Graphic of the portraits of John Quincy Adams and John Adams side by side.
NPS
One Park, Two Presidents
Since Adams National Historical Park is the only historical park that was once home to two US presidents, Presidents' Day is a great cause for celebration. It is a chance to not only recognize the legacy of John and John Quincy Adams but to make that legacy accessible and fun for children and kids at heart. For the entire week of Presidents' Day, the National Park Service will host kid-friendly programming at the Visitor Center that is free and open to the public. These events range from arts and crafts projects, to story hours, and may even include an appearance from John Adams himself! See below for this year's events.
Reading with a Ranger logo
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Events the Week of February 19 - 23, 2024
Join the National Park Service in celebrating Presidents’ Day and Quincy’s two US Presidents—John Adams and John Quincy Adams—with fun, child-friendly programs Monday, February 19, through Friday, February 23, at the Adams National Historical Park Visitor Center. NPS staff welcomes all children (and kids at heart) to take part in the “Reading with a Ranger” story time series, participate in arts and crafts activities, and even meet John Adams himself. These programs are free and open to the public.
Monday, February 19, 11 am and 2 pm – Reading with a Ranger: This Little President: A Presidential Primer by Joan Hulub and Daniel Roodes. Learn about John Adams and nine other memorable presidents and picture yourself as a president by drawing your own presidential portrait. This program is held in conjunction with the City of Quincy’s Presidents’ Day Winterfest event on the Hancock-Adams Common.
Tuesday, February 20, 11 am and 2 pm – Reading with a Ranger: Courageous First Ladies Who Changed the World written by Heidi Poelman and illustrated by Giovana Medeiros. Hear about the extraordinary women, including Abigail Adams, who used their time at the White House to influence real change and design your own White House china celebrating the people and causes important to you.
Wednesday, February 21, 11 am and 2 pm – Listen to John Adams, portrayed by the talented Michael LePage, tell stories about being a kid in Quincy in the 1700s and try out some historic toys and fashions. Get your photo taken with the second president of the United States!
Thursday, February 22, 11 am and 2 pm - Reading with a Ranger: President Adams’ Alligator by Peter W. Barnes and Cheryl Shaw Barnes. Hear all about presidential pets and craft your own alligator to take home.
Friday, February 23, 11 am and 2 pm – Reading with a Ranger: Hello, National Parks! by Martha Zschock. Discover some of America’s most special places and imagine yourself stepping into the shoes of our nation’s park rangers.
Age ranges for the books read throughout the week vary from 2 to 10 years old, but children of all ages are welcome for the stories and crafts. The 26-minute park film, Enduring Legacy, will be unavailable during the scheduled programs but otherwise available for viewing. Junior Ranger activity books will also be available for visitors.
Fourth graders are eligible for the Every Kid Outdoors pass that allows all children under 16 and up to three adults to visit national parks for free! The Every Kid Outdoors pass and other park passes are available for purchase at the Visitor Center.
