News Release

Mark a 250th Anniversary Milestone this National Park Week

Date: April 11, 2025
Contact: Hilary Miller, 617-706-1716

QUINCY, MA — “The Die was cast, the Rubicon passed,” wrote John Adams of the Battles of Lexington and Concord that took place 250 years ago. The events of April 19, 1775, marked the first battle of the American Revolution and moved the American colonies closer to independence. This National Park Week, join the National Park Service in commemorating this historical milestone. Learn more about the American Revolution and our national parks 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, April 21, 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. – Decoding the American Revolution Spies: Learn more about the codes and ciphers used by spies, diplomats, and the military during the American Revolution. Try your hand at deciphering secret messages using the same techniques perfected by spies in the 1700s. Can you crack the code?

Tuesday, April 22, 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. – John Adams: The Voice Heard ‘Round the World: John Adams is known as “The Architect of American Independence,” and through music and stories, audiences today can revisit his Revolutionary ideas for a free nation. Join author Hannah Carlson for a musical journey featuring Grammy-nominated, Emmy Award-winning composer Anthony DiLorenzo’s original score commissioned by the Boston Landmarks Orchestra. Space is limited for this special program held at 12 p.m. and 2 p.m.

Wednesday, April 23, 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. – Getting Dressed in the 1700s: What would you have worn as a child during the era of the American Revolution? Find out more about the clothing members of the Adams family, including the Adams children, would have donned in the 1700s. Design your own colonial pocket and take home your very own “tricorn” hat!

Thursday, April 24, 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. – Putting Quill Pen to Paper: John and Abigail Adams famously wrote many letters to each other during the American Revolution. Try your hand at using the writing instrument used by the Adamses, the quill pen!  

Friday, April 25, 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. – 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. Park ranger-led book readings will be held at 12 p.m. and 2 p.m.

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.

National Park 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! Visit EveryKidOutdoors.gov for more information on this pass.

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 off-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.