The USS John Adams or Adams?

Which Adams is which? Clearing up an old confusion. Join us on Monday, July 27 at 6:30 p.m. for this presentation by Char Gardner, followed by refreshments.

As communities across the country commemorate the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, it’s a fitting time to revisit two fascinating naval stories that touched the Penobscot River—one from the Revolutionary era and another from the War of 1812.

Most Hampdenites know the story of the ship scuttled on the Souadabscook, but was it the John Adams or the Adams? Does the difference matter, and what can it tell us about our local history?

Using period records, local accounts, and a closer look at a little-known painting, this presentation explores how names, timelines, and stories can sometimes blur together over time—and how looking a little deeper can reveal an even more interesting story.