Secretary Galvin Marks 250th Independence Day with a Nod to Adams and Jefferson

As the nation celebrates 250 years of independence this Fourth of July, Secretary of the Commonwealth William F. Galvin is marking another important milestone this week – the 200th anniversary of the deaths of two of its most famous signers.

In a quirk of history, Presidents John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, who were instrumental in the drafting of the Declaration, both died exactly 50 years after signing it. In a nod to these founders, Galvin is revamping the Commonwealth Museum’s Independence Day celebrations and offering free tours of Adam’s burial site at Quincy’s famous “Church of the Presidents.”

As a capstone to nearly two years of celebrations leading up America’s 250th, the Commonwealth Museum this week will be unveiling an updated exhibit: “A Most Daring Spirit – John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and the Declaration of Independence.” The exhibit opens on Wednesday, July 1 and examines the evolving relationship of Adams and Jefferson, the role each played in the Declaration’s creation, and the critical impact that Massachusetts had on the listed reasons for separation from Great Britain.

A special Independence Day viewing of the exhibit will be held on Saturday, July 4, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Museum visitors will also be treated to the opportunity to view the state’s original copy of the Declaration of Independence, signed by Massachusetts’ own John Hancock.

For those wishing to pay respect to John Adams on this milestone anniversary, the Massachusetts Historical Commission, which is chaired by Galvin, is funding free tours of the Adams Family Crypt at Quincy’s United First Parish Church. Entombed in the church known as the “Church of the Presidents” are President John Adams, First Lady Abigail Adams, President John Quincy Adams, and First Lady Louisa Catherine Adams.

Tours at the Church of the Presidents will be available all summer, with special Fourth of July tours offered from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. this Saturday. The church is located at 1306 Hancock Street in Quincy.

The Commonwealth Museum is a division of the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s office, operating out of the Massachusetts State Archives at 200 Morrissey Blvd, on Dorchester’s Columbia Point, in Boston. Admission and parking at the museum are free. Additional information may be found at www.CommonwealthMuseum.org.