Let’s Talk About America’s Second President!
By Pete Lewis | National Archives News
WASHINGTON, August 29, 2024 – Writer. Lawyer. Diplomat. Founding Father. The nation’s first Vice President and its second President, John Adams, held many titles during his illustrious life. Archivist of the United States Dr. Colleen Shogan and author Lindsay M. Chervinsky will discuss the unique challenges Adams faced during his Presidency and how he shaped the office for his successors on Tuesday, September 10, at 6 p.m., in a book talk that is open to the public.
Join Archivist of the United States Dr. Colleen Shogan and author Lindsay M. Chervinsky on Tuesday, September 10, at 6 p.m. for a book talk and discussion of the presidency of John Adams.
“The Presidency of John Adams deserves additional historical scrutiny and attention,” said Shogan. “At the National Archives we are honored to host Lindsay Chervinsky for a discussion of her new, groundbreaking book. I hope everyone will join us for what should be a fascinating conversation.”
During Adams’s time in office, many historic events took place. He was the only President elected as part of the Federalist Party, and the first President to reside in the White House. The 11th Amendment was ratified, establishing state sovereign immunity in federal court. The Mississippi Territory was established following the 1795 Treaty of Madrid. The Department of the Navy was established. The now-controversial Alien and Sedition Acts were passed, limiting immigration and free speech.
"John Adams was never the Founder most people wanted, but in 1797, he was the Founder the United States needed,” said Lindsay M. Chervinsky, author of Making the Presidency: John Adams and the Precedents That Forged the Republic. “He stepped into a nearly impossible situation and demonstrated remarkable political courage and civic virtue in the face of unprecedented challenges and constitutional crises. His presidency also offers surprisingly relevant and accessible lessons for Americans today. It is an honor to speak about these lessons at the National Archives, where so many of the founding documents are housed.”
The event will be held at the National Archives Building, 700 Pennsylvania Ave, NW, Washington, DC, in the Archivist’s Reception Room. To attend this event in person, register here, or you may view the discussion on the National Archives YouTube Channel.
Visit the National Archives online for more news.
Visit the National Archives Catalog to search digitized records related to President Adams.
Visit Founders Online to peruse correspondence and other writings of several of the Founding Fathers, including Adams, Franklin, Hamilton, Jay, Jefferson, Madison, and Washington.
View the National Archives Calendar of Events for information on upcoming events.
This program is made possible in part by the National Archives Foundation, through the generous support of Comcast Corporation, Microsoft Corporation, and Procter & Gamble.