Adams National Historical Park to Host Week of Events for 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence

News Release Date:
June 18, 2026

Contact: Hilary Miller, 617-706-1716

QUINCY, Mass. - Join the National Park Service (NPS) at Adams National Historical Park for Independence 250, a full week of free special programming and events to mark the 250^th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and the roles of both John and Abigail Adams in the founding of the nation. Events will take place June 26 through July 5.

"The Second Day of July 1776, will be the most memorable Epocha, in the History of America," wrote John Adams to Abigail Adams on July 3, 1776. It was the day after the Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia adopted a resolution for American independence from Great Britain. Little did Adams know that Americans would come to celebrate Independence Day on July 4, the day Congress approved the edits to the Declaration of Independence. That is why the date July 4 appeared on the famed document.

"John Adams may not have guessed that it would be July 4 and not July 2 that would be remembered as our Independence Day, but the sentiment was correct," said Superintendent Marianne Peak. "The 4^th of July is celebrated today with 'Pomp and Parade… Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations' as Adams hoped, and Adams National Historical Park is proudly participating in this long tradition by hosting a premier event for this important 250^th anniversary. Whether visitors come to the park on July 2, July 4 or another day during the Independence 250 event, they can join us in commemorating the nation's semiquincentennial and the incredible contributions of Americans like John and Abigail Adams in the formation of the United States."

From theatrical performances and author talks to living history and immersive experiences, Adams National Historical Park will host a variety of special programs and events for visitors of all ages during Independence 250:

• Friday, June 26, 6 p.m., Slice of History - Join Adams National Historical Park for a Slice of History, a night of pizza and rewatching the Y2K throwback, Liberty's Kids. This event is intended for audiences ages 18-30 but all are welcome. This event is hosted in partnership with Made By Us and the Adams Presidential Center.
• Saturday, June 27, and Sunday, June 28, The Adamses and the American Revolution - Visit the Adams Farm at Penn's Hill (the John Adams and John Quincy Adams Birthplaces), 141 Adams St., Quincy, Mass., for ranger talks and special programs sharing the experiences of the Adams family during the American Revolution and their contributions to American independence.
• Sunday, June 28, 4 p.m., Jefferson & Adams - Join Adams National Historical Park for a performance of Jefferson & Adams: A Stage Play by Howard Ginsberg. Witness a compelling dramatization of the friendship between John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and Abigail Adams. Actors Bill Barker, Sam Goodyear and Abigail Schumann bring to life the fifty-year relationship - often contentious, sometimes turbulent and ultimately enduring - of this dynamic trio who hold forth on life, love and loss in their now famous correspondence.
• Tuesday, June 30, 6 p.m., My Dearest Friend - Join Adams National Historical Park for a performance of My Dearest Friend: A Play About John and Abigial Adams, written by Peter Manos. My Dearest Friend, both a civics lesson and love story, is about the American Revolution and the founding of the United States revealed through the rich, witty and passionate correspondence between Abigail and John Adams. They spent years apart, sometimes on separate continents, but stayed intensely in love for more than half a century. The Adamses are remembered today as two key architects of America's enduring legacy: democracy, freedom, the rule of law and government by the people, responsible to the needs of the people. Their love story changed the world. Produced by special arrangement with the Dramatic Publishing Company of Woodstock, Illinois.
• Wednesday, July 1, 6 p.m., Quincy's Women on the Page - Hear from bestselling authors Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie, along with novelist Jodi Daynard, as they share their experiences bringing Quincy women, including Abigail Adams, to life through historical fiction. This event is hosted in collaboration with Historic New England's Quincy House and the National Parks Conservation Association.
• Thursday, July 2, 11 a.m., 1 p.m. 3 p.m., Independence Forever: The Continental Congress - Become a delegate to the Second Continental Congress and re-enact the passage of the Declaration of Independence. This interactive and engaging event is an invitation to adults and children to take part in the debate about whether to remain loyal to the British crown or to create a new nation.
• Friday, July 3, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., John and Abigail Adams - Hear from John and Abigail Adams as they share their experiences during the American Revolution at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Enjoy musical selections from The Conchords at 12 p.m. and 2 p.m.
• Saturday, July 4, 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., Readings of the Declaration of Independence - Lend your voice to these live public readings of the Declaration of Independence 250 years after it was adopted. The 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. readings will be held at the Adams Farm at Penn's Hill, the Adams' home during the American Revolution.
• Sunday, July 5, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Stories of the American Revolution - Learn more about the many stories of the American Revolution through ranger talks and special programs.

These special programs and events are free to attend and do not require reservations. Unless otherwise noted, the NPS is hosting all Independence 250 events outdoors on the grounds of the Old House at Peace field, located at 135 Adams Street, Quincy, Mass. Visitors should park at the Visitor Center at 1250 Hancock Street, Quincy, Mass., and may walk or ride the park trolley 0.5 miles to Peace field. Limited accessible parking will be available at Peace field along Adams Street. The Visitor Center and the Old House at Peace field are accessible by the MBTA Red Line via the Quincy Center stations (0.5 miles). Visitors should leave ample time to travel between park sites. Get the full details on the park website.

Attendees should be prepared for hot temperatures and dress appropriately for summer weather. These events may be modified or cancelled due to inclement weather or unsafe conditions. The NPS will post any alerts and updates on the park website and social media.

The NPS Visitor Center and the historic homes are open Wednesdays through Sundays. The 2026 tour season will run from May 1 through October 31. For information regarding tours and programming, call the NPS Visitor Center at 617-770-1175 or visit the park website.

About Adams National Historical Park. Adams National Historical Park includes the birthplaces of the second and sixth presidents of the United States, John Adams and John Quincy Adams, along with the Old House at Peace field, home to both presidents and four generations of their distinguished family.