“The qualities of the heart and of the mind, excited a higher aim; and a romantic idea of excellence, the model of which seemed practically to exist before my eyes, in the hourly exhibition of every virtue in my almost idolized Father...”
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Louisa Catherine Johnson was born in London in 1775, the daughter of an American merchant. In 1795, she met John Quincy Adams, a young American diplomat posted to London, and in 1797 they married there. Louisa accompanied her husband on his diplomatic assignments to Berlin (1797–1801), St. Petersburg (1809–1815), and London (1815–1817). During their later residence in Washington DC, when John Quincy Adams was secretary of state, Louisa hosted weekly receptions at their home on F Street. As first lady, she presided at dinners and levees in the White House.
Visit Our Favorite Things and learn why MHS President Catherine Allgor chose the microfilm reels of Louisa Catherine Adams, Miscellany (papers) as her favorite item. See our Hours and Admission page for exhibition hours.
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Our Favorite Things Exhibition to Close 25 February
Visit the MHS by 25 February to view the third installment of Our Favorite Things, a selection of compelling, captivating, and amusing items from the MHS collection, connecting the objects to the backgrounds, interests, and memories of the MHS staff.
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New MHS Podcast Episode Available 15 February
Season 2 of The Object of History podcast continues 15 February with “Furnishing Foreign Relations: Benjamin Joy’s Sea Chest.”
In this episode, we examine an object from the first diplomatic mission between the United States and India. We learn more about an unassuming but truly marvelous piece of furniture that once accompanied the United States’ first consul, Benjamin Joy, across the oceans to India. MHS Reading Room Supervisor, Rakashi Chand, joins the conversation to discuss Joy’s role and this unique item.
Listen to the podcast when it releases on 15 February on the MHS website, or wherever you regularly listen to podcasts.
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Tuesday, 14 February | 1:30 PM
Sara Martin, Adams Papers Editor in Chief.
Free in-person event, no registration required.
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Thursday, 16 February | 5:00 PM
Emma C. Moesswilde, Georgetown University, comment by Christopher M. Parsons, Northeastern University.
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Monday, 20 February; Wednesday, 22 February; and Friday, 24 February | 9:00 AM–11:30 AM
Teacher’s workshop in partnership with Emerging America.
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Tuesday, 28 February, at 6:00 PM: Disability and the American Past: Intro to Disability Justice with Ellice Patterson, Abilities Dance; Jorge Matos Valldejuli, Hostos Community College at the City University of New York; Britney Wilson, New York Law School; moderated by Jessica Cowing, The College of Wooster.
Saturday, 18 March, at 2:00 PM: Clover: A New Play (Staged Play Reading) with Laura Rocklyn, playwright and actor; Ty Hallmark, playwright and director; and Natalie Dykstra, Hope College.
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Registration and Events
Interested in Past Programs?
If you missed a program or would like to revisit the material presented, please visit www.masshist.org/video.
Click below to view the latest video, Master Slave Husband Wife: An Epic Journey from Slavery to Freedom with Dr. Ilyon Woo, Author of Master Slave Husband Wife: An Epic Journey from Slavery to Freedom, and Dean Grodzins, Author of American Heretic: Theodore Parker and Transcendentalism. Enjoy more videos by subscribing to the MHS YouTube channel after you view the video.
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Our galleries and library are open Monday and Wednesday through Friday, from 10:00 AM to 4:45 PM, Tuesday from 10:00 AM to 7:45 PM (the galleries and library open at 12:00 PM the third Tuesday of the month), and Saturday, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Please note that the last admission is 45 minutes prior to closing.
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An advance appointment is strongly encouraged for all researchers. Please visit our Appointment Request Form to select your preferred visit dates.
Set up an appointment via Zoom or live chat with a member of our reference staff.
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The MHS Fund and Membership
Our Members make it possible for us to offer an array of complimentary services including admission to our exhibition galleries and library, online access to our collections and digital editions, and onsite and remote reference services for all. Membership begins with a fully tax-deductible contribution of $250 or more to the MHS Fund. All Members enjoy a full year of social, cultural, and educational experiences, including invitations to our annual Holiday Party, FREE program registration, and Member Week perks. Learn more and join today!
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