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John Adams House: A Guided Historic Tour in Quincy, MA

By Craig 2 Comments

The John Adams house trolley tour is a lot of fun, very informative and inexpensive ($5 to get in, children and students get in free). The tour starts at the Adams National Historical Park Visitor Center; from there they take you by trolley to four destinations: 1) the birthplace of John Adams, 2) the birthplace of his son John Quincy Adams, 3) “The Old House” (also called “Peacefield” or John Adams house) and finally 4) The Stone Library.  Both of the birthplaces are on the same lot of land; “The Old House” and The Stone Library are also located on one lot of land, meaning the tour really goes to just 2 destinations.

Starting at the Visitor Center

The Adams National Historical Park Visitor Center has a lot of information on the Adams family mounted on plaques and information cards around the room as well as miniature replicas of the tour’s destinations.

They also have many books and trinkets for sale to commemorate your visit. You purchase your tickets at the register for the next available guided tour. It’s first-come first-served so no reservations can be made beforehand.

The visitor’s center is located at 1250 Hancock Street in Quincy, MA.

John Adams and John Quincy Adams Birthplace

The first stop is to the birthplaces of John Adams and John Quincy Adams.

The dark brown house with the wooden siding is John Adams’s birthplace and the tan house with the vinyl siding is his son’s.  Both of these buildings are located on a busy street so at times the traffic noises drowned out the tour guide.  Due to security reasons, no picture taking is allowed inside any of the buildings on the John Adams home tours.

The tour guides take you through the few rooms of each house and tell the story of John and Abigail Adams.

They explain how each room was significant and contributed to the rise of the Adams legacy as well as the important role they played in the Revolutionary War.

The first destination was a little hurried, the trolley showed up early and the park ranger cut his tour short; which was a little disappointing because he was a funny, pleasant, entertaining guy.

There wasn’t time to take any outside pictures of the buildings so we had to go back after the tour was over on our own.  These two buildings aren’t fenced off so they are accessible at any time.

John Adams House at “Peacefield”

Next stop Peacefield! This is the longest part of the tour, so make sure you’re wearing comfortable shoes – there are no breaks.

The Stone Library is an amazing piece of history; it contains about 12,000 books collected throughout John Adams’s life, most of which are still legible today. Some of these books are hundreds of years old.  The Stone Library is considered the first presidential library in the U.S.

Between the library and the main estate is a beautiful, well-maintained garden that you can stroll through.

From there you will enter the mansion “Old House” at “Peacefield” and are taken through just about every room of the house, each room having a story behind it.

There are many well preserved relics throughout the estate that give you a feel for what life was like during John Adams’s time. The park ranger/tour guide Betsy was very informative, cordial and delivered the lines with a dramatic flair that made the experience that much more worthwhile.

Continuing to the Church of the Presidents

After the trolley returned to the visitor’s center, we walked over to the Church of the Presidents, only a few minutes away.

This was not an official part of the John Adams tour, but came recommended by the cashiers at the visitor’s center.

This church has a long history of being associated with the Adams family, in the basement of this church you can see the crypts of both John Adams and John Quincy Adams and their wives.

The tour costs $4 and you are allowed to take pictures inside the church, unlike at the other sites.

You are taken through the church, shown the special “Adams” pew and finally taken to the crypts below the church. The tour guide talked and walked fast and at times overloaded us with so much information that it was tough to follow what she was talking about.  It was a much shorter tour but a nice conclusion to the day.

For history buffs or for those looking for a quick jolt of feel good New England pride, the John Adams house and Church of the Presidents tours are recommended. Tours are given from April 19th – November 10th, 7 days a week from 9AM – 5PM with the last tour departing at 3:15. Tours are about 2 hours long.

For further Information on this tour, see: www.nps.gov/adam/index.htm For more information on Church of the Presidents:  www.ufpc.org/

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June 24, 2014 at 8:01 AM

July 14, 2014 at 10:05 AM

Hi Howard, Sorry for the delay in approving your comment, I’ve been on vacation. I’m glad you really liked the John Adams tours. I did this trip a few years back, but to this day it still remains one of my favorites. I always recommend it to family and friends from out of town 🙂

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A Virtual Tour of the Adams Mansion, Home to Two Presidents

By U.S. National Archives

The Old House at Adams National Historical Park in Quincy, MA was home to Presidents John Adams and John Quincy Adams. This exhibit consists of historic photographs from the U.S. National Archives that show the house and surrounding grounds in the 1940s and 1970s. 

Side View of Old House from Adams Street - Adams National Historical Park, Quincy, MA (1970) by Fasch Studio, Milton, MA U.S. National Archives

History of the Mansion

John Adams named the estate “Peace field” when he bought it in 1787. The original portion of the mansion was built in 1730 or 1731, but the Adams family made numerous additons to the house and grounds during the 140 years they lived there. Altogether, four generations of the Adams family lived in the home, through 1927.This exhibit shows how the Old House looked when it was donated to the National Park Service in 1946 (with one photo from 1951). There are also a few photos from 1970 and 1975 that were taken for the site's listing on the National Register of Historic Places. 

