Digital Resources for Educators & Students
Educational Materials
140 Years of "Hillside Chapel" & The School of Philosophy
140 Years of "Hillside Chapel" & The School of Philosophy
Are you an educator, parent, or student who wants to learn about Little Women and Louisa May Alcott? Get useful information from the source with our educational materials.
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
Begun in July 1879 within Mr. Alcott's Study, The Concord School of Philosophy was housed for the next eight years in a unique and evocative structure that first opened on July 12, 1880
"Maxims of Teaching"
140 Years of "Hillside Chapel" & The School of Philosophy
"Virtual Visit Videos"
Bronson Alcott was a revolutionary educator who challenged established modes of instruction and influenced many others to do so as well. Be inspired by his own words!
"Virtual Visit Videos"
Facebook Live with Director Jan
"Virtual Visit Videos"
Experience Orchard House virtually through a 15-minute guided tour with "Louisa May Alcott" herself and a 20-minute up close and personal presentation of our rooms and selected artifacts
Facebook Live with Director Jan
Facebook Live with Director Jan
Facebook Live with Director Jan
Nearly every Sunday at 2:00 pm for over 60 weeks, Executive Director Jan Turnquist came into living rooms or virtual classrooms to delve deeply into "hot topics" of interest, answer your questions, and interview special guests during what we affectionately call her "Hope, and Keep Busy" broadcasts!
"Eyes on Artifacts"
Facebook Live with Director Jan
Facebook Live with Director Jan
See rarely displayed items from our collection, compare May Alcott's Turner copies with his originals, or uncover the backstories of beloved items and spaces in the House
Little Women Garden
Little Women Garden
Little Women Garden
Be inspired to create your own Little Women Garden at home or at school by reading the description Louisa May Alcott provides in Chapter X of the novel, and then using our detailed flower chart, botanical illustrations, and photos to get growing!
General Guided Tours
"Welcome to Our Home" Tours
"Welcome to Our Home" Tours
Featuring discussions of the Alcotts' home life and public accomplishments, guided tours help learners of all ages derive a sense of how this remarkable family nurtured one another and what they contributed to literature, art, education -- and society as a whole.
Suitable for Grades 3 - 12; up to 45 students.
30 minutes. $4.50 per student. 1 chaperone per 15 students required and admitted free; $12 per additional adult.
"Welcome to Our Home" Tours
"Welcome to Our Home" Tours
"Welcome to Our Home" Tours
Orchard House comes alive through an interactive, first-person context as Living History interpreters portray members of the Alcott family or their notable neighbors. Students discover how the Alcotts lived and helped make history in their own words.
Suitable for Grades K - 12; up to 45 students.
1 hour. $9 per student. 1 chaperone per 15 students required and admitted free; $15 per each additional adult.
"Time Travelers" Tours
"Welcome to Our Home" Tours
"A Visit with the Alcotts"
A fun, engaging way to introduce students to household tasks and family pastimes of the 1800s. Period artifacts from our Education Collection help students make important connections between the modern and 19th Century worlds.
Suitable for Grades 2 - 5; up to 30 students.
1 hour. $9 per student. 1 chaperone per 15 students required and admitted free; $15 per each additional adult.
"A Visit with the Alcotts"
"A Visit with the Alcotts"
"A Visit with the Alcotts"
A multi-disciplinary experience incorporating history, language arts, and creative arts whereby students step back in time with Living History interpreters who re-create the life and times of the Alcotts. Students discover the elements of a story and write one of their own, play a 19th Century game that also introduces new vocabulary, and take part in an art activity that challenges their spatial perception, imagination, and analytical thinking.
Curriculum Frameworks: History & Social Science Standards 1, 2, & 3; English Language Arts Standards 1, 2, & 3; Visual Arts Standard 3
Suitable for Grades 3 - 5; up to 30 students.
2 hours. $10 per student. 1 chaperone per 10 students required and admitted free; $15 per each additional adult.
