John Adams And The American Experiment: The Long Retirement

Join Newbury College Professor of History Dan Breen to take a close look at the life and career of John Adams. A key participant in almost all of the major events of the revolutionary and early republican periods, Adams thought as deeply about the nature of America's experiment in self-rule as any of his associates in the founding generation. His experiences offer a matchless sense of the obstacles faced by that generation not only in breaking away from the British Empire, but in forging a new political arrangement likely to stand the test of time.
Session Four, The Long Retirement: For twenty-five years, Adams, his public career at an end, lived a quiet life in Quincy. It was in these years that he renewed his friendship with Thomas Jefferson, with whom he had bitterly quarreled during his tumultuous presidency. We will take a close look at that correspondence to see what it reveals about Adams' mature views about republican government, while looking also at the blossoming career of John Quincy Adams, Abigail and John's precocious son.
Reading for the Session: John Adams by David McCullough, pp 568-651. Pick up a copy of the book at the Main Library circulation desk.
This free four-part series combines film clips, readings and discussions. Registration is recommended to be sure you will receive a copy of the accompanying book and readings.
The program is presented as part of John Adams Unbound, a special series and exhibition featuring John Adams and his library. The series has been made possible through a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities and the American Library Association.
Location: Main Library Community Meeting Room (ground floor)