This street view from Google Maps shows how the front of the mansion looks today. Much of the estate's current appearance is due to John Quincy Adams' son Charles Francis Adams, an ambassador to Great Britain during the Civil War. He added the library, stone walls, a servant’s wing, greenhouse, and carriage house. Today, the mansion is called the Old House, because the Adams National Historical Park now also includes the birthplaces of John Adams and John Quincy Adams, which are a few miles from the mansion and were acquired by the park around 1979.

Garden on West Side of the Old House - Adams National Historical Park, Quincy, MA (1946-09-16) by Abbie Rowe, U.S. Department of the Interior photographer U.S. National Archives

Exterior Shots of the Mansion

Before his death in 1826, John Adams constructed a garden (seen in this picture), orchard, pond, and additions to both sides of the house. Shown here is the west wing, the first section of which was created by John Adams and the back portion of which was built by Charles Francis Adams in 1869.

Portico - Adams National Historical Park, Quincy, MA (1946-09-16) by Abbie Rowe, U.S. Department of the Interior photographer U.S. National Archives

The vine-covered portico where John Adams made his last public appearance in 1821 at age 86. He addressed 200 West Point Cadets who had marched 10 miles from Boston to honor him.

Front View of the Old House - Adams National Historical Park, Quincy, MA (1946-09-16) by Abbie Rowe, U.S. Department of the Interior photographer U.S. National Archives

Front Entrance Gate - Adams National Historical Park, Quincy, MA (1946-09-16) by Abbie Rowe, U.S. Department of the Interior photographer U.S. National Archives

The front entrance gate to the Old House, designed by John Quincy Adams' grandson Brooks Adams in 1906.

Old House from the Sidewalk - Adams National Historical Park, Quincy, MA (1946-09-16) by Abbie Rowe, U.S. Department of the Interior photographer U.S. National Archives

Back of Old House - Adams National Historical Park, Quincy, MA (1975-04) by Fasch Studio, Milton, MA U.S. National Archives

West Wall of the Long Room - Adams National Historical Park, Quincy, MA (1946-09-16) by Abbie Rowe, U.S. Department of the Interior photographer U.S. National Archives

Interior Shots of the Mansion

Shown here is the West Wall of the Long Room. Portraits are of (from left): Abigail Adams, John Adams, and John Quincy Adams, all painted by Copley. The furniture includes a “Louis XV sofa, used in France, Philadelphia, Washington, and Quincy," according to the original caption provided with the photo. On either side are "Louis XV chairs," used by women in hoop skirts. The small end tables were also French and belonged to Henry Adams.   

The Long Room - Adams National Historical Park, Quincy, MA (1946-09-16) by Abbie Rowe, U.S. Department of the Interior photographer U.S. National Archives

The center of the Long Room features a four-seated Ottoman.

Behind the Ottoman is a double Victorian chair with a built-in sewing box. On top of the post that adjoins the two seats is a pin cushion of red velvet with a thimble holder at the top.

The portrait in the corner is of Abigail Brooks Adams, wife of Charles Francis Adams.

On either side of the fireplace are "Louis XV chairs," according to the original caption provided with the photo. On the mahogany stands on both sides of the fireplace are fire screens embroidered by Abigail Adams.

Over the fireplace is a portrait of General James Warren, President of the Massachusetts Provincial Congress and a Paymaster General for the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. On the mantel is a French clock, a pair of Chinese vases, and matching candelabras.

Long Hall - Adams National Historical Park, Quincy, MA (1946-09-16) by Abbie Rowe, U.S. Department of the Interior photographer U.S. National Archives

The Long Hall in the Old House. Portrait on the left is of John Quincy Adams. Portrait at the end of the hall at far right is of John Adams. The marble-topped table, of hand-carved mahogany, belonged to John Adams.

In the middle frame is a wreath presented to First Lady Louisa Adams (wife of John Quincy Adams) by girls of the Seminary for Female Education in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. The bust to the left of the wreath is John Adams, and the bust at right is George Washington.

Portrait of John Quincy Adams - Adams National Historical Park, Quincy, MA (1946-09-16) by Abbie Rowe, U.S. Department of the Interior photographer U.S. National Archives

Portrait of John Quincy Adams by Marchant, hanging in the Long Hall.

Portrait of John Adams - Adams National Historical Park, Quincy, MA (1946-09-16) by Abbie Rowe, U.S. Department of the Interior photographer U.S. National Archives

Portrait of John Adams by Copley, displayed in the Long Hall.

