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
Register for Our Virtual Summer Programs!
Summer Conversational Series Adult Education
Apple Slump Players Youth Acting/Theater Workshop
Apple Slump Players Youth Acting/Theater Workshop
July 11 - 15, 2021
for adults, students (HS & up), educators
Apple Slump Players Youth Acting/Theater Workshop
Apple Slump Players Youth Acting/Theater Workshop
Apple Slump Players Youth Acting/Theater Workshop
July 26 - 30, 2021
for ages 8 - 12
Write Stuff! Youth Creative Writing Workshop
Apple Slump Players Youth Acting/Theater Workshop
Write Stuff! Youth Creative Writing Workshop
August 2 - 6, 2021
for ages 8 - 12
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!
John Matteson Virtual Book Launch - 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 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 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.
Many thanks to those who joined us live on February 9th. We hope many more of you will enjoy watching the recording!
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
"Apple Slump Players" - Summer Youth Theater Virtual Workshop
Virtual Summer Conversational Series Adult & Teacher Education
"Apple Slump Players" - Summer Youth Theater Virtual Workshop
Youngsters ages 8 - 12 are invited to join a virtual weeklong intensive in Acting/Theater. Have fun taking a role in a play as the Alcott sisters did, create props and costumes, and perform for family and friends. Go behind the scenes and take center stage!
(Please note: Public health concerns currently prevent us from offering in-person programming. If conditions significantly improve by Summer, an in-person program may become available.)
"Write Stuff!" - Summer Youth Writing Virtual Workshop
Virtual Summer Conversational Series Adult & Teacher Education
"Apple Slump Players" - Summer Youth Theater Virtual Workshop
Youngsters ages 8 - 12 are invited to join a virtual weeklong intensive in Creative Writing. Explore many different forms of writing like Louisa May Alcott did, and create your own stories, poems, and dialogue. Author-Illustrators welcome, too!
(Please note: Public health concerns currently prevent us from offering in-person programming. If conditions significantly improve by Summer, an in-person program may become available.)
Virtual Summer Conversational Series Adult & Teacher Education
Virtual Summer Conversational Series Adult & Teacher Education
Mark your Calendars for our Virtual 16th Annual Benefit Walk/Run: October 14 - 24, 2021
"The Divining Power of Women:
Louisa May Alcott and the
Fight for Woman Suffrage"
July 11 - 15, 2021
To celebrate the 19th Amendment's Centennial, this year’s Summer Conversational Series adult and teacher education will explore the trials, tribulations, and triumphs of the journey toward securing woman suffrage both here and abroad.
Mark your Calendars for our Virtual 16th Annual Benefit Walk/Run: October 14 - 24, 2021
Mark your Calendars for our Virtual 16th Annual Benefit Walk/Run: October 14 - 24, 2021
Mark your Calendars for our Virtual 16th Annual Benefit Walk/Run: October 14 - 24, 2021
We'll be Virtual -- and perhaps In-Person, too!
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 Annual Benefit Walk/Run October 14 - 24, 2021. "If the fates allow," as Louisa liked to say, we will hold an in-person event on Sunday, October 24th. Registration opens in late April/early May; stay tuned for more details.
Orchard House featured on Chronicle - March 1st at 7:30 pm on WCVB-Channel 5/ABC
Mark your Calendars for our Virtual 16th Annual Benefit Walk/Run: October 14 - 24, 2021
Orchard House featured on Chronicle - March 1st at 7:30 pm on WCVB-Channel 5/ABC
During the "Main Streets and Back Roads" segment of beloved Boston TV newsmagazine's Chronicle, host Anthony Everett highlighted the rich history, culture, and natural beauty contained within Concord, Massachusetts. Look for footage of their visit to Orchard House on a snowy February 10th!
Orchard House featured in the March/April issue of Yankee Magazine
Mark your Calendars for our Virtual 16th Annual Benefit Walk/Run: October 14 - 24, 2021
Orchard House featured on Chronicle - March 1st at 7:30 pm on WCVB-Channel 5/ABC
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.
Discover our Emmy Award-Winning Documentary: Orchard House - Home of Little Women
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
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).
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!
"Meet Louisa May Alcott" Virtual Living History Event - November 8, 2020
Virtual Book Launch - A Worse Place Than Hell ... by John Matteson - February 9, 2021
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: John Matteson - October 25, 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!
"Welcome to Our Home" Monthly Living History Tours
Concord Festival of Authors Virtual Event: John Matteson - October 25, 2020
Concord Festival of Authors Virtual Event: Jan Turnquist - October 20, 2020
"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
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