IRVINE, Calif., Dec.

By SIMONE PRESS American history came alive last night at the Boston Public Library, where Hollywood history buff Tom Hanks hosted a sneak peek of his upcoming HBO miniseries "John Adams" for Mayor Tom Menino and other Adams-ophiles.

By DOUG RIGGS Travel Notes is compiled weekly from wire reports and other sources. You may reach Doug Riggs, travel editor, by e-mail at driggs@projo.com or by letter to Travel Editor, The Providence Journal, 75 Fountain St., Providence, RI 02902.

Insider Info - The stories behind the stories Who knew fleece garments were such an environmental scourge? Outdoorsy apparel manufacturer Patagonia, apparently. The Ventura, Calif., company is encouraging customers to donate used polyester and Polartec long underwear to its stores for recycling.

FIRST SIGHTING: It's barely Thanksgiving, but that didn't stop Santa Claus from stopping in at Faneuil Hall yesterday to greet children and shoppers. Here, Kris Kringle meets 19-month-old Siena Rose Cohen of Wellesley. STAFF PHOTO BY PATRICK WHITTEMORE (c) 2006 Boston Herald.