Welcome to United First Parish Church
The Church of the Presidents
Quincy, Massachusetts, is proud to be distinguished as the birthplace lifetime home, and final resting place of the second and sixth Presidents of the United States, who each played crucial roles in securing our nation's independence and making our democracy strong. The tombs of John Adams and John Quincy Adams, alongside those of First Ladies Abigail Adams, and Louisa Catherine Adams, rest within the crypt at United First Parish Church, which was their place of family worship.
The Church of the Presidents is more than a home for its congregation. It is a centerpiece of the City. It is a symbol of our freedom. While the Church of the Presidents has a cooperative arrangement with the Adams National Historic Park to open the crypt and the church building to visitors, because we are an active congregation we receive no money whatsoever from the Federal Government.
In 2018, the Church and presidential crypts were visited by 10.950 visitors, including folks from all 50 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands and 42 countries around the world!
We first opened to visit by the public in 1976, the Bicentennial Year, making 2019 our 43rd season. Until 1976, visits to the crypts were by appointment only. The presidential crypts were originally sealed, and in 1903 the granite door was replaced by the current gate.
This year the History and Visitors Program celebrated the 252nd birthday of John Quincy Adams and the 284th birthday of John Adams. These ceremonies started 52 years ago during the presidency of Lyndon Johnson, with nine United States presidents having been represented at the ceremonies. The U.S. Navy serves as the official representative of represents the President and provides both an honor guard and musicians from the Navy band for the ceremonies each year.
Daily Tours: 2020 Season - The History and Visitors Program will not open for the 2020 season. We will continue to evaluate our ability to provide tours in a safe manner.
Tour Times - ON HOLD
We are wheelchair accessible! We have a ramp and automatic door opening system that allows folks to safely enter our building. We have an elevator available for visitors to allow our differently-abled visitors to reach all levels of the building, including our crypts. We also have an ADA-accessible restroom available to all visitors. We have a wheelchair available for use on-site if you find yourself in need.
Operating the Visitor Program is a public service, and as such we ask our visitors to give a donation in support of the program rather than charging a formal admission fee. The generosity of our visitors has helped us to see Adams crypt is open to visitors and tourists from across the country and around the world for the last 41 years.
Therefore, the Church of the Presidents is asking for your help with the maintenance and care of this historic treasure. The Adams and their generation pledged their lives and sacred honor so that we might enjoy independence and liberty today. Your tax-deductible contribution is important. We are a 501[c][3] tax-exempt organization and, in fact your gift may be eligible as a matching gift from your employer.
Copyright © 2020 United First Parish Church - All Rights Reserved.