Orchard House remains TEMPORARILY CLOSED due to COVID-19 restrictions
Welcome to " The Home of Little Women" ... and so much more
Our Second Century of Education, Inspiration, and Preservation
Connect with Us Virtually!
Facebook Live with Director Jan
140 years of "Hillside Chapel" & The School of Philosophy
140 years of "Hillside Chapel" & The School of Philosophy
Join Executive Director Jan Turnquist nearly every Sunday at 2:00 pm for Facebook Live events affectionately called "Hope, and Keep Busy" broadcasts!
140 years of "Hillside Chapel" & The School of Philosophy
140 years of "Hillside Chapel" & The School of Philosophy
140 years of "Hillside Chapel" & The School of Philosophy
Celebrate the unique and evocative structure that has welcomed scholars and students since July 12, 1880!
Digital Discoveries of Orchard House & Our Collection
140 years of "Hillside Chapel" & The School of Philosophy
Digital Discoveries of Orchard House & Our Collection
All episodes of our Digital Discovery series are available to view any time in our Vimeo Showcase
"Maxims of Teaching"
Little Women Garden Updates
Digital Discoveries of Orchard House & Our Collection
Bronson Alcott was a revolutionary educator and passionate educational reformer -- be inspired by his own words!
Little Women Lessons
Little Women Garden Updates
Little Women Garden Updates
For educators, parents, or students who want to learn about Little Women and Louisa May Alcott
Little Women Garden Updates
Little Women Garden Updates
Little Women Garden Updates
Follow the beautiful transformation of our Little Women Garden -- a perennial favorite of visitors for decades
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!
News & Upcoming Events at Orchard House
"Meet Louisa May Alcott" Virtual Living History Event on November 8, 2020
Concord Festival of Authors Virtual Event: Jan Turnquist - October 20, 2020
"Meet Louisa May Alcott" Virtual Living History Event on November 8, 2020
The Providence (RI) Athenaeum hosts a virtual "meeting" with Louisa May Alcott -- portrayed by Orchard House Executive Director Jan Turnquist -- on November 8, 2020 at 2:00 pm. Discover the courage and determination of this unconventional Victorian woman and her unusual family in this unique, unforgettable program!
Advance registration required for this free event
Discover our Emmy Award-Winning Documentary!
Concord Festival of Authors Virtual Event: Jan Turnquist - October 20, 2020
"Meet Louisa May Alcott" Virtual Living History Event on November 8, 2020
Orchard House has a rich 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).
Concord Festival of Authors Virtual Event: Jan Turnquist - October 20, 2020
Concord Festival of Authors Virtual Event: Jan Turnquist - October 20, 2020
Concord Festival of Authors Virtual Event: John Matteson - October 25, 2020
Emmy Award-winning Orchard House Executive Director Jan Turnquist presents "Little Women From Page to Screen" -- her own insider's perspective on the Concord/Hollywood collaboration that helped Director Greta Gerwig turn a beloved book into a film sensation with such attention to detail and historic integrity!
Concord Festival of Authors Virtual Event: John Matteson - October 25, 2020
Concord Festival of Authors Virtual Event: John Matteson - October 25, 2020
Concord Festival of Authors Virtual Event: John Matteson - October 25, 2020
Join Pulitzer Prize-winning author John Matteson on Sunday, October 25th at 7:00 pm as he explores how three New Englanders -- Louisa May Alcott, Arthur B. Fuller, and Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr. -- used their experiences of war to come to terms with the expectations and legacies of their illustrious and often difficult fathers.
"Welcome to Our Home" Living History Tours
Concord Festival of Authors Virtual Event: John Matteson - October 25, 2020
Summer Conversational Series - POSTPONED to JULY 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 due to COVID-19, the November "Welcome to Our Home" tour has been cancelled.
Summer Conversational Series - POSTPONED to JULY 2021
Concord Festival of Authors Virtual Event: John Matteson - October 25, 2020
Summer Conversational Series - POSTPONED to JULY 2021
"The Divining Power of Women:
Louisa May Alcott and the
Fight for Woman Suffrage"
To celebrate the 19th Amendment's Centennial, this year’s adult education gathering and teacher workshop will explore the trials, tribulations, and triumphs of the journey toward securing woman suffrage both here and abroad.
This event will now be held Sunday - Thursday, July 11th - 15th, 2021
VIRTUAL 15th Annual Benefit Walk/Run - Participate or Donate from Anywhere!
VIRTUAL 15th Annual Benefit Walk/Run - Participate or Donate from Anywhere!
VIRTUAL 15th Annual Benefit Walk/Run - Participate or Donate from Anywhere!
We've gone Virtual!
Runners, walkers, and all those who support them are invited to virtually join elite marathon legend and joyful fitness motivator UTA PIPPIG in support of our public education and historic preservation initiatives during the 15th Annual Benefit Walk/Run September 10 - 20, 2020!
VIRTUAL 15th Annual Benefit Walk/Run for Japanese Participants
VIRTUAL 15th Annual Benefit Walk/Run - Participate or Donate from Anywhere!
VIRTUAL 15th Annual Benefit Walk/Run - Participate or Donate from Anywhere!
We are always so delighted and honored by the interest shown in Orchard House by our many Japanese supporters!
Now, with our Virtual Walk/Run, people in Japan -- and anywhere! -- can participate and/or donate
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 Gala at the Marriott Boston Copley Place on 15 June 2019
Support Us
Your contribution enables us to keep the legacy of Orchard House, the Alcotts, and Little Women alive for generations to come. Find out more about how we put your donations to work.
Please consider giving generously to support our mission of public education and historic preservation. Thank you!
In this time of COVID-19, the mission of Louisa May Alcott's Orchard House is funded in part by a CARES Act Grant provided by Mass Humanities, which receives support from the Massachusetts Cultural Council and is an affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities