From Bunker Hill to Penn’s Hill: The 250th Anniversary of the Battle of Bunker Hill

Join the National Park Service at Adams National Historical Park on Saturday, June 14, for a special event following the footsteps of the Adams family as they witnessed the Battle of Bunker Hill 250 years ago during the American Revolution. This event will be held at the Adams Farm at Penn's Hill (John Adams and John Quincy Adams Birthplaces), located at 141 Franklin St., Quincy, MA.

In the Footsteps of the Adamses: Penn's Hill Guided Walks - 9:30am and 11:00am

Join park rangers for guided walks to the top of Penn’s Hill. Walks begin at the Adams Farm and proceed uphill to the Abigail Adams Cairn. There, stand alongside Abigail Adams, portrayed by Audrey Stuck-Girard, as she tells of the danger and distress that the Adamses experienced before and during the Battle of Bunker Hill. The walk is half a mile uphill, with uneven terrain, limited shade, steep inclines, and traffic crossings. Attendees are advised to bring water and dress appropriately for early summer weather.

"The decisive Day is come on which the fate of America depends": Aftermath of the Battle - 1:00-3:00pm

Experience the aftermath of the battle and its effect on the Adamses and their community with special programming at the Adams Farm at Penn’s Hill. Step into the moment of uncertainty faced by the household following the battle. Converse with Abigail Adams, but don't be taken aback if she mistakes you for some of the many family members, neighbors, in-laws, servants, messengers, and children underfoot at the farm in June 1775. Meet a militiaman, portrayed by Michael Lepage, traveling the Old Coast Road and learn more about the battle from his perspective.

Legacy and Commemoration: The Adamses, Quincy, and the Battle of Bunker Hill 250 Years Later - 3:30pm

Reflect on the legacy of the Battle of Bunker Hill during a special ranger talk on the grounds of the Adams Farm at Penn’s Hill. Learn more about the commemoration of the battle, Quincy community ties to the Bunker Hill Monument, and the role of the historical record and public memory in the telling of the Adamses’ experiences during the battle.

Location: All events will take place at or start from the Adams Farm at Penn’s Hill (the John Adams and John Quincy Adams Birthplaces), located at 141 Franklin St., Quincy, MA.

Parking: Street parking is available at the site in addition to the validated parking at the Visitor Center at 1250 Hancock St., Quincy, MA, a one-mile walk from the Adams Farm. Visitors may also park at the Lincoln-Hancock Community School at 300 Granite St., Quincy, MA, a 0.6-mile walk from the Adams Farm.

Public Transit: The Adams Farm is accessible by the MBTA Red Line via the Quincy Adams (0.5 miles) and Quincy Center stations (one mile). The Quincy Center station is located just across Hancock St. from the Visitor Center.

Note: The MBTA has announced that shuttle buses will replace Red Line service between JFK/UMass and Braintree on June 14 and 15. Commuter Rail service between Braintree and South Station will be fare-fee. The Commuter Rail services the Quincy Center MBTA station. Visit the MBTA website for more information.

Trolley Transportation: Trolleys will run on a 30-minute loop between the Visitor Center (1250 Hancock St., Quincy) and the Adams Farm at Penn's Hill (141 Franklin St., Quincy). The first trolley of the day starts at the Visitor Center at 9:15am and the final trolley departs the Adams Farm at 4:00pm.

Trolleys will also shuttle visitors from the Adams Farm at Penn's Hill to the top of Penn's Hill in time for a special program with Abigail Adams, part of the Penn's Hill Guided Walks. Trolleys for the Penn's Hill Guided Walks depart the Adams Farm at 9:45am and 11:15am.

Visitors are welcome to bring chairs or blankets to this outdoor event.

This event will take place rain or shine. In case of extreme weather, the event may be modified or cancelled.

The Old House at Peace field and Stone Library are closed to tours during the event. Peace field grounds are available sunrise to sunset free of charge.

The Adams National Historical Park Visitor Center and historic Adams homes are open Thursdays through Sundays, June 5 through October 31. Guided and self-guided tours are available. Tour reservations can be acquired on a first-come, first-served basis at the Visitor Center at 1250 Hancock St. in Quincy. Park grounds are open daily sunrise to sunset and are free to visit. For information regarding tours and programming, call the Visitor Center at 617-770-1175 or visit the park website.