"Journey Through Journals"
"A Visit with the Alcotts"
"Journey Through Journals"
Whether a daily record, philosophical outlet, or repository for creativity, journals satisfied the expressive needs of each Alcott family member. In fact, Louisa May Alcott's journal often provided her with material she used to write Little Women. Throughout the house, excerpts from Alcott diaries will be shared with students, and they will be given the chance to record their thoughts and impressions in their own journals as well.
Curriculum Frameworks: English Language Arts Standards 2, 4, & 5; English Literature Standards 8, 9, 13, 14, & 15; English Composition Standards 20 & 22; History and Social Science Standard 3
Suitable for Grades 5 - 12; up to 30 students.
2 hours. $10 per student. 1 chaperone per 10 students required and admitted free; $15 per each additional adult.
"Landscapes & Literature"
"A Visit with the Alcotts"
"Journey Through Journals"
In this interactive writing/discussion-based program, students immerse themselves in an exploration of the man-made and natural landscapes of 19th Century Concord. Focusing on the community of authors, philosophers, and intellectuals gathered here, students examine how each Alcott family member responded to their changing world, and the ways in which their responses were reflected in literature, philosophy, artwork, and social action.
Curriculum Frameworks: History & Social Science Standards 1, 2, 3, & 4; English Literature Standards 8, 9, 15, & 17
Suitable for Grades 10 - 12; up to 45 students.
1.5 hours. $10 per student. 1 chaperone per 15 students required and admitted free; $15 per each additional adult.
"Hand-in-Hand"
Outreach / Distance Learning
Outreach / Distance Learning
Pre-K/Kindergarten-aged children and their adult caregivers will enjoy our unique hands-on program that introduces the home of Louisa May Alcott, Little Women, and life in the 19th Century to our youngest visitors. Victorian dress-up, felt boards, a story, games, and art activity are included.
Conducted for a minimum of 10 and a maximum
of 15 participants. 1 hour; variable cost.
Reservations required at least four weeks in advance. Phone our Education Director at 978.369.4118 x106 for information/reservations.
Outreach / Distance Learning
Outreach / Distance Learning
Outreach / Distance Learning
"A Visit by Louisa May Alcott"
Jan Turnquist of Inter*Act Performances will portray "Miss Alcott" for your school, library, church, community center, or even during a virtual visit!
For groups of any size/age. Variable length/cost.
To book a Massachusetts school performance, please contact Young Audiences of Massachusetts at 617.629.9262 x303 or scheduling@yamass.org;
all others, please phone 978.369.2467.
Customized Experiences
Outreach / Distance Learning
Customized Experiences
Have special needs or a unique program idea?
We are always happy to adapt our existing educational programming or collaborate on new offerings to meet the particular educational needs of your class, school, or group.
Please contact our Education Director at 978.369.4118 x106 or education@louisamayalcott.org
to discuss the possibilities.
DAISIES
BROWNIES
BROWNIES
"HAND-IN-HAND JOURNEY
TO ORCHARD HOUSE"
Daisies are introduced to the historic home of Louisa May Alcott, author of Little Women and learn about the Alcotts through interactive materials and hands-on activities such as Victorian dress-up, felt boards, a story, games, and artwork.
1 hour program offered year-round. $15 per scout/additional
"HAND-IN-HAND JOURNEY
TO ORCHARD HOUSE"
Daisies are introduced to the historic home of Louisa May Alcott, author of Little Women and learn about the Alcotts through interactive materials and hands-on activities such as Victorian dress-up, felt boards, a story, games, and artwork.
1 hour program offered year-round. $15 per scout/additional adult. 15-person limit, inclusive of 2 required chaperones (admitted free).
BROWNIES
BROWNIES
BROWNIES
"MY FAMILY STORY" BADGE
During a tour of Orchard House with a Living History re-enactor, Brownies will hear stories about the Alcott girls' childhood, play a game, learn a song from the period, draw their own family crests, and participate in other Alcott-inspired activities.
