MARLBOROUGH – John Adams, Massachusetts native and the second president of the United States, once spent a night in Marlborough, and one of his historical interpreters is paying a visit this month.
On March 26 at 6:30 p.m. at the Marlborough Public Library at 34 West Main Street, historical interpreter George Baker will portray Adams and his views of history and society in a free presentation. The program is entitled “Meet John Adams: A lively and revolutionary conversation with America’s Second President” and is being offered in conjunction with the Marlborough Historical Society. Baker has performed as John Adams across the United States, at venues ranging from presidential libraries to military reunions, universities, historical societies, and numerous libraries.
John Adams reported to his wife Abigail in a letter dated November 12, 1798 that he had arrived at George Williams’ tavern in Marlborough. Williams Tavern was one of three stops between Boston and Worcester on the Post Road. The tavern was originally built in 1662, and persisted in different forms and under various owners until it was razed in 1947. It stood near the eastern shore of what is today called Lake Williams.
John Adams (1735-1826) was also an attorney, diplomat, and writer. He played a crucial role in the American Revolution which led to our nation’s independence from Great Britain.
Prior to the Revolutionary War, he was a lawyer and political activist who championed the right to counsel and the presumption of innocence. One of the things he did was to defend British soldiers against murder charges arising from the Boston Massacre. He also served as a diplomat during the Revolutionary War, securing support from France and the Netherlands.
As a member of the continental Congress, Adams played a significant role in drafting the Declaration of Independence, along with Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin and other notable figures. He strongly supported the declaration’s assertion of natural rights, including life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
John Adams served as vice president under George Washington before being inaugurated as the second president on March 4, 1797. During his presidency, he grappled with conflicts between the newly found political parties, the Federalists and the Democratic-Republicans.
He was the only president elected under the banner of the Federalist party. Adams championed education and signed legislation to establish the United States Military Academy at West Point and the Library of Congress.
After his presidency, he continued serving his country in various roles, including U.S. Minister to Great Britain and U.S. Minister to the Netherlands.
John Adams had many contributions that are celebrated in the United States. Now, more than 200 years after his historic stay in Marlborough, you can experience a taste of what this Founding Father of our country would have been like in person.
