Welcome to " The Home of Little Women" ... and so much more
Our Second Century of Education, Inspiration, and Preservation
Our burdens are here, our road is before us, and the longing for goodness and happiness is the guide that leads us through . . .
~ Marmee, Chapter I of Little Women ~
About Us
What
Orchard House (c. 1650) is most noted for being where Louisa May Alcott wrote and set Little Women in 1868. This noble home also has a rich history stretching back two centuries beforehand, as well as more than 100 years of life as a treasured historic site open to the public.
Who
The Alcotts were a famous yet flawed family who firmly believed in the power of unconditional love, personal agency, and social justice. Discover the many ways in which they impacted literature, education, philosophy, art, reforms of all kinds -- and each other.
When
Orchard House is open year-round for guided tours, educational programs, living history, and special events. No matter the season, or whether you are a Little Women fan, educator, family, student, or scholar, there's always something to enjoy!
Aspiring to Authorship - Sharing Space in Orchard House
An Exceptional Opportunity to spend private time in Louisa May Alcott's Bedchamber
Select dates in February, March, & November
9:00 - 11:00 am
By reservation only
News & Activities at Orchard House
Aspiring to Authorship - An Exceptional Opportunity for Sharing Space in Orchard House
Aspiring to Authorship - An Exceptional Opportunity for Sharing Space in Orchard House
Aspiring to Authorship - An Exceptional Opportunity for Sharing Space in Orchard House
Ever wonder what it was like for Louisa May Alcott to unleash the simmering stories in her brain onto paper? Orchard House now offers a unique chance for visitors to encourage the same spirit of creativity and determination Miss Alcott exhibited by spending private time within the evocative atmosphere of her bedchamber.
Not interested in writing? You may instead read, sketch, meditate, or reflect.
(1 person / Up to 2 hours / Must be 18+ years)
Discover our Emmy Award-Winning Documentary: Orchard House - Home of Little Women
Aspiring to Authorship - An Exceptional Opportunity for Sharing Space in Orchard House
Aspiring to Authorship - An Exceptional Opportunity for Sharing Space in Orchard House
Orchard House has a rich, fascinating, and inspiring 350-year historical and literary significance that has finally been captured on film! Viewed by millions nationwide on public television, it has now been awarded an Emmy and is available for purchase from our Museum Store.
(Special pricing available for online orders only)
"The Legacy & Allure of Orchard House's Landscape" - Discover Concord Magazine Article
Aspiring to Authorship - An Exceptional Opportunity for Sharing Space in Orchard House
"The Legacy & Allure of Orchard House's Landscape" - Discover Concord Magazine Article
Visitors from around the world or across town consider our gardens and grounds to be a perpetual source of hope, joy, and beauty. While Mr. Alcott spent years honoring the historic landscape by carefully tending it, Louisa paid tribute to the family’s love of horticulture in Little Women by having the March sisters cultivate their own flower beds. Read what all the buzz is about in a delightful article written by Executive Director Jan Turnquist — then try your hand at creating your own Little Women Garden!
"A Broad Stroke for a Husband" - Saturday, 24 August 2024 @ 5 pm
"A Broad Stroke for a Husband" - Saturday, 24 August 2024 @ 5 pm
"The Legacy & Allure of Orchard House's Landscape" - Discover Concord Magazine Article
A marvelous time was had as The Taming of the Shrew met Twelfth Night during the performance of Hannah Cowley's uproarious -- and refreshingly modern! -- 1783 play by Theater in the Open on our evocative grounds! We also thoroughly enjoyed our first-ever collaboration with Theater in the Open, and look forward to more opportunities to partner with them and revive forgotten classics!
(Click button to find out more about them)
Write Stuff! Youth Creative Writing Camp - August 2024
"A Broad Stroke for a Husband" - Saturday, 24 August 2024 @ 5 pm
Write Stuff! Youth Creative Writing Camp - August 2024
Youngsters ages 8 - 12 participated in our uniquely entertaining and educational week-long intensive, experimenting with writing poetry, fiction, correspondence, journaling, and stories inspired by nature and art. Campers got the rare chance to spend time writing in Louisa's room, closely observed wonderful artifacts in the House, and immersed themselves in the beautiful grounds of The Wayside and Ralph Waldo Emerson's garden. In addition, they found ways to move their physical bodies and enjoyed games that encouraged playfulness, inspiration, and creativity, making memories to last a lifetime!
