America's Best Idea: National Parks and American Independence

Date: January 29, 2016
Contact: Caroline Keinath, 617-773-1177
Contact: Jessica Pilkington, 617-773-1177

America's Best Idea: National Parks and American Independence!

The 240^th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence

The 100^th Anniversary of the National Park Service

The 70^th Anniversary of Adams National Historical Park

QUINCY, MA – The Founding Fathers had the radical idea that a government should be for the people.  Today, 409 of America's "best idea," our National Parks, exist for the same purpose: for the people.  Join Adams National historical Park at the "Continental Congress" as we debate, defend, compromise, and consider the Meaning of Independence.

Experience history through the performing arts as we salute two of our nation's most celebrated Founding Fathers: John Adams and Thomas Jefferson and Founding Mother, Abigail Adams, in the stage play: Jefferson and Adams by Howard Ginsberg.

Celebrate the 240^th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence at the home of one of the men who helped to write it!This annual tradition has brought hundreds to take part in the celebration.The July 4, 2016 activities include:

Independence Forever: The Continental Congress
2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
The Carriage House, 135 Adams Street, Quincy, MA
Become a delegate to the Second Continental Congress and re-enact the passage of the Declaration of Independence in the Adams Carriage House.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!

The Reading of the Declaration of Independence, 3:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Join the delegates at John Adams's Old House at Peace field and lend your voice to the ceremonial reading of the Declaration of Independence!

Jefferson &Adams: A Stage Play
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
The Beale House, 181 Adams Street, Quincy, MA
Witness a compelling dramatization of the friendship between John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and Abigail Adams.Colonial Williamsburg reenactors Bill Barker and Abigail Schumann join actor Sam Goodyear in bringing 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.The play will take place under the tent at the neighboring Beale House.

The July 4^th commemoration is free and open to the public.The performance will take place in the Carriage House, located behind Old House at Peace field.The address is 135 Adams Street.There is limited street parking.A free trolley from the Adams National Historical Park Visitor Center (1250 Hancock Street) will be available.Validated parking is located on the 4^th and 5^th floors in the Galleria Parking Garage.

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.During the open season, April 19 through November 10, tickets to the historic homes can be purchased at the Visitor Center located at 1250 Hancock Street, Quincy.A free park trolley transports visitors from the Visitor Center to the Birthplaces and the "Old House at Peace field" for a two and a half hour tour.The first tour leaves at 9:15 a.m. and the last tour leaves at 3:15 p.m., seven days a week including federal holidays.Tickets are $10.00 for adults (children 15 and under are free) and sold on a first-come, first-served basis.