Garden and Library - Adams National Historical Park, Quincy, MA (1970) by Fasch Studio, Milton, MA U.S. National Archives

Stone Library

John Quincy Adams requested in his will that a library be built on the grounds of the Old House. His son Charles Francis Adams fulfilled that wish, constructing Stone Library in 1870. The library holds more than 12,000 volumes of the Adams family's books, papers, and maps. 

Exterior of Stone Library - Adams National Historical Park, Quincy, MA (1946-09-16) by Abbie Rowe, U.S. Department of the Interior photographer U.S. National Archives

Stone Library Interior - Adams National Historical Park, Quincy, MA (1946-09-16) by Abbie Rowe, U.S. Department of the Interior photographer U.S. National Archives

Inside the Stone Library, built in 1870 by Charles Francis Adams. He and two of his sons, historians Henry and Brooks Adams (the last of the family to live at the estate), did much of their writing in the library.

The portrait on the balcony is of John Adams painted by W. Winstanley in 1798.

West Side of Garden - Adams National Historical Park, Quincy, MA (1975-04) by Fasch Studio, Milton, MA U.S. National Archives

Old House Grounds

Yorkist Rose - Adams National Historical Park, Quincy, MA (1946-09-16) by Abbie Rowe, U.S. Department of the Interior photographer U.S. National Archives

The Yorkist Rose tree was brought from England by Abigail Adams in 1788. It was originally planted under Long Room window, but Brooks Adams moved it to prevent it from dying for lack of sun.

Garden - Adams National Historical Park, Quincy, MA (1951-07-19) U.S. National Archives

Carriage House - Adams National Historical Park, Quincy, MA (1975-04) by Fasch Studio, Milton, MA U.S. National Archives

The Carriage House, built by John Quincy Adams' son, Charles Francis Adams, in 1872 or 1873.

Pond and Carriage House - Adams National Historical Park, Quincy, MA (1975-04) by M.Peak U.S. National Archives

The pond and Carriage House, with the greenhouse in the background.

Carriage House and Woodshed - Adams National Historical Park, Quincy, MA (1946-09-16) by Abbie Rowe, U.S. Department of the Interior photographer U.S. National Archives

The side of the Carriage House, with the wood shed on the right. Charles Francis Adams moved the wood shed from a different location on the estate.

Railroad Tracks - Adams National Historical Park, Quincy, MA (1946-09-16) by Abbie Rowe, U.S. Department of the Interior photographer U.S. National Archives

Railroad tracks from Quincy to Boston run alongside Newport Avenue across from the Carriage House and wood shed. The Old Colony Railroad initially built tracks here in 1844.

Wall of Furnace Brook - Adams National Historical Park, Quincy, MA (1946-09-16) by Abbie Rowe, U.S. Department of the Interior photographer U.S. National Archives

The wall surrounding Furnace Brook, with the side of the Carriage House at the far left and the greenhouse on the right with the library behind it. The wall, Carriage House, greenhouse, and library were all built by John Quincy Adams' son, Charles Francis Adams.

Stone Wall in front of the Old House - Adams National Historical Park, Quincy, MA (1946-09-16) by Abbie Rowe, U.S. Department of the Interior photographer U.S. National Archives

Streets Around the Mansion

Adams Street toward Newport Avenue - Adams National Historical Park, Quincy, MA (1946-09-16) by Abbie Rowe, U.S. Department of the Interior photographer U.S. National Archives

Adams Street going east from the Old House toward Newport Avenue.

Old House from Adams Street - Adams National Historical Park, Quincy, MA (1946-09-16) by Abbie Rowe, U.S. Department of the Interior photographer. U.S. National Archives

Adams Street - Adams National Historical Park, Quincy, MA (1946-09-16) by Abbie Rowe, U.S. Department of the Interior photographer U.S. National Archives

Adams Street in 1946, running southeast from the Old House.

Driveway Across from the Old House - Adams National Historical Park, Quincy, MA (1946-09-16) by Abbie Rowe, U.S. Department of the Interior photographer U.S. National Archives

The Old House and Stone Library as seen from the driveway across the street.

Images: National Archives at Boston Curator: Laurel Wilson

The Keynote Speaker

U.s. national archives, a capital market, a mission fulfilled: may 7, 1945, the national archives building: temple to our history, the u.s. food administration, women, and the great war: the pennsylvania food conservation train, freedom train, nasa's unsung hero: the scout launch vehicle program, vietnam veterans memorial, amending america: the shape of our government, the comstock act in philadelphia.

Adams National Historical Park | A Visit to the John Adams House, John Quincy Adams House & Peacefield

A visit to the Adams National Historical Park in Quincy, Massachusetts, where the stories of four generations of the Adams family are brought to life.

By Bethany Bourgault

Sep 06 2017

The perfect example of classic New England architecture – a 17th century saltbox house.

