Did HBO Whet Your Appetite for John Adams?

Did HBO Whet Your Appetite for John Adams?

Come To Philadelphia Where The Second President Made History

PHILADELPHIA, March 20 /PRNewswire/ -- Fans of John Adams, the seven-part television series about the second U.S. president now airing on HBO, can visit Philadelphia to see where this legendary figure made history. Not only will they have a quicker journey to the city than the Massachusetts rabble-rouser did in the late 1770s, but they'll also enjoy modern-day conveniences that weren't available in Adams' day. And, of course, they'll have the chance to stand in the same State House chamber where John Adams' voice was the loudest in calling for a declaration of independence from England.

"Of the nearly one million people expected to visit Independence National Historical Park this summer, we suspect many of them will be newly inspired by John Adams," says Meryl Levitz, president and CEO of the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation. Historic Philadelphia contains block after block of authentic, 18th-century buildings, intertwined with modern restaurants, lively bars, owner-operated boutiques and more."

Here are a few of the ways history buffs can trace Adams' footsteps in Philadelphia this summer:

-- Remember in episode two of the series when Adams convinced Thomas
Jefferson to pen the Declaration of Independence because, among other
reasons, he declares, "I am obnoxious and disliked?" This true story is
reenacted during Once Upon A Nation's Independence After Hours tour in
which visitors are allowed inside Independence Hall (known as the State
House in Adams' day) at night -- a rare treat -- to witness the
conversation between Adams and Jefferson. April 18-October 25, 2008.
(215) 629-4026, http://www.onceuponanation.org/

-- Hear the legendary "I am obnoxious ... " conversation again in 1776,
The Movie-Musical, shown Friday nights at the Independence Living
History Center. This popular sing-along version of the Academy
Award-winning film -- with props -- is also run by Once Upon A Nation.
May 23-August 29, 2008. 3rd & Chestnut Streets, (215) 629-4026,

http://www.onceuponanation.org/

-- At Congress Hall, connected to the State House on Independence Square
(free tours offered every 30 minutes daily, no tickets required),
visitors can see where John Adams was inaugurated as the second
president of the United States after George Washington stepped down.
This peaceful transfer of power in a time of royalty and monarchies was
a historical landmark that defined U.S. democracy. 6th & Chestnut
Streets, (215) 965-2305, http://www.nps.gov/inde

-- Dine at City Tavern, the faithful recreation of the chi-chi tavern
where Adams, who called it "the most genteel tavern in America,"
celebrated the first Independence Day in 1776. Or stop by during
Once Upon A Nation's Tippler's Tour, an historic pub crawl led by a
Colonial guide on Thursday evenings, departing from the Independence
Living History Center. April 17-October 30, 2008. 3rd & Chestnut
Streets, (215) 629-4026, http://www.onceuponanation.org/

-- Celebrate the Fourth of July in Philadelphia, where it all happened.
Adams famously wrote that the Fourth of July "...ought to be celebrated
by pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires,
and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other..."
Philadelphia's Sunoco Welcome America! festival includes live concerts,
pop music, great food and touching historic ceremonies. (215) 683-2200,

http://www.americasbirthday.com/

-- The influence of John's wife Abigail is felt outside the Independence
Visitor Center, in an engraving of her quote, "Remember all men would
be tyrants if they could. If particular care and attention is not paid
to the Ladies we are determined to torment a Rebellion and will not
hold ourselves bound by any Laws in which we have no voice, or
Representation." 6th & Market Streets, (800) 537-7676,

http://www.independencevisitorcenter.com/

-- Again, remember the scene when the president of Congress read the new
Declaration of Independence aloud to the public, outside of the state
house? That was July 8, 1776, and a public reading has occurred most
years since on that day behind Independence Hall. A reading also
traditionally takes place on July 4 at the Independence Visitor Center.
Independence Hall, between 5th & 6th Streets and Chestnut & Walnut
Streets, (215) 965-2305, http://www.nps.gov/inde; 6th & Market Streets,
(215) 965-7676, http://www.independencevisitorcenter.com/

The Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation (GPTMC) makes Philadelphia and The Countryside(R) a premier destination through marketing and image building that increases business and promotes the region's vitality. For more information about travel to Philadelphia, visit http://www.gophila.com/ or call the Independence Visitor Center, located in Independence National Historical Park, at (800) 537-7676.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation

CONTACT: Cara Schneider of GPTMC, +1-215-599-0789, cara@gptmc.com

Web site:

http://www.gophila.com/
http://www.onceuponanation.org/
http://www.nps.gov/inde
http://www.americasbirthday.com/
http://www.independencevisitorcenter.com/

Note to Editors: For high-resolution photos of Greater Philadelphia, visit the photo gallery of http://www.gophila.com/pressroom

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