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Contact: Hilary Miller, 617-706-1716
QUINCY, MA — 2025 marks 200 years since John Quincy Adams was sworn in as sixth President of the United States. This Presidents’ Day and February school vacation week, join the National Park Service in commemorating this milestone. Learn more about the life and times of John Quincy Adams with a series of child-friendly activities at the Adams National Historical Park Visitor Center. These programs for kids of all ages are free and open to the public.
Monday, February 17, 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. – Presidential Pets: Did John Quincy Adams really have a pet alligator? Find out the answer, hear about presidential pets, and craft your own alligator to take home. This program is held in conjunction with the City of Quincy’s Presidents’ Day Winterfest event on the Hancock-Adams Common.
Tuesday, February 18, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Silhouettes, Shadow Pictures, and Shades: John Quincy Adams and other members of his family were among those whose likenesses were captured by silhouettes, also known as shades, shadow pictures, and profiles in the 1700s and 1800s. Craft your own silhouettes of your family and friends!
Wednesday, February 19, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Setting Sail: During the American Revolution, 10-year-old John Quincy Adams sailed across the ocean with his father, John Adams, on a diplomatic mission to France. Learn more about the Adamses’ travels and build your own ship for your own adventures!
Thursday, February 20, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Putting Quill Pen to Paper: The Adamses were known for writing many letters and keeping diaries throughout their lives, including John Quincy Adams. Try your hand at using the writing instrument used by the Adamses, the quill pen!
Friday, February 21, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Look to the Skies: In 1843, John Quincy Adams laid the cornerstone for the Cincinnati Observatory, a place where people could go to observe the stars, planets, and more. Make your own instrument to help you learn more about the skies!Children of all ages are welcome for the activities and crafts. Historic toys, coloring pages, and Junior
Ranger activity books will be available for visitors throughout the week.
Presidents’ Day week is an ideal time for fourth graders to pick up their free Every Kid Outdoors pass at the Visitor Center. With this pass, fourth graders can bring all children under 16 and up to three adults to visit national parks, lands, and waters for free!
The Visitor Center, located at 1250 Hancock Street in the heart of Quincy, is open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday during the winter season. The historic homes remain closed for the season and are anticipated to open in late spring. For information regarding tours and programming, visit the park website.
About Adams National Historical Park: 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.
Last updated: February 11, 2025