1 hour program offered year-round. $18 per scout/additional a
"MY FAMILY STORY" BADGE
During a tour of Orchard House with a Living History re-enactor, Brownies will hear stories about the Alcott girls' childhood, play a game, learn a song from the period, draw their own family crests, and participate in other Alcott-inspired activities.
1 hour program offered year-round. $18 per scout/additional adult. 15-person limit, inclusive of 2 required chaperones (admitted free).
BROWNIES
BROWNIES
BROWNIES
"OLD-FASHIONED PLAYTIME JOURNEY"
Learn about popular 19th Century toys, games, and activities enjoyed by Louisa, Anna, Elizabeth, and May, as well as the dolls they made. Brownies also make their own yarn dolls, take them on a tour of Orchard House, and play games along the way.
1 hour program offered year-round. $18 per scout/addition
"OLD-FASHIONED PLAYTIME JOURNEY"
Learn about popular 19th Century toys, games, and activities enjoyed by Louisa, Anna, Elizabeth, and May, as well as the dolls they made. Brownies also make their own yarn dolls, take them on a tour of Orchard House, and play games along the way.
1 hour program offered year-round. $18 per scout/additional adult. 15-person limit, inclusive of 2 required chaperones (admitted free).
BROWNIES
BROWNIES
BROWNIES
"STORY JOURNEY"
Brownies will have have an opportunity to write in the very room where Louisa May Alcott wrote her most famous book, Little Women, try their hand at a troop “post office,” play "Rigamarole," and make “castles in the air” -- just like the Alcott girls did!
Bonus: This program helps earn the “Hear a Story,” “Change a Story,”
"STORY JOURNEY"
Brownies will have have an opportunity to write in the very room where Louisa May Alcott wrote her most famous book, Little Women, try their hand at a troop “post office,” play "Rigamarole," and make “castles in the air” -- just like the Alcott girls did!
Bonus: This program helps earn the “Hear a Story,” “Change a Story,” “Tell a Story,” and “Better World!” Leadership Awards
1 hour program offered year-round. $18 per scout/additional adult. 15-person limit, inclusive of 2 required chaperones (admitted free).
JUNIORS
BROWNIES
BROWNIES
"PLAYING THE PAST" BADGE
Juniors journey back to 1870 to imagine themselves as one of the Alcotts! A Living History re-enactor will relate favorite family stories and traditions, and describe life in the 19th Century. After hearing entries from the Alcotts' own journals, Juniors will make their own journals and write in them, play a game
"PLAYING THE PAST" BADGE
Juniors journey back to 1870 to imagine themselves as one of the Alcotts! A Living History re-enactor will relate favorite family stories and traditions, and describe life in the 19th Century. After hearing entries from the Alcotts' own journals, Juniors will make their own journals and write in them, play a game or sing a song that the Alcotts would have enjoyed, and act out a scene from Little Women in the same place where Louisa and her sisters performed their theatricals for friends and family.
1 hour program offered year-round. $18 per scout/additional adult. 15-person limit, inclusive of 2 required chaperones (admitted free).
JUNIORS
BROWNIES
JUNIORS
"SCRIBE" BADGE
Juniors are invited to create a poem, short story, essay, or news report in the very room where Miss Alcott penned many of her stories -- including her most famous book, Little Women. By using events of everyday life, sharpening skills of observation and elaboration, properly setting a scene, and crafting interesting charac
"SCRIBE" BADGE
Juniors are invited to create a poem, short story, essay, or news report in the very room where Miss Alcott penned many of her stories -- including her most famous book, Little Women. By using events of everyday life, sharpening skills of observation and elaboration, properly setting a scene, and crafting interesting characters, Juniors learn just what goes into being a good writer!
1 hour program offered year-round. $18 per scout/additional adult. 15-person limit, inclusive of 2 required chaperones (admitted free).
