6:30 pm - 9:00 pm
In Philadelphia, Adams finds himself disappointed with both the Congress’ inability to make quick decisions and their unwillingness to support military action against Britain. His vocal dissent makes him unpopular among his fellow delegates, particularly John Dickinson of Pennsylvania, Edward Rutledge of South Carolina, and James Duane of New York.
The Adams family has moved back to their farm outside Boston for safety reasons as the conflict with Britain in Massachusetts has continued to escalate. Adams’ faith in Boston’s cause is renewed upon the victory of the Massachusetts militia in the Battles of Lexington and Concord.
At the Second Continental Congress, Adams finds allies in Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, and Thomas Jefferson. Most of the Congress nevertheless favor reconciliation with Britain and authorize the Olive Branch Petition. After the Battle of Bunker Hill, Adams is able to convince Congress to adopt the Massachusetts militia into a formal army and nominates Washington to lead it. The battle also causes King George to issue a Proclamation of Rebellion, which labels the colonists as traitors. Upon the reading of the Proclamation before Congress, Adams and Franklin rally the delegates to declare independence and propose an alliance with France.
Due to Adams' unpopularity and the powerful position held by Virginia, Jefferson is chosen to draft the Declaration of Independence. Adams delivers an impassioned speech before Congress, which sways the majority opinion in favor of the document. He reconciles with Rutledge, Duane, and Dickinson to achieve a unanimous vote. The Declaration is read both before the city of Philadelphia and across the country, including by the Adams family in Massachusetts.
Doors open @ 6:00pm | Film @ 6:30 pm | Free to the Community | Concession items $1