"Little Women" Youth Camp - July/August 2024
"A Broad Stroke for a Husband" - Saturday, 24 August 2024 @ 5 pm
Write Stuff! Youth Creative Writing Camp - August 2024
Youngsters ages 8-12 participated in a joyful, varied week of activities inspired by the March family and their fictional friends and neighbors from Little Women, as well as the real-life Alcotts. Crafts, games, nature walks, writing, reading, reflecting, performing a play, and even exciting "you are there!" history lessons and live Colonial music courtesy of The Concord Minute Men re-enactors! Adults are now clamoring for a Little Women Camp, too, so keep your eyes peeled for next Summer's offerings!
Summer Conversational Series Adult Education - July 2024
Annual [Virtual] 5K, 10K, & 1 Miler Walk / Run Benefit for Orchard House
Annual [Virtual] 5K, 10K, & 1 Miler Walk / Run Benefit for Orchard House
"The Alcotts & Resilience"
Scholars and attendees from around the world converged in person and tuned in virtually to enjoy a most inspiring, enlightening, and entertaining week of presentations and discussions -- as well as the world premiere reading of Act I of a new adaptation of Little Women by acclaimed playwright Lauren Gunderson!
Annual [Virtual] 5K, 10K, & 1 Miler Walk / Run Benefit for Orchard House
Annual [Virtual] 5K, 10K, & 1 Miler Walk / Run Benefit for Orchard House
Annual [Virtual] 5K, 10K, & 1 Miler Walk / Run Benefit for Orchard House
Participate through December 31st;
Donations accepted year-round
Walk, run, stroll, or shimmy during our fun, fitness-focused event that can be done anywhere in the world, in any weather! Participants, their families, friends, and fans are invited to virtually join UTA PIPPIG — marathon legend, fitness motivator, and event Honorary Chair — to support our public education and historic preservation initiatives.
Colonial Concord Christmas Concert - December 19, 2023
Annual [Virtual] 5K, 10K, & 1 Miler Walk / Run Benefit for Orchard House
Colonial Concord Christmas Concert - December 19, 2023
A unique opportunity to enjoy beloved holiday music performed by talented Revolutionary War re-enactors was provided in the evocative space of our School of Philosophy! Centuries combined to produce an unforgettable evening of merriment as The Concord Minute Men Fife & Drum Corps offered delightful medleys of seasonal songs while honoring the fact that Orchard House (c. 1650) was home to two Concord Minute Men in 1775!
An Old-Fashioned Christmas at Orchard House - December 2023
Enhanced Visit Experience featuring May Alcott Artwork through October 15, 2023
An Old-Fashioned Christmas at Orchard House - December 2023
The sights, scents, sounds, and sensibilities of an Alcottian Christmas celebration came alive within our festively decorated rooms and through interactions with Living History portrayers as Victorian music, games, and crafts were enjoyed by all, and that inexplicable feeling that you truly are home for the holidays abounded!
Orchard House remained decorated for the holidays through January 7, 2024
Nashobah Praying Indian Event - November 12, 2023
Enhanced Visit Experience featuring May Alcott Artwork through October 15, 2023
An Old-Fashioned Christmas at Orchard House - December 2023
Nashobah Praying Indian descendant Strong Bear Medicine and scholar/author Dan Boudillion discussed the Nashobah Praying Indians’ millennia-long presence in our area, their journey of survival, and the current thriving community. They also referred to Dan's recently published book, The History of the Nashobah Praying Indians: Doings, Sufferings, Survival, and Triumph, as a valuable resource for those who wish to know more.
Requests to receive a recording still being accepted
Enhanced Visit Experience featuring May Alcott Artwork through October 15, 2023
Enhanced Visit Experience featuring May Alcott Artwork through October 15, 2023
Little Women Film Festival - February 2, 9, 16, & 23, 2023 in The School of Philosophy
In honor of the Concord Free Public Library's Sesquicentennial and Concord Museum's celebratory "Perpetual Invitation . . ." exhibit, Orchard House displayed many rarely-seen artifacts related to May Alcott's life and artistic career in every room along our guided tour. Visitors were enlightened by, impressed with, and astonished at May’s talent, and came away with a greater appreciation for this gifted artist whose life (all too brief . . .), joie de vivre, and legacy continue to uplift and enrich us!
Little Women Film Festival - February 2, 9, 16, & 23, 2023 in The School of Philosophy
Little Women Film Festival - February 2, 9, 16, & 23, 2023 in The School of Philosophy
Little Women Film Festival - February 2, 9, 16, & 23, 2023 in The School of Philosophy
Treating ourselves to a February full of Marches, all four major motion pictures of Little Women (1933, 1949, 1994, 2019) were shown chronologically on consecutive Thursdays in collaboration with and celebration of The Concord Players, honoring their Spring 2023 Decennial Production of Little Women [The Musical]!