JUNIORS
CADETTES
CADETTES
"MY BEST FOOT FORWARD JOURNEY"
Louisa May Alcott has served as a wonderful role model ever since Little Women first captured the imaginations of people all over the world, and she was especially concerned with girls striving to be themselves in an increasingly complicated world. Juniors will come to understand how Louisa and her sisters s
"MY BEST FOOT FORWARD JOURNEY"
Louisa May Alcott has served as a wonderful role model ever since Little Women first captured the imaginations of people all over the world, and she was especially concerned with girls striving to be themselves in an increasingly complicated world. Juniors will come to understand how Louisa and her sisters struggled to overcome their challenges and capitalized on their talents to become strong, independent women. Through role play, journal writing, creating a “brag bag,” and other activities, Juniors learn to celebrate their own best attributes.
Bonus: This program also helps Juniors earn "The Power of One" Award; they may also work on the "Reach Out!" and "Try Out!" Leadership Awards.
1 hour program offered year-round. $18 per scout/additional adult. 15-person limit, inclusive of 2 required chaperones (admitted free).
CADETTES
CADETTES
CADETTES
COMMUNITY SERVICE
Seeking a new and different way to earn
the Community Service Bar or Patch?
Consider a project at Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard House -- a non-profit organization that depends upon volunteer help for many aspects of its continued operation. We are happy to work with you to create a flexible community engagement experience th
COMMUNITY SERVICE
Seeking a new and different way to earn
the Community Service Bar or Patch?
Consider a project at Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard House -- a non-profit organization that depends upon volunteer help for many aspects of its continued operation. We are happy to work with you to create a flexible community engagement experience that best fit both your needs and ours.
Interested?
Contact our Director of Education
at 978.369.4118 x106 or education@louisamayalcott.org
to discuss available opportunities
Upcoming Adult & Youth Programs!
"Time Travelers" History Camp for ages 8 - 12
Monday ~ Friday July 31 ~ August 4, 2023
10:00 am ~ 2:00 pm
"Write Stuff!" Creative Writing Camp for ages 8 - 12
Monday ~ Friday August 7 ~ 11, 2023
10:00 am - 2:00 pm
"Allan's Neighbor"
George Housman Thomas
(1824 - 1868)
"The Door Suddenly Closed"
Oswaldo Tofani
(1849 - 1915)
2022 Virtual Summer Conversational Series Recordings
"Learning's Altar" - The Rise of Adult Education and Lifelong Learning in Concord and Beyond
The 2022 Summer Adult 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.
"Racism and Disenfranchisement: Then and Now" Panel Discussion
On Sunday, June 14th at 2:00 pm, Orchard House Executive Director Jan Turnquist moderated an extremely timely and vital panel discussion with Dr. Maria Madison and Prof. Sandra Harbert Petrulionis.
Maria Madison is Associate Dean for Equity, Inclusion, and Diversity at the Heller School for Social Policy at Brandeis University, as well as Co-Founder and President of the Robbins House, the c. 1800 Concord, MA home of former slave and Revolutionary War veteran Caesar Robbins. She and her colleagues won the Human Rights Council for Freedom Award (2020) and the Concord Museum's Robert Gross Award for History (2019).
Sandra Harbert Petrulionis, Distinguished Professor of English and American Studies at Penn State University, is also author of To Set This World Right: The Antislavery Movement in Thoreau's Concord, editor of Thoreau In His Own Time, and co-editor of other works on Thoreau and Transcendentalism. She has been a frequent Presenter at Orchard House's Summer Conversational Series as well.
To watch this previously recorded webinar, please use this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/-uFzHb2t_CBJW9LWuR6GU4U5NJ7ieaa82yZKrPVbyU9IdOnWrmXUSNnlLS4UI_LV
This event was offered jointly by Louisa May Alcott's Orchard House and The Robbins House, both in Concord, Massachusetts
To find out more about The Robbins House, please visit https://www.robbinshouse
Pictured l to r: Jan Turnquist, Maria Madison, & Sandra Harbert Petrulionis