Tuesday, 14 July 2026

McMenamins presents the Great Northwest Author Tour History Pub

America’s Founding Son: John Quincy Adams
Presented by Bob Crawford, in conversation with Chris Staudinger

6pm doors, 7pm program

$16.21

All ages welcome

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About America’s Founding Son: John Quincy Adams

America’s Founding Son: John Quincy Adams

Bob Crawford, best known as the bassist of the beloved folk band The Avett Brothers, is a historian and author of America's Founding Son: John Quincy Adams, from President to Political Maverick. He is the creator of the podcasts "Founding Son: John Quincy's America" and "The Road to Now." Join us as Bob delves into early American history, in conversation with Chris Staudinger of Pretty Gritty Tours.

For many years, Bob Crawford spent long stretches on his tour bus devouring books on American history. Among all the figures Crawford has studied, one fascinated him most: John Quincy Adams, the often-overlooked former president whose fierce independence, nimble activism for democracy, and early crusade against slavery still echo powerfully today.

America's Founding Son tells the tale of Adams's turbulent government career and his evolving views on slavery. Adams, along with lesser-known abolitionists Benjamin Lundy and Theodore Weld, found himself at the center of the coalition that leveled the first blow against slave power in the United States. The battles they fought would be foundational in the push for emancipation. An entertaining deep dive into an under-explored period in American history, America's Founding Son shows how John Quincy Adams and the grassroots activism of the 1830s and '40s shifted American politics forever.

Signed books available for purchase courtesy of Hi-Voltage Records.  

About Bob Crawford

Bob Crawford

Bob Crawford, founding member and bassist for the Avett Brothers, has a master's degree in history from Arizona State University. In addition to his passion for music and history is his dedication to raising awareness about pediatric cancer. Bob and his wife, Melanie, are co-managing partners for The Press On Fund, an organization that seeks to find less toxic treatments for childhood cancer. Bob periodically speaks on behalf of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, TN. It's a personal cause, as Bob's daughter Hallie is a three-time cancer survivor.

About History Pub

History Pub

Enjoy 15% off your hotel stay on History Pub nights! Show your ticket at check-in.

These events are open to everyone interested in Pacific Northwest history, and beyond! Often co-sponsored by local or state historical and civic organizations, we bring you experts, scholars, first-person experiencers, historians and documentaries expounding on topics from indigenous history to the birth of Portland, early explorers to hop growing, and on and on! It's like being back in the classroom - except this time you get to settle into comfortable seats and enjoy a drink or two with dinner while you listen and learn.

This event is eligible for a History Pub Stamp

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