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
John T. Matteson Virtual Book Launch - February 9, 2021
You are cordially invited to celebrate the latest publication from the Pulitzer Prize-winning pen of John T. Matteson -- A Worse Place Than Hell: How the Civil War Battle of Fredericksburg Changed a Nation -- as Orchard House Executive Director Jan Turnquist hosts a virtual book launch on Tuesday, February 9, 2021 at 7:00 pm!
Prof. Matteson will discuss 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 will be conducted via Zoom; pre-registration is required to attend (click here or use the button below). A Q&A will also take place (send your questions in advance of the event or type them in during the evening).
A Worse Place Than Hell . . . is available at a discounted advance order price through our Online Museum Store; 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.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, Louisa May Alcott's Orchard House has been closed to the public since March 13, 2020. Tax-deductible contributions in support of tonight's event and future programming are gratefully accepted here.
Thank you in advance for joining us on February 9th!
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!
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, with more to come as time goes by
"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
News & Events at Orchard House
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 Prof. John T. Matteson -- A Worse Place Than Hell: How the Civil War Battle of Fredericksburg Changed a Nation -- as Executive Director Jan Turnquist hosts a virtual book launch on Tuesday, February 9, 2021 at 7:00 pm!
Summer Conversational Series - POSTPONED to JULY 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
"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
Discover our Emmy Award-Winning Documentary!
Virtual Book Launch - A Worse Place Than Hell ... by John Matteson - February 9, 2021
"Welcome to Our Home" Monthly Living History Tours
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).
"Welcome to Our Home" Monthly Living History Tours
Concord Festival of Authors Virtual Event: John Matteson - October 25, 2020
"Welcome to Our Home" Monthly Living History Tours
"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, these tours have been temporarily postponed
"Meet Louisa May Alcott" Virtual Living History Event on November 8, 2020
Concord Festival of Authors Virtual Event: John Matteson - October 25, 2020
Concord Festival of Authors Virtual Event: John Matteson - October 25, 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
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.
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: Jan Turnquist - October 20, 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!
VIRTUAL 15th Annual Benefit Walk/Run - Participate or Donate from Anywhere!
Concord Festival of Authors Virtual Event: Jan Turnquist - October 20, 2020
Concord Festival of Authors Virtual Event: Jan Turnquist - October 20, 2020
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
Concord Festival of Authors Virtual Event: Jan Turnquist - October 20, 2020
VIRTUAL 15th Annual Benefit Walk/Run for Japanese Participants
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 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