Events & Programs
Calendar and Event Listings
AmRev250: Voices and Visions Screening w/Q&A
Join us for a special screening of segments of the exciting new Ken Burns PBS Documentary, AMERICAN REVOLUTION. Executive Director of the Quincy Historical Society, Alexandra Elliott will host a discussion of question and answers with the audience following the 40 minute film preview. Segments shared will highlight arts, literature and music of the American Revolution. This program will be held in the Community Meeting Room, at the main branch of the Thomas Crane Public Library, 40 Washington Street, Quincy, MA, 02169
Revolutionary Eloquence: Quincy History's Greatest Visionaries
On Thursday, June 25th, at 7pm at the Adams Academy Quincy Historical Society will continue our celebration of America’s 250th anniversary with “Revolutionary Eloquence,” a program of dramatic readings featuring the words of some of Quincy’s most innovative thinkers. While Quincy may be famous for many things - shipbuilding, granite, great food, and grit - its greatest resource has always been the minds of its citizens. As the Historical Society’s Annual Meeting, officers and board members will be elected for the coming year.
Abigail's "Common Sense"
When Thomas Paine’s "Common Sense" was published in January 1776 it became an unprecedented bestseller. Within six weeks of reading it, Abigail Adams penned her most famous letter, urging her husband and the Second Continental Congress to “remember the ladies” during the formation of the new government. In this program QHS Executive Director Alexandra Elliott will break down the inspiration Adams drew from "Common Sense," the subtle references hidden within the “Remember the Ladies” letter, and Adams’ powerful ability to turn her own common sense into compelling advocacy. This event is open to all and free to attend.
Atlas of Independence: John Adams & the American Revolution -- Presentation and Book Signing
John Adams is widely heralded, by historians and by his contemporaries, as the Architect of American Independence. But what did Adams do to earn a moniker of such esteem, while simultaneously cultivating a reputation for being stubborn and combative? "Atlas of Independence" sets the record straight about John Adams’ significant contributions to the Second Continental Congress, where he worked tirelessly behind-the-scenes to nudge – and sometimes shove – his colleagues towards the inevitable conclusion that America must declare independence from Britain. This program will explore those efforts, and the great personal sacrifices that Adams made in pursuit of principle. It will lay out an overview of Adams’ seminal role in that tumultuous Founding time. This event is open to all and free to attend. Join us Thursday, April 30th at 7pm at the Adams Academy.
The Architectural Drawings of Henry Hobson Richardson
Quincy Historical Society invites you to its 2025 Annual Meeting on Tuesday, October 7th, at 7pm at the Adams Academy, where authors Jay Wickersham, Chris Milford, and Hope Mayo will discuss the subject of their new book "Henry Hobson Richardson: Drawings from the Collection of Houghton Library, Harvard University." This program explores Richardson’s work with a focus on one of Quincy’s beloved architectural gems, the Thomas Crane Public Library. This event is open to all and free to attend. As the Historical Society’s Annual Meeting officers and board members will be elected for the coming year.
Quincy Open Heritage Day
Join us Saturday, September 27 for Open Heritage Day in Quincy! More than a dozen historic sites across the city will be hosting 30+ FREE programs and events throughout the day — a perfect way to explore local history with friends and family. Quincy Historical Society & Museum will be open all day and hosting four exciting programs. Mark your calendar, invite your friends, and come experience Quincy's rich heritage — all for free!
Past Events
Photos from our past events and lectures