In Quincy, about 10 miles south of Boston, Adams National Historical Park preserves the homes and history of the Adams family, including presidents John Adams and John Quincy Adams. The visit links the visitor center, the two birthplace homes and Peacefield, where four generations of the family lived. Start at the visitor center for orientation, then see the historic houses and the Stone Library. Ranger-led tours bring the family’s story to life, and original furnishings and personal objects add detail to the homes. Check tour arrangements before setting out, as access and schedules can change.
The Adams family sites in Quincy
Adams National Historical Park brings together three visitor stops: the visitor center, the birthplace homes of John Adams and John Quincy Adams, and Peacefield. The houses preserve the family’s connection to Quincy and to early American history. Four generations of the Adams family lived at Peacefield.
The visitor center is the place to begin. It provides orientation and a film about the family, and it is where you can ask about the day’s tour arrangements. The sites are not all in one building, so plan for travel between them. A trolley connects the visitor center, the birthplace homes and Peacefield when it is running.
Inside the homes and Stone Library
The birthplace homes offer a look at the early lives of John Adams and John Quincy Adams. Peacefield is a separate stop and is visited by guided tour. Ranger-led tours explain the history of the houses and the generations who lived there. Original furnishings and personal effects help show how the family used the rooms.
The Stone Library is another point of interest at Peacefield. It holds thousands of historic volumes. The Old House at Peacefield is especially important to the visit, with the family’s multigenerational history presented inside.
Planning your visit
Check current tour availability before travelling to the park. Tour access and schedules can change, and the houses may not all be open to visitors at the same time. Some parts of the visit require a tour, so do not assume you can enter each house independently.
Start early if you can. The historic buildings do not have air conditioning, and heat can affect access to interiors. Build in time for movement between the sites, and ask at the visitor center about the trolley and the day’s arrangements.
Perguntas frequentes
Where should I start my visit?
Start at the visitor center for orientation and information about tours and transportation between the sites.
Can you visit Peacefield without a tour?
No. Access to the house at Peacefield is by tour.
How long should I allow for Adams National Historical Park?
Allow about 2 to 3 hours to visit the separate sites and take a tour.
Are the historic houses air-conditioned?
No. Heat can affect access to the interiors, so check conditions and tour availability before your visit.