Virtual Fundraiser Event: A Conversation with Actor Chris Cooper - October 23, 2021
Little Women Film Festival - February 2, 9, 16, & 23, 2023 in The School of Philosophy
Virtual Fundraiser Event: A Conversation with Actor Chris Cooper - October 23, 2021
Academy Award winner Chris Cooper joined Orchard House Executive Director Jan Turnquist for a scintillating Zoom webinar about the making of Greta Gerwig’s 2019 Little Women film!
We are extremely grateful to Mr. Cooper for giving generously of his time so that all proceeds from this event can benefit Orchard House’s educational programs and historic preservation!
Orchard House featured in the March/April 2022 issue of Yankee Magazine
Little Women Film Festival - February 2, 9, 16, & 23, 2023 in The School of Philosophy
Virtual Fundraiser Event: A Conversation with Actor Chris Cooper - October 23, 2021
In the “Weekend Away” section (pages 68-73, accessible via the link below), Orchard House is one of the sites that Yankee recommends to visit — even if only on the outside — during a Spring weekend trip to Lexington and Concord. You may read the entire issue as well, without a subscription, using the link.
Virtual Book Launch - A Worse Place Than Hell . . . by John Matteson - February 9, 2021
Virtual Book Launch - A Worse Place Than Hell . . . by John Matteson - February 9, 2021
Virtual Book Launch - A Worse Place Than Hell . . . by John Matteson - February 9, 2021
Celebrate the latest publication from the Pulitzer Prize-winning pen of John Matteson — A Worse Place Than Hell: How the Civil War Battle of Fredericksburg Changed a Nation — by watching the Virtual Book Launch hosted by Orchard House Executive Director Jan Turnquist on Tuesday, February 9, 2021!
"Welcome to Our Home" Monthly Living History Tours
Virtual Book Launch - A Worse Place Than Hell . . . by John Matteson - February 9, 2021
Virtual Book Launch - A Worse Place Than Hell . . . by John Matteson - February 9, 2021
"Welcome to Our Home" offers an interactive tour with an expert living history guide, allowing for intimate access to fascinating anecdotes about the Alcotts' lives and times. 19th Century games, songs, and a treasure hunt round out this memorable experience suitable for all ages. Offered the fourth Saturday of each month through November, as well as during February and April school vacation.
Please note that these tours are temporarily suspended
Documentary Wins Emmy!
Our Orchard House: Home of Little Women Documentary was honored with the Emmy for Outstanding Historical/Cultural Program/Special during the 42nd Boston/New England Emmy Awards at the Marriott Boston Copley Place on 15 June 2019
Connect with Us Virtually!
Facebook Live with Director Jan "Hope, & Keep Busy Broadcasts"
Facebook Live with Director Jan "Hope, & Keep Busy Broadcasts"
Facebook Live with Director Jan "Hope, & Keep Busy Broadcasts"
Executive Director Jan Turnquist hosted 62 live broadcasts Sundays at 2:00 pm, which continue to be available to view at any time [without a Facebook account]
140 years of "Hillside Chapel" & The School of Philosophy
Facebook Live with Director Jan "Hope, & Keep Busy Broadcasts"
Facebook Live with Director Jan "Hope, & Keep Busy Broadcasts"
Celebrate the unique and evocative structure that has welcomed scholars and students since July 12, 1880!
Little Women Lessons
Facebook Live with Director Jan "Hope, & Keep Busy Broadcasts"
Little Women Lessons
For educators, parents, or students who want to learn about Little Women and Louisa May Alcott
"Maxims of Teaching"
Digital Discoveries of Orchard House & Our Collection
Little Women Lessons
Bronson Alcott was a revolutionary educator and passionate educational reformer — be inspired by his own words!
Digital Discoveries of Orchard House & Our Collection
Digital Discoveries of Orchard House & Our Collection
Digital Discoveries of Orchard House & Our Collection
All episodes of our Digital Discovery series are available to view any time in our Vimeo Showcase, with more to come as time goes by
Little Women Garden Updates
Digital Discoveries of Orchard House & Our Collection
Digital Discoveries of Orchard House & Our Collection
Follow the beautiful transformation of our Little Women Garden — a perennial favorite of visitors for decades
Support Us!
Your contribution enables us to keep the legacy of Orchard House, the Alcotts, and Little Women alive for generations to come. Please consider giving generously to support our mission of public education and historic preservation.
Thank you!