Welcome to " The Home of Little Women" ... and so much more
Our Second Century of Education, Inspiration, and Preservation
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Our Second Century of Education, Inspiration, and Preservation
Watch a two-minute trailer for our Emmy Award-winning Documentary to discover why so many visitors have considered Orchard House an abiding, inspirational place for over 110 years.
Intrigued? Stream the entire Documentary with PBS Passport or rent from Amazon. Better yet, purchase it from our in-person or Online Store to support Orchard House directly! Learn more about our Documentary here.
To see Orchard House for yourself, reserve Timed-Entry Admission or stop by any time!
“The Angel and the Demon” - Good and Evil in the Life and Literature of Louisa May Alcott
July 16 - 20, 2023
"Allan's Neighbor"
George Housman Thomas
(1824 - 1868)
"The Door Suddenly Closed"
Oswaldo Tofani
(1849 - 1915)
Monday - Friday
August 7 - 11, 2023
10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Beloved WCVB-TV Chronicle co-host Mary Richardson (1945-2021) was a passionate supporter of Orchard House for decades, and served on our Board of Directors as well. We and so many others still keenly feel the loss of such a talented, kind, and generous individual, and wish to share this heartfelt video tribute in fond remembrance of her (select 1080p for best playback quality).
~ Marmee, Chapter I of Little Women ~
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.
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.
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!
"The Angel and the Demon" -
Good and Evil in the Life and Literature of Louisa May Alcott
What motivated the author so famously lauded as "The Children's Friend" to examine the dark side of humanity, and how did her interest in good and evil play out in her own life? These and many other questions will be fodder for thoughtful examination and lively discussion during this year's Series — don't miss a moment!
August 7 - 11, 2023
"Write Stuff!" Creating Writing Camp
Youngsters ages 8 - 12 are invited to join in our uniquely entertaining, educational and popular week-long intensive. Aspiring young authors will enjoy distinctly creative and fun experiences, and make memories that will last a lifetime!
In honor of the Concord Free Public Library's Sesquicentennial and Concord Museum's celebratory "Perpetual Invitation . . ." exhibit, Orchard House is displaying many rarely-seen artifacts related to May Alcott's life and artistic career in every room along our guided tour. Be enlightened by, impressed with, and astonished at May’s talent, and come 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!
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!
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)
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.
Please note that due to inclement weather, the February 23rd showing is POSTPONED to March 2nd
Treat yourself to a February full of Marches!
All four major motion pictures of Little Women (1933, 1949, 1994, 2019) will be shown chronologically on consecutive Thursdays in February in collaboration with The Concord Players
A unique opportunity to enjoy beloved holiday music performed by talented Revolutionary War re-enactors in an evocative space. Centuries combine to produce an unforgettable evening of merriment when The Concord Minute Men Fife & Drum Corps offers a delightful medley of holiday favorites in honor of the fact that Orchard House (circa 1650) was home to not one but two Concord Minute Men in 1775! Be on the look-out for details about next year's concert in November 2023.
Happy Holidays!
Be part of an extraordinary event when Pulitzer Prize-winning biographer John Matteson and award-winning screenwriter Scott Halvorson discuss the process of turning a celebrated biography into a compelling screenplay. Held in person at The Concord School of Philosophy on the grounds of Orchard House. Seating is limited; reservations strongly urged.
Offered in conjunction with the 2022 Concord Festival of Authors (discover other CFA events)
Writers of all abilities (18 years+) are invited to join Lara Wilson — author, writing teacher, and co-creator of Be Well Be Here -- and author/educator Jeannine Atkins for uniquely inspiring programming derived from the thoughts, words, and lives of the Alcotts and Marches. Experiment with engaging the observational mode, wisely choose expressive language that resonates, and discover other writing techniques that open your mind, ease your intellect, and ignite your inner wisdom!
"Learning's Altar" -
The Rise of Adult Education and Lifelong Learning in Concord and Beyond
This year’s Summer Adult & Teacher Education Series offered an in-depth examination of the history of adult education around the world, and how programs like The Concord School of Philosophy revolutionized attitudes toward lifelong learning and intellectual growth. Register to receive recordings to watch any time.
