Object of the Month

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Each month, an object from the collection at Adams National Historical Park will be featured.

Abigail's Locket

May 19, 2026 Posted by: Patty Smith, Museum Curator

This essay highlights the sentimental and historical aspects of Abigail’s gold locket, a personal gift from John before his diplomatic mission in 1779. It outlines the locket’s features, its symbolic role during their long separation, and traces the broader tradition of lockets as keepsakes. The locket’s possible origins are explored and its place in the Adams National Historical Park collection.

OOTM, objectofthemonth, Locket, AbigailAdams, JohnAdams, Jewelry

 

Chinese Export Bowl

April 28, 2026 Posted by: Patty Smith, Museum Curator

Blue and white Chinese export bowl, provenance Abigail Adams, representing her business acumen, running the household and farm, and creating income by selling export porcelain and other hard to acquire items.

ObjectOfTheMonth,OOTM,AbigailAdams,JohnAdams,ChineseExport,ColonialTrade

 

Hepplewhite Pole Fire Screens

March 20, 2026 Posted by: Lauren Whitley-Haney, Curatorial Intern

A set of two Hepplewhite fire screens. Abigail Adams likely purchased this set of pole fire screens in the late 1700s or early 1800s.

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