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Memorializing the Adams Family
A traveling exhibit bringing the story of a founding family to communities across America.
Memorializing the Adams Family introduces visitors to John Adams, Abigail Adams, John Quincy Adams, and Louisa Catherine Adams, a family whose ideas, hard work, and commitment to public service helped shape the nation. Through historic portraits, letters, and the family's own words, the exhibit traces their story from a small farm in Braintree, Massachusetts, to the highest offices in the land, and explains why their legacy deserves a national memorial in Washington, D.C.
About the Exhibit
The exhibit was created in partnership with the Kennesaw State University Museums, Archives and Rare Books team. Its eight freestanding panels feature images from leading collections, including the Massachusetts Historical Society, the Library of Congress, and the National Gallery of Art.
The exhibit debuted on July 1, 2026, at the Foundation's Celebrating America event in Washington, D.C. It has since traveled to museums, libraries, and historical societies across New England.
The Panels
Memorializing the Adams Family: an introduction to the family and the Foundation's mission
Revolutionary Leader: John Adams's early life, legal career, and role in the fight for independence
A Workhorse, Not a Show Horse: John Adam's diplomacy, presidency, and lifelong friendship with Thomas Jefferson
An Essential Partnership: Abigail Adams as advisor, letter writer, and pioneering First Lady
Like Father, Like Son: John Quincy Adams's career in diplomacy and the presidency, and the life of Louisa Catherine Adams
A Leading Voice Against Slavery: John Quincy Adams's post-presidential fight in Congress and the Amistad case
"Obnoxious and Disliked": how John Adams has been remembered in American popular culture
Touring Adams Historic Sites: where to experience the Adams legacy today, and the effort to build a memorial in the nation's capital
Tour Schedule
Celebrating America, Washington, D.C. (debut): July 1, 2026
Quincy Historical Society, Quincy, MA: September 2026
Thomas Crane Public Library, Quincy, MA: October 2026
American Ancestors, Boston, MA: November and December 2026
Old Colony History Museum, Taunton, MA: October 2027
Additional 2027 locations will be announced soon.
Bring the Exhibit to Your Community
Memorializing the Adams Family is designed to travel. Each of the eight panels is a lightweight, retractable banner stand, about 3 feet wide and 7.5 feet tall, that ships in protective cases and sets up easily. It's a great fit for museums, libraries, universities, schools, and historical societies.
Interested in hosting? Contact lwaite@theadamsmemorial.org to check availability.
Your support helps bring the Adams family's story to more communities across the country. Use the Donate button above to support the exhibit.