National Archives Celebrates Founding Father John Adams in March
Press Release · Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Washington, DC…In conjunction with the HBO miniseries on John Adams, the National Archives will present a special program and a day of family activities celebrating one of America’s greatest founding fathers. These programs are free and open to the public, and will be held in the National Archives Building, located on Constitution Avenue between 7th and 9th Streets, NW, Washington, DC.

Also, the National Archives has the original Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights – both signed by John Adams -- on permanent display in the Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom of the National Archives Building.

My Dearest Friend: Letters of Abigail and John Adams
Tuesday, March 4, at noon, Jefferson Room
In 1762, John Adams penned a flirtatious note to "Miss Adorable," the 17-year-old Abigail Smith. In 1801, Abigail wrote to wish her husband John a safe journey as he headed home to Quincy after serving as president of the nation he helped create. The letters that span these nearly forty years form the most significant correspondence--and reveal one of the most intriguing and inspiring partnerships--in American history. Margaret A. Hogan, Managing Editor and C. James Taylor, Editor in Chief of the Adams Papers at the Massachusetts Historical Society, will discuss this new collection of letters. John Stanwich, National Park Service Deputy Liaison to the White House and former Chief of Interpretation at the Adams National Historical Park will moderate.

Family Day Celebration- The Life and Times of President John Adams
Saturday, March 8, noon to 3 p.m.
Archival Adventures (Boeing Learning Center)
Candle Rolling (Presidential Conference Room Lobby)
Colonial Games (Washington Room)
Founding Fathers Quiz Game (Madison Room)
Meet John and Abigail Adams (Rotunda)
Sign and Seal the Treaty of Paris (Public Vaults Exhibit Exit)
Silhouette Cutter (Presidential Conference Room Lobby)
Colonial Dance Lessons (Jefferson Room)

Exhibition Hours and Contact Information

Winter hours are 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m. daily (through March 14). The National Archives is fully accessible. To request an accommodation (e.g., sign language interpreter) for a public program, please e-mail public.program@nara.gov or call 202-357-5000 at least two weeks prior to the event to ensure proper arrangements are secured.

For press information, contact the National Archives Public Affairs staff at 202-357-5300.

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