Quincy 400: “Louisa: The Extraordinary Life of Mrs. Adams”

Quincy 400 Lecture Series: Louisa: The Extraordinary Life of Mrs. Adams w/ Author Louisa Thomas
Tuesday, March 18 | 6:30 – 7:30 PM

Richardson Building, Main Library, 40 Washington St. Quincy, MA

The City of Quincy proudly marks 400 years of rich history, community, and culture since its settlement in 1625. Known as the birthplace of two U.S. Presidents, John Adams and John Quincy Adams, Quincy has been at the forefront of shaping American democracy and innovation. This milestone is an opportunity to honor our past, celebrate our present, and envision a bright future together.

The Thomas Crane Public Library invites the public to partake in an exciting year-long series of activities and events commemorating Quincy’s remarkable legacy. Join us on Tuesday, March 18 from 6:30 – 7:30 PM in the historic Richardson Building on 40 Washington St., Quincy, for our next Quincy 400 Lecture Series on Louisa: The Extraordinary Life of Mrs. Adams with Author Louisa Thomas.

Louisa Catherine Adams is known, if she is known at all, as the wife of John Quincy Adams — President of the United States, lion of Congress, son of the Revolution. Born in London to an American father and a British mother on the eve of the Revolutionary War, Louisa was raised in circumstances very different from the New England upbringing of John Quincy, whose life had been dedicated to public service from childhood. And yet John Quincy fell in love with her, almost despite himself. Their often tempestuous but deeply intimate marriage lasted half a century. They lived in Prussia, Massachusetts, Washington, Russia, and England; at royal courts, on farms, in cities, and in the White House. Louisa saw more of Europe and America than nearly any other woman of her time. But wherever she lived, she was always pressing her nose against the glass, not quite sure whether she was looking in or out. The other members of the Adams family could take their identity for granted—they were Adamses; they were Americans—but she had to find hers. As the country that her husband led found its place in the world, she found a voice. Journalist and historian Louisa Thomas, the author of “Louisa: The Extraordinary Life of Mrs. Adams,” will speak about Louisa’s unusual life and the way it resonates still, two hundred and fifty years later.

Our presenter, Louisa Thomas, is a staff writer at the New Yorker, where she writes about sports, and a Visiting Lecturer in the English Department at Harvard University, where she teaches creative nonfiction writing. She is also the author of Louisa: The Extraordinary Life of Mrs. Adams, a biography of Louisa Catherine Adams, the wife of John Quincy Adams; Conscience: Two Soldiers, Two Pacifists, One Family–A Test of Will and Faith in World War I; and the co-author, with John Urschel, of Mind and Matter: A Life in Math and Football.

This year promises a wide array of programs and activities designed to celebrate 400 years of the people and ideas that have shaped not only Quincy but also the fabric of America. Additionally, we’ll have a year-round Quincy 400 display with rotating subjects/themes each month as well as Quincy 400 trivia sheets and Quincy 400 bingo! All are available at the Main Library. Bingo sheets are available at all Quincy Library branches. Stay tuned for more events to come!

Join us as we commemorate Quincy’s vibrant legacy and celebrate the shared pride of our community. Together, let’s honor our history and look forward to the next chapter.

This program is made possible by generous donations to the Friends of the Thomas Crane Public Library.