Declaration of Independence In Quincy
Boston, Massachusetts is certainly glowing when it comes to history. Five miles south and over the Neponset River take you into the city of Quincy (pronounced Quin-zee), the only city in the United States that is the birthplace of two presidents; John Adams and his son John Quincy Adams. Add the birthplace of John Hancock, and you have the makings of the Declaration of Independence.
What better way to celebrate the Declaration than attending a reenactment of the Continental Congress. I am taken to a place called The House, located at 65 Adams Street, the residence of the Adams family (not to be confused with the Addams Family) for four generations. The grounds are known as “Peace field” and include the gardens and Carriage House. We are directed to the Carriage House where Abigail Adams is giving us a bit of information as to what is going on and addresses us all as being men who own land. We are attending the finalizing of the Declaration of Independence to decide on what should or not be included. Since there are 56 delegates, we get to draw a name from a hat. All others beyond the 56 are there to assist their delegates.
I have chosen the name William Paca and seated with the other delegates from Maryland and given some papers that explain who I am. My home is at Wye Plantation. I am wealthy, outspoken, lively, and a slave owner and you will find me in Philadelphia buying guns for the army and clothes for myself. It states what I did before the Congress and at the Congress.
My Congressional Instructions read: “You like Thomas Jefferson’s Draft of the Declaration of Independence. However, you object to the passage that is critical of slavery because you own slaves. You will agree to accept the Declaration of Independence only if Congress takes them out.
There are about a half dozen actors to portray the major contributors and children are welcome to be a delegate as well. The two debates focused on the subject of abolishing slavery and whether to blame the English or just the King. Abigail Adams made an appeal to her husband to include women.
Each delegate votes, the Declaration is passed and we are able to sign our names to a copy. Upon leaving we are directed to The House for a reading of the document as each are given a line or two to read out loud. This is followed by refreshment and games. About an hour later, there is a play at the gardens. It is a dramatization of the friendship between Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and Adams’ “dearest friend” Abigail. And, there's no charge for any of this.
Another place to explore while in Quincy is Adams National Historical Park Visitors Center, located at 1250 Hancock Street. This offer's history at a bargain, and starts with a 27 minute movie entitled, “Enduring Legacy: Four Generations of the Adams Family”. It’s a story of service and sacrifices that shaped our nation. You will certainly recognize the voice of Tom Hanks.
Take the $5 tour where you first hop on a trolley that takes you to Adams Birthplaces. You’ll get a tour of the two homes. Back on the trolley for a tour of Peace Field where you’ll visit The House and gardens. Trolley then takes you back to the Visitors Center where you can walk over to the United First Parish Church and view the crypt of the Adams family.
By Merle Exit
Getting There:
To discover more historic sites to enjoy, dining, and to plan your trip to Quincy go to www.thequincychamber.org.