Academy Award winner Chris Cooper joins 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 Executive Director Jan Turnquist’s special Zoom webinar guest for this year’s Concord Festival of Authors is award-winning historical fiction author Katherine Sherbrooke, who will discuss her new novel, Leaving Coy’s Hill, as well as the connections between celebrated Concord resident Louisa May Alcott and the novel’s central character, Lucy Stone.
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.
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" 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
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, and read our latest Annual Appeal letter about the most current activities and projects funded by the generosity of our donors.
Please consider giving generously to support our mission of public education and historic preservation. Thank you!
Walk, run, stroll, or shimmy to feel the joy of movement and benefit Orchard House! Support our educational programming and preservation efforts by participating in or donating to our Annual Walk/Run
Can't participate? Donations accepted year-round!
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Event registration has concluded for 2022, but donations are accepted year-round. Please consider a gift in any amount today to keep the doors of Orchard House open for many tomorrows to come!
Executive Director Jan Turnquist hosted nearly 60 live broadcasts Sundays at 2:00 pm, which continue to be available to view at any time
Celebrate the unique and evocative structure that has welcomed scholars and students since July 12, 1880!
For educators, parents, or students who want to learn about Little Women and Louisa May Alcott
Bronson Alcott was a revolutionary educator and passionate educational reformer -- be inspired by his own words!
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
Follow the beautiful transformation of our Little Women Garden -- a perennial favorite of visitors for decades
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
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 recorded Virtual Book Launch hosted by Orchard House Executive Director Jan Turnquist on Tuesday, February 9, 2021!
During the event, Prof. Matteson discussed the genesis of his new book and the poignant, inspiring, often surprising backstories of the five individuals featured within -- Louisa May Alcott, Arthur Fuller, Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr, John Pelham, and Walt Whitman -- as well as how this pivotal time in American history not only provided life-changing lessons in the moment, but continue to hold relevance for turbulent modern times. (Learn more about the book here) This free Webinar was conducted/recorded via Zoom and livestreamed on Facebook. A Trivia Game, Q&A, and virtual toast were also included in the festivities.
A Worse Place Than Hell . . . is still available at a discounted price through our Online Museum Store. Copies purchased from Orchard House include a bookplate signed by the author and a custom-designed bookmark commemorating the publication. Prof. Matteson's Pulitzer Prize-winning Alcott biography, Eden's Outcasts - The Story of Louisa May Alcott and Her Father, and The Annotated Little Women may also be purchased from us.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, Louisa May Alcott's Orchard House was closed to the public since March 13, 2020., but re-opened on August 1, 2021. Tax-deductible contributions in support of tonight's event and future programming are always gratefully accepted here.
Many thanks to those who joined us live on February 9th. We hope many more of you will enjoy watching the recording!
Orchard House is a "mask-friendly" site; face masks are optional for entry. To guarantee admission, we encourage reserving Timed-Entry tickets online, but “walk-ins” may also be accommodated. As always, our gardens and grounds remain free and accessible to all, while Virtual Tours provide an enjoyable way to experience Orchard House from the comfort of your own home.
399 Lexington Road, Concord, MA 01742 USA
General Phone: 978.369.4118
Open today | 11:00 am – 05:00 pm |
November - March Hours of Operation:
Weekdays, 11 am - 3:30 pm; Saturdays, 10 am - 5 pm; Sundays, 1 - 5 pm
CLOSED: January 1st - 3rd, Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve
Open at Noon: Patriots' Day (third Monday in April - April 17th in 2023)
Open Extended Hours (10 am - 5 pm): Veterans' Day, day after Thanksgiving, weekdays between Christmas and New Year's, Martin Luther King Jr Day, & February School Vacation weekdays
For postal mail correspondence, please use the following address:
PO Box 343 Concord, Massachusetts 01742-0343 USA
General Phone 978.369.4118 | Fax 978.369.1367 Jan Turnquist, Executive Director
© 2023 Louisa May Alcott's Orchard House - All Rights Reserved