John Adams House #1  (John Adams Birthplace)

John Adams House #2 (John Quincy Adams Birthplace)

Stone Library

SEE MORE: Visiting the JFK Birthplace | A National Historic Site New England Architecture | Guide to House Styles in New England Curious About George | George Washington in New England

Bethany Bourgault

Bethany Bourgault interned with Yankee Magazine and New England.com during the summers of 2015 and 2016. She recently graduated from Syracuse University, majoring in magazine journalism with minors in writing and religion. She loves reading, exploring the outdoors, ballroom dancing, and trying new recipes. Keep up with her adventures at bethanybourgault.com .

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Adams National Historical Park | GUIDED TOUR

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Adams National Historical Park tour bus

The birth homes of John Adams and his son John Quincy and the Old House at Peacefield are only open to the public on guided tours that start at the Adams National Historical Park Visitor Center on Hancock Street. Tours are typically offered from May 1st through October 31st, Wednesdays through Sundays at multiple times each day. Allow three hours for the tour. This includes watching the park film at the Visitor Center before you depart to the home sites. From there, a bus takes participants to the homes, so you do not need to drive.

There is a fee for the tour, and tickets can be purchased up to two months in advance at Recreation.gov or, if any tickets remain, on the day of the tour at the Visitor Center (credit or debit cards). Only eight people are allowed on each tour, and these usually sell out in advance, particularly during July and August. Unless you don’t have Internet service, it is highly recommended that you get your tickets online. Again, tickets are only available at the Visitor Center if they were not sold online. Tour times are provided at Recreation.gov.

Luggage, large bags, and backpacks are not allowed on the tour. There is no place to store such items at the Visitor Center, so leave them in your car, home, or hotel room. All you really need is a bottle of water and a camera. The only restrooms are at the Visitor Center.

The tour first stops at the birth homes on Franklin Street, then proceeds to the Peacefield mansion on Adams Street. While there is nothing to do at the birth homes except tour the houses, there are gardens that you can explore on your own at Peacefield. If you want to spend more time there, you do not have to take the bus back with your group. Instead, you can walk back to the Visitor Center. The distance is only a half mile, a 10-15 minute walk for most people.

Birth home of John Adams, Adams National Historical Park

The tour of the birth homes only covers the lower floor, so those in non-motorized wheelchairs or with other mobility problems can enter the house (if you only have a motorized wheelchair, you can borrow a non-motorized chair at the park). The tour of the Old House at Peacefield ventures upstairs, so while the first floor is accessible, disabled visitors cannot see the second floor. Furthermore, the bus does not have a place for wheelchairs, so disabled visitors must drive themselves to the homes. If this is your situation, please call the park at (617) 773-1177 before arriving so the proper arrangements can be made.

Photography was not allowed inside the house when I took the tour, and thus I have no interior photos. However, the policy has changed, though no flash or selfie-sticks may be used, and no video may be shot. You can do what you want outside. You can see some of the rooms of the Peacefield mansion in this short video by Bob Vila.

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135 Adams Street Quincy, MA 02169

617-773-1177 Marianne Peak, Superintendent [email protected]

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Adams National Historical Park Visitor Center

1250 Hancock Street, Quincy, MA 02169 | | Phone: 617-773-1177 | Website

Begin your Adams experience at the park Visitor Center and view the new park movie,  Enduring Legacy: Four Generations of the Adams Family . Access to the three historic houses and Stone Library is by conducted tour only and available on a first-come, first-served basis. A trolley transports you on your full park tour and returns you to the Visitor Center in about 2 ½ hours. Free validated parking is offered in the adjacent Presidents Place Parking Garage accessed via Saville Avenue.

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How To Visit Three Presidential Homes In One Historical Park

Evangeline Melackrinos / Shutterstock

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Boston, Massachusetts, offers so many amazing historical experiences, and one you will not want to miss is a tour of Adams National Historical Park . John Adams was the second president of the U.S., a scholar and farmer, a world traveler, and father of another president. He lived a full life crammed with stellar achievements. Using his talents as a writer, he helped author the Declaration of Independence. For a season of his life, he met with royalty and diplomats in Europe. And he collected memorabilia from his travels that you can see on display in his house.

The John Adams “experience” is run by the National Park Service in Braintree and Quincy, just outside Boston. This tour of three homes makes a fascinating day trip when you visit this area of the U.S. Whether you appreciate architecture, art, literature, U.S. history, or gardens, you will enjoy your day. Here are tips on visiting plus a look at some of the inspiring highlights of Adams National Historical Park .

What’s So Interesting About John Adams?

Before spending a good part of a day touring his houses, it’s helpful to learn about or review just why John Adams is notable. Born in 1735, Adams grew up in Braintree, Massachusetts. His father encouraged him to read and study, instilling a lifelong habit of learning in his young son. After studying at Harvard, John Adams decided to pursue law. He courted and married future first lady Abigail Adams, who also excelled in her studies. She would prove to be a partner who would give intelligent advice as well as support to her husband throughout their marriage.

