATE, RECOMMENDED CLOTHING:

Summer: sunny, may be humid with light showers, thunder showers in the Fall. Comfortable clothing and shoes recommended for walking on gravel. Winters: light to heavy snow with ice storms.

DIRECTIONS:

By bus, automobile, and public transportation to the National Park Service Visitor Center, 1250 Hancock Street, Quincy, MA.

From 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. 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. 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. Parking is in the garage in the rear of the building, turn left just before the building.

To the Visitor Center via the MBTA "T" Subway System: From Boston: Take the Red Line train to the Quincy Center Station. Turn right upon exiting the train and at the top of the stairs, turn left and exit the station to Hancock Street. Walk across Hancock Street to 1250 Hancock Street. The National Park Service Visitor Center is located in the Galleria at President's place.

TRANSPORTATION:

To Park: access by Interstate Highways (Route 3, 95, 128), and various state roads; the Park is serviced by Logan International Airport, bus and Amtrak stations.
In Park: personal vehicle, truck and trolley, public transportation and tour buses.

FEES, COSTS, RATES:

General Admission for adults: $2.00, under 16 years of age, free. The NPS Park Pass, Golden Age, Golden Eagle and Golden Access are accepted. Donations accepted at the visitor center with appropriate box.

FACILITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES:

Visitor Center/Exhibits:
Videos about the Park Service are shown on request as is a slide presentation on Abigail Adams; a time-line delineating the four generations of the Adams family is on the wall for viewing; models of the "Old House" and the Church of the Presidents are on display with explanatory material; a view of the library is on display with explanation describing it.

Programs/Activities:

Regularly scheduled tours, guided walks of the landscape are available in season or whenever needed; an annual lecture series about the Adams family during the last week on June; slide presentations about the site available on request.

Lodging and camping facilities:

None in park. A list of hotels, motels and RV camping sites available on request.

Food/supplies:

The listing of local restaurants is available on request; grocery stores in the local area.

Accessibility:

Each of the sites is accessible by wheelchair; at the "Old House", the second floor of the house is not accessible.

Special Needs:

Parking is available on the street at each location site; buses may also park in the same area. Visitors are free to park in the same area.

RECOMMENDED ACTIVITIES/PARK USE:

Regularly scheduled tours are available; walking the grounds observing the plants, the garden and fields, bird watching. Videos and slide presentations are available at the visitor center. There is no biking or picnicking allowed on the site. Pets are not allowed on the site.

RESERVATIONS/PERMITS:

For general visitation, no reservation required; for groups eight or more reservation required; school groups, bus groups are required to make reservations.

BASIC VISIT RECOMMENDATIONS:

Set aside two to two and one-half hours to adequately visit the visitor center, the birthplaces, the Old House and the crypts of the Presidents.

ADJACENT VISITOR ATTRACTIONS:

Historic sites in Quincy consist of (1) The Quincy Homestead; (2) The Josiah Quincy House; (3) Abigail's Cairn, and (4) Adams Academy.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Call (617) 773-1177 or (617) 770-1175

Last Updated:Tuesday, 17-Jun-97 06:45:37
http://www.nps.gov/adam/