Adams National Historical Park in Massachusetts, USA - map and visitor information

Adams National Historical Park in Quincy, Massachusetts, preserves the birthplaces of John Adams and John Quincy Adams and the family’s later home at Peace field. This is a visit to historic houses across an urban neighborhood. Start at the visitor center: buying an entrance pass and securing a place on a guided tour are separate steps.

Highlights of the Adams family sites

• See the neighboring presidential birthplaces at Adams Farm at Penn’s Hill.
• Explore the Old House at Peace field and its family history when access is available.
• Begin with visitor-center orientation and ask which house visits fit the day’s schedule.

Know before you go

Fees, hours, and seasonal access

Safety information

Historic floors can be uneven, and the Old House has stairs to the second floor. The homes are not climate controlled; extended heat may shorten tours. Consider these conditions before choosing a house visit and ask staff about any current restrictions.

Visit responsibly

Help protect the rooms and artifacts by following tour limits and staff instructions. Bags larger than 9 by 11 by 5 inches cannot enter the houses. The park has no storage lockers and cannot hold bags for visitors, so arrange storage before arriving.

Reservations and permits

Guided-tour reservations are made in person at the visitor center on the day of your visit. An entrance pass alone does not secure a tour place. Self-guided visits to Adams Farm at Penn’s Hill do not require a tour reservation. Groups of 11 or more should contact the park at least two weeks ahead. Review the current tour arrangements.

Maps, location, and access

The visitor center is at 1250 Hancock Street in Quincy, near Quincy Center station. Enter the Presidents Place parking garage from 44 Saville Avenue; clearance is 6 feet 8 inches, and validated parking is available. Penn’s Hill is at 141 Franklin Street; Peace field is at 135 Adams Street. Use the site-specific directions for the stop you intend to make.

Nearby parks

• Boston National Historical Park is a nearby regional continuation into Boston, with road and transit access to its urban historic sites. Plan parking separately from the Faneuil Hall visit.
• Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area has a mainland welcome center on the Rose Kennedy Greenway. Reaching an island requires a separate ferry or boat plan; a drive to Boston does not reach the islands themselves.

Birthplaces, Peace field, and visitor-center orientation

• Plan the house visits: Ask the visitor center which guided tours remain available before traveling between sites.
• Visit Penn’s Hill: See the two presidential birthplaces and use the self-guided option where offered.
• Explore family history: Peace field interprets the home of four generations. Ask which parts of the house and Stone Library are included in the available visit.
• Start with context: The visitor center offers a film, bookstore, and Junior Ranger material.

Facilities and accessibility

Use the visitor center for the park’s public restrooms before going to the historic houses. Mobility access inside the houses is limited: motorized wheelchairs and assistance vehicles are not permitted inside, and NPS offers manual wheelchairs for loan. The first floor of the Old House has limited wheelchair access. Call ahead to discuss the specific route and equipment you need.

About this national historical park

History

The park preserves the homes, grounds, and personal property of four generations of the Adams family. The birthplaces connect the visit with two presidents, while Peace field extends the story into the lives of their descendants. Its collections support an account of political, cultural, and intellectual life across more than one generation.

Wildlife and habitat

This is primarily a historic landscape. NPS’s nature page documents pollinator-friendly gardening in a 2015 account, including wildflower planting intended to support bees and butterflies.

Contact

Call the visitor center at 617-770-1175 or email [email protected] for group arrangements and access questions. Headquarters is at 135 Adams Street, Quincy, MA 02169.