John Adams soon garnered a reputation as a competent lawyer. Known for his fairness, he gained fame when he defended British officers on trial for murder during the Boston Massacre. But he was also an outspoken critic of Great Britain. Elected as a delegate to the First Continental Congress, he helped Thomas Jefferson draft the Declaration of Independence.

During and after the Revolutionary War, Adams served as a diplomat in France and England. He returned to the U.S. and helped establish the fledgling country in his role as vice president under President George Washington. The first peaceful transfer of power in the U.S. took place eight years later when Adams was elected president.

Adams returned to Peace Field after his presidency, and there he lived out his days happy at his home and farm until his death in 1826.

Begin Your Adventure At The Visitor Center

To begin your day exploring the homes of John Adams, head to the Visitor Center in Quincy, Massachusetts. The National Park Service runs tours of the homes, with a trolley ride between them included in your ticket. Days and hours vary. Check the website before you plan to go. Winter hours are more limited than other seasons.

Once you park at the Visitor Center, you don’t have to worry about structuring your visit. Go inside, get your ticket, and from there on, follow directions to board a trolley. At the end of your tour, a trolley will return you to the center. Allow at least 3 hours, and longer if you want to wander through the gardens and grounds of the larger home.

First, view the orientation film, Enduring Legacy: Four Generations of the Adams Family . And browse the bookstore either before or after your tour — or both!

At the designated time, hop aboard the trolley, and off you go.

Pro Tip: The restrooms at the Visitor Center are the last you will see in a while.

Daniel M. Silva / Shutterstock

Make The First Stop At The John Adams Birthplace Home

You arrive first at the home where John Adams was born. This is the oldest presidential birthplace in the U.S. The small home, built in 1861, is a classic style of New England home referred to as a saltbox house. The name comes from the resemblance to boxes with slanted lids used to store salt in colonial kitchens.

A park service employee will tell you about this house and also talk about John Adams and his son, John Quincy Adams, who would follow in his father’s footsteps to become the sixth president of the U.S.

Continue To The Home Where John Adams Raised His Family

Walk across the lawn just 75 feet to a larger saltbox home. This is where John Adams lived as an adult. And it was the birthplace of John Quincy Adams. From here, John Adams worked as an attorney from his office. And in this house, he and two colleagues wrote the Massachusetts Constitution, which is still in effect.

The two Adams houses sit at their original locations. As you tour them, stop to imagine that behind the small house farmland spread out for 200 acres. The family of John Adams grew corn, wheat, oats, and barley. And horses, sheep, hogs, and poultry lived here. The original well is still on the grounds.

Joseph Sohm / Shutterstock

Step Back In Time At The Historic Old House At Peace Field

Board the trolley for a short ride to Peace Field. This stately home is the gem of the tour. Adams moved his family here in 1788, and he lived here until his death. The house, built in 1731, remained in the family until 1927. Peace Field highlights all Adams’s interests, including art, gardens, architecture, and books.

An hour-long guided tour by a park ranger takes you through the house. You’ll enjoy a running narrative about the generations of the family and the treasures you’re seeing.

Discover Art Collections Of Many Kinds

Peace Field is far more than a lovely architectural and historical dwelling. It is filled with collections of many kinds of art gathered by John and Abigail Adams and four generations of Adams after them. The collections of artifacts are worth viewing for their beauty and also because they represent events, travels, and experiences of the family. Furniture, dishes, and other items are European as well as American. Notice the Dutch chairs, French secretary, and Louis XV settee. Furniture made in America includes an American Queen Anne Highboy and a Federal-style mahogany banquet table. And remember to take in the paintings. Artists John Trumbull and Mather Brown are represented here.

When you tour the home, you are looking at the original artifacts amassed by the Adams family. The National Park Service takes pride in presenting authentic, original collections and furnishings. The only exceptions are small bits of upholstery and wallpaper.

Marvel At The Books In The Stone Library

The Stone Library is a separate building next to the house. More than 12,000 books, documents, and manuscripts that belonged to the Adams family live here. John Adams commissioned the building of this library in his will, noting to his son Charles that it should be fireproof. And he noted that Abigail Adams should have “the use of any of the books in the library at her descretions.”

Stand in this library, built in 1873, and you will be astounded at the extent of the written word gathered in this one august place.

Walk In The Gardens

Leave time, if possible, to stroll through the formal gardens after your tour of the buildings. The 18th-century gardens bloom with thousands of annuals and perennials. There’s also a historic orchard.

John Adams’s son Henry wrote about this garden, noting in a letter to a friend that while writing History of the United States , he worked on the book “as though it were serious, five hours a day; and when my hand and head get tired, I step out in the rose-beds and watch my favorite roses.”

The National Park tour of the three Adams homes in Massachusetts allows you to see where John Adams was born, where he built his career as a lawyer as his young family grew, and where four generations of the family lived. Peace Field gives you a sense of the world view of John Adams as he collected his favorite items from his travels. And you will be reminded of all the touchpoints of John Adams with the history of the U.S., from helping to write the Declaration of Independence to serving as the second president of a new nation.

