John Adams Unbound

Watch an interview with librarian Will Adamczyk about John Adams Unbound.

More About John Adams

Explore the many facets of Quincy's own John Adams

during March and April through a special series of exhibits and programs for all ages.

John Adams Unbound Exhibit

Peruse the traveling exhibition John Adams Unbound in the Richardson room of the Main Library from March 1 to April 25, 2012. The exhibit features Adams' personal library, a collection of 3,500 books willed by Adams to the people of Massachusetts, originally held by the Adams Academy before moving to the Crane Library, and finally being deposited in the Boston Public Library in 1894. 

"John Adams Unbound" is a collaboration between the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Boston Public Library, and the American Library Association. The exhibition is based upon a major exhibition of the same name that was on display in the galleries of the Boston Public Library, Copley Square, in 2006 and 2007.

The traveling exhibition and tour are funded by a major grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) to the Boston Public Library.

Programs & Events

During the "John Adams Unbound" exhibition period, a series of free public programs exploring exhibition themes will be presented, as well as a supplemental exhibit in the library's Coletti Reading Room, in partnership with the Quincy Historical Society and the Adams National Historical Park.

John Adams and the American Experiment Discussion Series

Four Tuesday Evenings at 7:00 p.m.
Join Newbury College Professor of History Dan Breen to take a close look at the life and career of John Adams. This free four-part series combines film clips, readings and discussions. Registration is suggested to be sure you will receive a copy of the accompanying book and readings.

March 13: The Road to Lexington
March 20: War and Diplomacy
April 17: The White House Years
May 1: The Long Retirement

Lecture Series

Four Thursday Evenings at 7:00 p.m.

March 1: Habitual Affection: John Adams, His Family, and His Library in Quincy
March 15: 'On the Side of Mercy': John Adams and the Boston Massacre Trial
March 29: Dining With My Dearest Friend: John & Abigail at Table
April 12: An Unbounded Faith: The Religious Life & Thought of John Adams

Concert at the Crane Performances

Saturdays at 3:00 p.m.

February 25: Dance and the World of John Adams
April 28: John & Abigail: Their Words & the Music of Their Time

Book Clubs

Thursdays at 7:00 p.m.

March 8: First Family: Abigail and John Adams
April 5: Readings from John Adams' Library

Special Guided Tour

John Adams Library at Boston Public Library
Tuesday, April 24 at 10:00 a.m.
Join curator Beth Prindle for a one-hour tour of the John Adams Library in the Boston Public Library's Rare Books & Manuscripts Department. Ms. Prindle will give an overview of Adams's book collecting habits and highlights and welcome visitors into the Rare Books Reading Room for a viewing of special materials from the Adams collection. Space is limited and registration is required, beginning Monday, April 2.

For Children

Adams Alive
Saturday, March 31 from 10-3
Children aged 5 and older are invited to spend the day exploring the 18th century with Mr. Adams and his friends.

John Adams: At Home in Quincy Exhibit

March 1 - April 27
Peruse images of John Adams and his family in Quincy at a special exhibit of items loaned by the Adams National Historical Park and the Quincy Historical Society. Located in the Coletti Reading Room of the Main Library.