A new exhibit, "John Adams: Architect of American Government," in the John Adams Courthouse recently opened to the public. Using text, images, and audio, the exhibit describes the essential role that John Adams played in the development of our constitutional form of government in Massachusetts and in the United States.           

           "It is only fitting that the courthouse honoring the legacy of John Adams have a room dedicated to showcasing his significant role in shaping our three branches of government. We welcome teachers and students, and people of all ages, to visit this wonderful new exhibit to learn how the Massachusetts Constitution of 1780 was formed and inspired the U.S. Constitution," said Supreme Judicial Court Chief Justice Margaret H. Marshall.

           Located in one of two exhibit rooms in the Great Hall on the first floor of the John Adams Courthouse, the exhibit is free of charge and open to the public from Monday through Friday during normal business hours from 8:30 to 5:00 p.m.

           The John Adams exhibit was created by SJC Senior Attorney Barbara Berenson. Carole Doody, Social Law Library Art Director/Graphic Designer, did the design work and collaborated with Ms. Berenson.

           The second exhibit room in the Great Hall houses "Sacco and Vanzetti: Justice on Trial," an exhibit on the famous trial of Nicola Sacco and Bartolomeo Vanzetti and its aftermath. Ms. Berenson and Ms. Doody also worked together to create this exhibit.

           More than 10,000 people have visited the John Adams Courthouse over the past two years to take tours or participate in law-related events and programs held in the courthouse. For information on arranging a free docent-led tour, please contact Discovering Justice at 617-733-1034 or info@discoveringjustice.org or the Supreme Judicial Court Public Information Office at 617-557-1114 or publicinfo@sjc.state.ma.us