You can almost feel how torn Adams was between serving his country and living in his idyllic Peace Field. You will likely end your day curious to learn more about this family who contributed so much to the formation of a nation struggling to learn how to promote life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

To learn more about the life of John Adams, either before or after your visit, read the biography John Adams by David McCullough, which won a Pulitzer Prize, and watch the excellent seven-episode John Adams HBO series based on the book. For more in-and-around-Boston inspiration, consider 11 Important Tips For Experiencing Boston’s Freedom Trail and Boston’s Historical Gems: 8 Fantastic Spots To Check Out .

As the owner of the travel blog, Exploring Our World , Sharon enjoys taking her readers on a journey with her. Articles often delve into the history of a place, and by adding in a generous number of photos, she inspires others to explore for themselves. In her early travels, she was most frustrated by coming back home and learning that she had missed a fascinating sight or a hidden gem. Now she helps travelers prepare for a trip by passing along travel tips, pointing out lesser known things to see, and alerting them to enjoyable day trips from major cities.

Her travel articles have been published by Stripes Europe Newsletter and the World War 2 Writing and Research Center. Whether she's discovering more about her hometown of San Diego, California or flying to faraway places, she enjoys sharing with travel lovers around the world.

Extended Park Guided Tour

Adams National Historical Park Tours

Guided tour of the Adams Farm at Penn’s Hill (the John Adams and John Quincy Adams Birthplaces), followed by a guided tour of the Old House at Peace field and the Stone Library. This tour is 2 hours total in length, including 15 minutes for travel between the two sites. The park does not currently provide transportation between sites.  The Extended Park Tour includes an extended experience in the historic structures and content covered in the Old House at Peace field Tour. Visitors may not want to book both tours as the content overlaps. Self-guided tours of the Adams Farm at Penn's Hill are also available and do not require reservations.  

You must have a daily park entrance pass, an annual park entrance pass, or a valid Interagency pass or to enter the park’s historic buildings in addition to any tour reservations you make. You can purchase entrance passes online at recreation.gov or in-person at the Visitor Center.   

Select a date to see a list of times

Need to Know

You must have a daily park entrance pass, an annual park entrance pass, or a valid Interagency pass or to enter the park’s historic buildings in addition to any tour reservations you make. You can purchase entrance passes online at recreation.gov or in-person at the Visitor Center.    

Your Extended Park Tour starts at the Adams Farm at Penn’s Hill (the John Adams and John Quincy Adams Birthplaces), located at 141 Franklin St., Quincy, MA. Arrive 15 minutes before your tour starts. 

You need to plan transportation to the second stop on the tour, the Old House at Peace field, located approximately 1.5 miles away from the Adams Farm at Penn's Hill at 135 Adams Street, Quincy, MA. Street parking is available at both locations. You will have a 15 minute window to travel between the two locations.   

Backpacks and bags larger than 9" x 11" x 5" are not permitted in the historic homes. Be advised that the park does not have storage lockers for these items and we recommend they be left in your vehicle or at your hotel. Bags may not be left unattended on park grounds. Anyone carrying a backpack or a bag larger than 9" x 11" x 5" will not be permitted in the historic homes.  

There are no restroom facilities available in the historic buildings. You cannot bring backpacks, luggage, large bags (over 9" x 11" x 5"), or strollers in the historic buildings and there are no locker facilities available. The historic buildings are not temperature controlled, so expect hot and humid conditions over the summer. You cannot vape or smoke on park property. Food and drinks are not allowed in the historic buildings. Tours may be modified or cancelled for visitor safety and adverse weather conditions or due to staff availability. 

Motorized chairs and assistance vehicles are not permitted in the historic houses. The park provides non-motorized wheelchairs for loan. The first floor of the Old House at Peace field has limited wheelchair access. The park has a photograph album and guidebook available for viewing at the Old House. The interior of the Old House is dimly lit and the second floor of the Old House at Peace field is accessible via stairs only. The John Adams and John Quincy Adams Birthplaces are not accessible by wheelchair. 

We strongly recommend that you start your visit to Adams National Historical Park at the Visitor Center, located at 1250 Hancock Street. You will find information, public restrooms, the 26-minute park film, and park store at the Visitor Center. Garage parking is available at 44 Saville Avenue in the President’s Place parking garage.  

You can book tour reservations starting 60 days in advance of the date of the tour until midnight the day before. You can also get tour reservations on the day of your visit on a limited, first come, first served basis at the Visitor Center. 

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John Stamos joining The Beach Boys on tour this summer

The "Full House" alum is performing on select dates across the country.

John Stamos is hitting the road with The Beach Boys this summer.

The "Full House" alum -- who has a longstanding relationship with the band -- will join The Beach Boys for a string of dates on their Endless Summer Gold 2024 tour, which celebrates the 50th anniversary of their album of the same name.

