The day before the Declaration of Independence was adopted in 1776, John Adams compiled a long list of ways to commemorate what would become the founding document of the United States of America.
"It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with [shows], games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other," Adams wrote to his wife, Abigail, noting that celebrations should stretch "from this time forward forever more."
Since then, the tributes to the declaration have been many. Now, Adams will receive a couple of his own.
Through the end of May, the Massachusetts Historical Society is hosting "John Adams: A Life in Letters," an exhibit featuring nearly 40 years of exchanges with his wife and later, in retirement, a renewed correspondence with an old colleague who had become his rival: Thomas Jefferson.
Adams, who was George Washington's vice president before succeeding him as the nation's second president, reportedly exchanged more than 1,100 letters with his wife over the course of their relationship.
The exhibit also includes diaries kept by Adams as well as his manuscript copy of the Declaration of Independence, which he obtained as a member of the committee that drafted it, and a first printing of Adams's 1780 Massachusetts State Constitution, the oldest functioning written constitution in use today.
And starting tonight, HBO will be broadcasting a seven-part miniseries focusing on the relationship between the Adamses.
Based on David McCullough's Pulitzer Prize-winning book, "John Adams," the series stars Paul Giamatti and Laura Linney as John and Abigail Adams.
Bringing the tributes full circle, a costume worn by Linney during the production of the series, as well as several portraits, are on display at the Historical Society's headquarters at 1154 Boylston St. in Boston.
RICHARD THOMPSON
