Step back in time and converse with two of the Revolution’s most influential writers: John Adams and Mercy Otis Warren! Through a combination of first-person narratives and actual primary source documents, Mercy and John will share how their friendship developed, grew, fractured, and ultimately healed through their correspondence.
In 1805, Warren published the first history of the American Revolution in the United States. She crafted this work by researching original documents and manuscripts, interviewing key participants, and drawing from her experiences during that tumultuous time.
However, this endeavor led to a significant rift between Warren and Adams. Adams was unhappy with how he was portrayed in her account and bombarded her with a series of angry letters, ultimately disowning her as a friend. Warren accused Adams of forgetting “the principles of the American Revolution.” After several years and a heated exchange of letters, they reconciled in 1812.
Join us for a lively debate between Mercy Otis Warren (portrayed by Michele Gabrielson) and John Adams (played by Michael LePage) regarding Warren’s account of the American Revolution, published in her landmark three-volume history.
About the Speaker:
Michele Gabrielson, M.Ed., is a professional historian, public school educator, and historical interpreter of the 18th century. She serves on several historic committees and is secretary for the recently formed nonprofit, The Mercy Otis Warren Society. The Massachusetts History Alliance awarded her a 2024 Rising Star Award for Public History for her programming titled “The Revolutionary Classroom.” She was named a 2024 Massachusetts History Teacher of the Year finalist. Michele was recently awarded the Massachusetts Daughters of the American Revolution’s Outstanding History Teacher of the Year for 2025.
Michael Lepage has been bringing characters from American history to life since 1992. Aside from Paul Revere, LePage appears as – among other historical characters – John Adams, Samuel Adams, Dr. Joseph Warren, and General Thomas Gage. Well known for his appearances at the Paul Revere House, Adams National Historical Park, and the Minuteman National Park
Hosted by the Westford Museum and Historical Society and League of Women Voters of Westford
“In the Spirit of Friendship: John Adams and Mercy Otis Warren” is sponsored by Edward M. Connolly Insurance Agency, 7 Lincoln Street, on the historic Westford Common.