Stamos will perform on dates from May 30 to June 20, July 5 to July 7 and August 30 to Sept. 1 at venues across the country.

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"I believe their songs have been patiently waiting for this moment, perfectly timed to uplift spirits, especially when needed the most," the "ER" alum said in a statement. "I'm humbled that I get to be part of something truly special, something bigger than ourselves."

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He continued, "You must see The Beach Boys ASAP! It's an unforgettable opportunity to remind everyone of the massive power music holds to heal and unite. Together, they continue to captivate audiences, honoring the timeless appeal of America's Band, The Beach Boys."

John Stamos shares sweet video with son Billy visiting 'Full House' location: Watch here

The announcement comes after Stamos -- who first performed with The Beach Boys on July 4, 1985 -- joined The Beach Boys at the 2024 Stagecoach Festival.

An all-new documentary on the band, "The Beach Boys," will be available to stream on Disney+ beginning May 24.

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I got a history tour of the Cincinnati Observatory before the great solar eclipse of 2024

T he total solar eclipse coming April 8 is drawing everyone’s attention to the sky with renewed interest in astronomy. Count me among them.

A recent visit to the Cincinnati Observatory in Mount Lookout reminded me why it is one of the city’s most precious treasures. The observatory, designed by renowned Cincinnati architect Samuel Hannaford in 1873, is described as “a picturesque jewel-box of a building capped by a silver dome.” But it’s the historic telescopes, once among the largest in the country, that are the true gems.

John Ventre, the observatory historian, led my family on a tour of the facility and a peek through the extraordinary telescopes to view the universe. It was an awesome experience, a lesson in history and the marvel of ideas.

Start the day smarter. Get all the news you need in your inbox each morning.

Ventre told us the history of the observatory as we went along. He is the co-author, along with Stella Cottam, of a new book, “Cincinnati Observatory: Its Critical Role in the Birth and Evolution of Astronomy in America.” It is presented as a textbook, but it’s an engaging read about some fascinating Cincinnati history.

Our History: 1800s Cincinnati comes to life in this collection of rare photos

Cincinnati built America’s first major observatory

In the 1840s, there were about 130 operating observatories in Europe, but only a dozen or so in America, all of them small, private or associated with a school rather than being professional, said Ventre.

Everything changed due to the efforts of one man: Ormsby MacKnight Mitchel.

Mitchel was born about 1809 in Union County, Kentucky, and was raised in Lebanon, Ohio. Educated at West Point, he returned to the area and in 1836 was offered a position at Cincinnati College to teach mathematics, civil engineering and mechanics. With a keen interest in astronomy, he added lectures on that as well. They were so popular that students started bringing their families along to hear him.

“He was a dynamic lecturer, not common for the day,” Ventre said.

Mitchel also used some clever visual aids. A woman in the audience recalled: “Mr. Mitchel used to prepare his own illustrations by picking out the constellation in thin paper with a large pin; he would nail the paper to a frame and put a candle behind it, and then explain the heavens to us.”

In 1842, Mitchel gave a lecture on the solar system. The overflowing crowds led to it moving to Wesley Chapel on Fifth Street, then the largest venue in the West, seating 1,200.

At the lecture, Mitchel proposed the construction of an observatory in Cincinnati. He hoped to raise $7,500 ( about $240,000 today ) by selling shares in the Cincinnati Astronomical Society for $25 each ( $800 now ).

The 300 stockholders included a cross-section of Cincinnatians: attorneys, doctors, carpenters, teachers, blacksmiths, clerks and a steamboat captain.

John Quincy Adams laid the cornerstone in 1843

The Cincinnati Astronomical Society, with Judge Jacob Burnet as president, sent Mitchel to Europe with $1,000 ( $32,000 now ) to purchase a telescope.

He found an 11-inch Merz and Mahler lens in Munich, Bavaria, that had been ground but not installed. Mitchel had it fitted into a brass and mahogany telescope, then shipped it back to Cincinnati. Wealthy landowner Nicholas Longworth donated 4 acres on Mount Ida (now known as Mount Adams) to place the observatory on a high spot.

Mitchel invited former President John Quincy Adams, who had advocated for a national observatory, to come to Cincinnati to lay the cornerstone . The 76-year-old took a 1,000-mile journey by canal boat and carriage to Cincinnati for the occasion.

On Nov. 9, 1843, a parade marched up the hill in a torrential downpour to place the cornerstone, but it was too wet for Adams’ speech. He gave it the next day at Wesley Chapel. Ventre and Cottam’s book reprints the entire text of what was the former president’s last public speech, filling up 36 pages. In gratitude to Adams’ visit, the citizens renamed Mount Ida in his honor – Mount Adams .

“The telescope (Mitchel) acquired matched or surpassed all the other telescopes in Europe except one,” Ventre said.

