~History Fun and Field Trip~

We are currently studying early American history and the Revolutionary War.  Although the kids have different history curriculums they are both at this time period.  It is one of my favorites.  Studying history is one of my favorites and early American history is rich with men of great character and honor who gave so much for their country and for future generations.  They had a vision for a country that is honorable, noble and free.

A couple of weeks ago I chose to include the HBO John Adams miniseries as part of our history.  It was fabulously done and so true to the story.  We enjoyed it immensely.  I only wish it was ours because I would watch it over and over again.  But thankfully, our wonderful library had this available for us.  I recommend it for anyone who is learning about this time period.  

What could be better than visiting the John Adams Historical Park once we were finished watching the series.  We set up a date, invited our dear neighbors and headed out to Quincy, MA.  We were so thankful that the weather was wonderful on that day.  If you are at all able I would recommend this wonderful trip.  Once you arrive at the visitor's center you can purchase your ticket and wait for the arrival of the next trolley to take you to the actual homes of John Adams and his family.

Our trolley awaits.  We board and are headed to the homes.  Look at the gorgeous day.

We arrive at the first house.  It is still located on the original site.  The homes were in the Adams family until 1979 when they were turned over to the National Parks Department.  They are amazing historical landmarks. The home pictured below is the birthplace and home of John Adams during his early years.

This is the home where John and Abigail started their married lives.  It is the birthplace of our sixth President~John Quincy Adams and also the birthplace of the Massachusetts Constitution.

Unfortunately, I couldn't get a better picture because there is a very busy street there now. 

Once the tour of the birthplaces was complete we boarded the trolley once and again and headed to the Old House.  This is the home where John and Abigail lived when they returned from Europe.  It was the home of four generations of the Adams family.

The Old House

This is the carriage house.  It is one of the few remaining farm buildings of John and Abigail's time.  John farmed the land that he owned at the time.  There were barns and other farm buildings and an orchard that John loved.
Love this door to the old house.  It has a gorgeous porch and there are two identical entrances.  Abigail had an addition put on the house while John was away.

Gorgeous gate~Like the doors there are two identical gates.  I love them!!

There is a stone library on the property.  John Quincy Adams requested that a fireproof structure be built separate from the house for his books and papers.  This is a weathervane from the old Hamilton church given to the Adams's when they funded a new church building.  This is a replica.  The original is stored away but was on display for hundreds of years.

Window to the library.
English garden that Charles Francis Adams had made for his wife.  This is the site of John Adams's apple orchard but Charles wanted his wife to have a proper English garden.

You are not able to take any pictures inside the homes.  Everything in the Old House is original and belong to the Adams's.  The cane that John is portrayed carrying in the miniseries is there by the door~it is the original.  There are so many wonderful features of the home that I wish I could share but am not allowed.  If you aren't able to visit in person you can take a virtual tour here.  I hope you have enjoyed our visit.  

We had such a great time with our neighbors.  Even with my poor sense of direction I was able to find our way out of Quincy into familiar territory where we could have a nice lunch together.  It was such a fun experience.  The kids and I had so much fun and laughed so hard.  They are the best neighbors anyone could ask for and tons of fun.