Filming, Still Photography, and Audio Recording

Adams National Historical Park offers a beautiful and historic setting for filming and photography. Whether you are capturing a personal memory or an artistic landscape, we welcome your enjoyment of the park while asking for your help in protecting its special places.

Filming, Still Photography, and Audio Recording Regulations and Permits

• In most cases, permits and fees are not required for filming, still photography, or audio recording that involves eight or fewer individuals. In order to avoid permit and fee requirements, the filming, still photography, or audio recording must meet all of the following conditions:

  • Occurs in areas open to the public;

  • Uses hand-carried equipment only;

  • Does not require exclusive use of a site;

  • Does not adversely impact park resources, values, or other visitors; and

  • Is not likely to result in additional administrative costs for the NPS.

• Permits and fees are never required for filming, still photography, or audio recording that is associated with an activity or event that has been authorized under a written instrument (e.g., permit or agreement), such as a wedding, sporting event, demonstration or other activity.

• All filming, still photography, and audio recording is treated the same under the new law. It does not matter whether it is commercial, non-commercial, for content creation, by a student, or conducted by media or for news gathering.

• When a filming, still photography, or audio recording permit is required, the National Park Service will charge location fees and fees to recover its costs to administer the permit, including application fees.

• Individuals and groups conducting filming, still photography, or audio recording remain subject to all other laws and regulations applicable to visitors to park areas, including those requiring permits for certain activities (e.g., special events or demonstrations) and those prohibiting disturbance or other negative impacts to natural or cultural resources.

• Individuals and groups conducting filming, still photography, or audio recording are subject to entrance and/or recreation fees that may apply in park areas even when a permit is not required.

Photography and Stewardship at Adams National Historical Park

Our gardens are living history. Please photograph and film them from the paths to help preserve their beauty for all.

Filming and Photography Guidelines

• Stay on Designated Paths: Our historic gardens are living, carefully preserved exhibits. Please remain on marked paths and refrain from stepping over hedges or into garden beds. Foot traffic off paths can cause irreversible damage to delicate root systems, compact the soil, and harm heirloom plantings that have been cultivated for centuries.

• Protect the Gardens: Even a single step into a garden bed or over a hedge can result in long-term harm to these historic landscapes. Please admire, film and photograph from the designated walkways in sensitive areas depicted below.

• Respect Barriers and Boundaries: Any ropes, fences, hedges, or other barriers are there to protect sensitive areas. Do not move, cross, or step over any barriers.

• Leave No Trace: Please carry out anything you bring into the park, including equipment, props, or waste. Help us preserve the natural and historical beauty for all visitors.

• Be Mindful of Other Visitors: Filming and photography should not disrupt other visitors' experiences. Please keep pathways clear and avoid blocking access to park spaces.

 

If you wish to apply for a permit for photography at Adams National Historical Park, please fill out the permits linked below.

NPS Form 10-931 Application for Photography/Filming Permit Short Form

NPS Form 10-932 Application for Photography/Filming Permit Long Form

For more information, be sure to read the Superintendent's Compendium, which outlines specific rules and regulations for the park.