Want more John Adams? Head to Philly

Photo by M. Kennedy for GPTMC
Actors portraying John Adams, Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin from Once Upon a Nation’s Adventure Tours - Independence After Hours.

by Gina Rullo, Gazette Staff Writer
 

Fans of “John Adams,” the seven-part television series about the second U.S. president that recently aired on HBO, can visit Philadelphia to see where this legendary figure made history. Not only will they have a quicker journey to the city than the Massachusetts rabble-rouser did in the late 1770s, but they’ll also enjoy modern-day conveniences that weren’t available in Adams’ day. And, of course, they’ll have the chance to stand in the same State House chamber where John Adams’ voice was the loudest in calling for a declaration of independence from England.
“Of the nearly one million people expected to visit Independence National Historical Park this summer, we suspect many of them will be newly inspired by John Adams,” president and CEO of the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation Meryl Levitz said.
Historic Philadelphia contains block after block of authentic, 18th-century buildings, intertwined with modern restaurants, lively bars, owner-operated boutiques and more.
Here are a few of the ways history buffs can trace Adams’ footsteps in Philadelphia this summer:
• Remember in episode two of the series when Adams convinced Thomas Jefferson to pen the Declaration of Independence because, among other reasons, he declares, “I am obnoxious and disliked”? This true story is reenacted during Once Upon A Nation’s Independence After Hours tour in which visitors are allowed inside Independence Hall (known as the State House in Adams’ day) at night—a rare treat—to witness the conversation between Adams and Jefferson. April 18-October 25, 2008. (215) 629-4026, www.onceuponanation.org.
• Hear the legendary “I am obnoxious…” conversation again in 1776, The Movie-Musical, shown Friday nights at the Independence Living History Center. This popular sing-along version of the Academy Award-winning film — with props — is also run by Once Upon A Nation. May 23-August 29, 2008. 3rd & Chestnut Streets, (215) 629-4026, www.onceuponanation. org
• At Congress Hall, connected to the State House on Independence Square (free tours offered every 30 minutes daily, no tickets required), visitors can see where John Adams was inaugurated as the second president of the United States after George Washington stepped down. This peaceful transfer of power in a time of royalty and monarchies was a historical landmark that defined U.S. democracy. 6th & Chestnut Streets, (215) 965-2305, www.nps.gov/inde
• Dine at City Tavern, the faithful recreation of the chi-chi tavern where Adams, who called it “the most genteel tavern in America,” celebrated the first Independence Day in 1776. Or stop by during Once Upon A Nation’s Tippler’s Tour, a historic pub crawl led by a Colonial guide on Thursday evenings, departing from the Independence Living History Center. April 17-October 30, 2008. 3rd & Chestnut Streets, (215) 629-4026, www.onceuponanation. org
• Celebrate the Fourth of July in Philadelphia, where it all happened. Adams famously wrote that the Fourth of July “...ought to be celebrated by pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other...” Philadelphia’s Sunoco Welcome America! festival includes live concerts, pop music, great food and touching historic ceremonies. (215) 683-2200, www.americasbirthday .com
• The influence of John’s wife Abigail is felt outside the Independence Visitor Center, in an engraving of her quote, “Remember all men would be tyrants if they could. If particular care and attention is not paid to the Ladies, we are determined to torment a Rebellion and will not hold ourselves bound by any Laws in which we have no voice, or Representation.” 6th & Market Streets, (800) 537-7676, www.independencevisitorcen-ter.com
• Again, remember the scene when the president of Congress read the new Declaration of Independence aloud to the public, outside of the state house? That was July 8, 1776, and a public reading has occurred most years since on that day behind Independence Hall. A reading also traditionally takes place on July 4 at the Independence Visitor Center. Independence Hall, between 5th & 6th Streets and Chestnut & Walnut Streets, (215) 965-2305, www.nps.gov/inde; 6th & Market Streets, (215) 965-7676, www.independencevisitorcen-ter.com
Once Upon A Nation. May 23-August 29, 2008. 3rd & Chestnut Streets, (215) 629-4026, www.onceuponanation. org
• At Congress Hall, connected to the State House on Independence Square (free tours offered every 30 minutes daily, no tickets required), visitors can see where John Adams was inaugurated as the second president of the United States after George Washington stepped down.
This peaceful transfer of power in a time of royalty and monarchies was a historical landmark that defined U.S. democracy. 6th & Chestnut Streets, (215) 965-2305, www.nps.gov/inde.