C.H. Booth Library and Newtown Historical Society are pleased to announce that the number of visitors to "Adams In Newtown: An Exhibit of Presidential Memorabilia," on view at the library, has created a need to extend the exhibition. The artifacts, which were to be on view until January 31, will remain on display on the second floor at the library through February 7. They will be removed during library hours on Monday, February 8.

The crowds have been steady, and calls of inquiry frequent. The prominent location, just to the side of the main circulation desk, has lent itself to people at the library for other reasons stopping for a look, as well as the many who have come to see the artifacts as their main errand.

The dozen and a half items are mainly from the possessions of the second President John Adams, his wife Abigail Adams, and their son, the sixth President, John Quincy Adams. Two items represent a later descendant, John Quincy Adams Johnson, who lived in Redding for a time, and that northeastern seaboard location eventually led the last owner, a Californian, to want to see it back on the East Coast.

The total collection contains 52 objects, and those on display were selected to give the best insight into three of the country's earliest patriots and leaders. The objects include personal jewelry, including a bracelet woven from the hair of John Adams; signet rings that would have been used to seal state papers as well as personal correspondence, an inaugural medal, and gifts given to John Quincy Adams, including a box made from wood taken from the USS Constitution, the famed Old Ironsides, during one of its several restorations.

John Quincy Adams had long been interested in promoting internal development in the country, and had served as long term Secretary of State under President Monroe, an office then as much concerned with internal affairs as foreign relations. When the Erie Canal was opened early in the Administration of J.Q. Adams, , it was only fitting that he be given mementos of the occasion. His example of the opening day medal is still encased in its original box made from wood carried as the first cargo along the Canal.

The display of the country's early history has been made possible in part by a grant from the Connecticut Humanities Council, an affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

The display can be visited any time C.H. Booth Library is open: Monday through Thursday, 9:30 am-8 pm; Friday, 11 am-5 pm; Saturday, 9:30 am-5 pm; and Sunday, 12-5 pm.

The library, at 25 Main Street, can be reached for additional information at 203-426-4533.

For more information about the Adams collection or Newtown Historical Society visit newtownhistory.org.

 

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