On April 14, 1845, when the Merz and Mahler telescope saw “first light,” an astronomy term for its first view, it was the largest telescope in the Western Hemisphere.

Cincinnati Observatory is the oldest operating professional observatory in the U.S.

Relocating the observatory to Mount Lookout

Within a few decades, the Cincinnati air was foul with soot and smoke from the growing city. So plans were made to move the observatory. First the then-new University of Cincinnati, which was organized in 1871 , acquired it. With UC taking ownership of the observatory, telescope and records, the Cincinnati Astronomical Society ceased to exist.

John Kilgour, a banker whose father was a charter member of the society, donated 4 acres of land near Hyde Park for the observatory. The area was then dubbed Mount Lookout. He also gave $10,000 ( $259,000 today ) to build a new observatory, a Greek Revival design by Hannaford.

Construction of the new observatory began in 1873 and it opened in 1875. The original cornerstone laid by Adams was set into the corner of the new building, where it is today.

A second, larger telescope with a 16-inch Alvan Clark and Son refractor, was bought in 1904 and installed in the observatory. A second building, named after Mitchel, was built for the original microscope.

Travel back in time: What was it like to live in Cincinnati in the 1870s?

Saving the historic observatory for the future

In the 1990s, the Cincinnati Observatory was nearly history.

The observatory buildings were in deplorable shape, Ventre said. There were rumors UC wanted to close the observatory, sell the land and put up condos. Concerned neighbors and citizens, including Ventre, formed a Save the Observatory group. UC decided to keep the observatory and offered to pony up money for waterproofing, the costliest part of the $2.5 million restoration.

“The general goal was to make it a working, functional late-1800 astronomical observatory and restore everything as close as practicable to its working condition,” Ventre said.

Today you can learn about the history of the observatory at a small museum and go up to look through the eyepiece of the telescopes for yourself.

What’s remarkable is both telescopes are virtually the same as they were originally. There is no electricity needed. The aluminum shudders of the dome are opened for viewing by pulling a rope. Everything is carefully balanced and turns on gears.

Ventre explained one feature of the large Alvin Clark telescope that much impressed me for its ingenuity.

“There’s about a 400-pound weight in the pier of the telescope,” he said. “By cranking up the weight and letting gravity pull down or drop the weight, that’s kinetic energy. That energy, via various series of chains and gears, moves the telescope at the rate of one revolution per day in the opposite direction that the Earth rotates. Therefore, the byproduct of that, as you point the telescope at a celestial object, the telescope will mechanically track and stay on that target as the Earth turns on its axis in rotation.”

“Even today, it’s a precision machine,” Ventre added. “It’s awesome.”

When my family and I had the opportunity to observe the universe through the telescopes – the same way Ormsby MacKnight Mitchel did more than 175 years ago – we saw the moon, crystal clear, with perfect circles cratering the surface. We saw caramel-colored Jupiter and four of its moons, approximately 400 million miles away.

Looking through the past to see the future.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: I got a history tour of the Cincinnati Observatory before the great solar eclipse of 2024

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If you already have an America the Beautiful—the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass, that's the only entrance pass you need. Seniors, military, visitors with a permanent disability, and families with a 4th grader are eligible for a free or discounted America the Beautiful pass.

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America the Beautiful Passes are non-refundable, non-transferable and cannot be replaced if lost or stolen . Passholders must show valid photo identification (ID) with each pass.

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Passes can be purchased or picked up at over 1,000 federal recreation sites.

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To receive your pass by mail, order online at the USGS Online Store or by phone: 1-888-275-8747 , extension 1. Hours of operation are 8 am to 4 pm Mountain Time.

2024 Free Entrance Days in the National Parks

Come experience the national parks! All National Park Service sites that charge an entrance fee will offer free admission to everyone (other fees may apply). Mark your calendar for these entrance fee-free dates:

• Monday, January 15 — Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
• Saturday, April 20 — First Day of National Park Week
• Wednesday, June 19 — Juneteenth
• Sunday, August 4 — The Great American Outdoors Act
• Saturday, September 28 — National Public Lands Day
• Monday, November 11 — Veterans Day

Group Reservations

Please contact Supervisory Recreation Fee Technician Jason Halin at [email protected] or 617-770-1175 regarding reservations for groups of 10 or more people.

Where Do My Entrance Fees Go?

The fees you pay when visiting Adams National Historical Park (ADAMS) make a difference! We participate in the Congressionally-authorized Federal Recreation Lands Enhancement Act. Under this program, parks keep 80% of all fees collected and use that money to fund important projects that improve visitor services and protect resources. To find out more about where your dollars go, click here . Please Note: Adams National Historical Park is credit or debit card only for all ticket and pass sales.

Last updated: April 18, 2024

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Contact info, mailing address:.

135 Adams Street Quincy, MA 02169

617-773-1177 Marianne Peak, Superintendent [email protected]

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