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Louisa May Alcott's Orchard House

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Summer Conversational Series Adult & Teacher Education

“The Alcotts and Resilience”

Sunday - Thursday

July 14 - 18, 2024


  • In-person:  The Concord School of Philosophy at Orchard House
  • Special Evening Edification offered
  • Virtual participation also available


registration

I'm not afraid of storms for I'm learning how to sail my ship.


LITTLE WOMEN, Chapter XLIV

Louisa May Alcott and her family were no strangers to adversity.

 According to eminent Alcott scholar/biographer Madeleine Stern, Miss Alcott was unaware of how dire her family’s situation was until she reached young adulthood when, in her journal, she declared herself  “poor as poverty but bound to make things go,” and believed that “afflictions were the best teachers . . .”

Living in a time fraught with social and political upheaval, the Alcotts remained true to their ideals, and were not only active participants in the Underground Railroad and anti-slavery movement, but also champions of woman’s rights and suffrage, education, child labor, and dress reforms, and other controversial issues of their day.  Independent by nature, Louisa May Alcott was determined to help her family thrive, gaining success through her own hard work and perseverance as she joined her family in fighting injustice.  Taking inspiration from such notable friends and mentors as Theodore Parker, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Margaret Fuller, Elizabeth Peabody, and Henry David Thoreau, among many others, Miss Alcott carved a path for herself through a world that, although often discouraging, could not prevent her from pursuing—and attaining—her dreams. 

  In this year’s Summer Conversational Series, participants will examine the topic of resilience as exemplified in Louisa May Alcott, her family, and her role models, as well as discuss what drives human beings successfully through difficult times and debilitating circumstances.

REGISTRATION
View / Download the daily schedule of presentations

Distinguished Presenters & Special Guests

Presenter / Guest Biographies

Clare Comm

Gabrielle Donnelly

Julia Dabbs

University of Massachusetts - Lowell

Julia Dabbs

Gabrielle Donnelly

Julia Dabbs

University of Minnesota - Morris

Cathlin Davis

Gabrielle Donnelly

Gabrielle Donnelly

University of California - Stanislaus

Gabrielle Donnelly

Gabrielle Donnelly

Gabrielle Donnelly

Journalist / Author

Joseph Draper

Anne-Laure François

Joseph Draper

Regis College

Lisa Eck

Anne-Laure François

Joseph Draper

Framingham State University

Azelina Flint

Anne-Laure François

Anne-Laure François

Maynooth University (Ireland)

Anne-Laure François

Anne-Laure François

Anne-Laure François

 Université Paris Nanterre (France)

Michael Frederick

William Healey III

Michael Frederick

Historian /

Non-profit Consultant

Jason Giannetti

William Healey III

Michael Frederick

Attorney / Philosopher /Academic

Lauren Gunderson

William Healey III

William Healey III

Playwright

William Healey III

William Healey III

William Healey III

Psychotherapist /

Framingham State University

Andrea Eugster Ingold

Andrea Eugster Ingold

Andrea Eugster Ingold

Scholar / Educator (Switzerland)

Carolyn Maibor

Andrea Eugster Ingold

Andrea Eugster Ingold

Framingham State University

Tara Lynn Marta

Andrea Eugster Ingold

Kristi Lynn Martin

Author

Kristi Lynn Martin

Andrea Eugster Ingold

Kristi Lynn Martin

Scholar / Historical Interpreter

Julie Morfee

Mark Hamilton Ostrander

Mark Hamilton Ostrander

  University of California - Berkeley

/ De Anza College (Cupertino, CA)

Mark Hamilton Ostrander

Mark Hamilton Ostrander

Mark Hamilton Ostrander

  Storyteller / Content Creator / Educator

Daniel Shealy

Mark Hamilton Ostrander

David E. Storey

University of North Carolina - Charlotte

David E. Storey

Mark Hamilton Ostrander

David E. Storey

Boston College

Presenter / Guest Biographies

Turmoil and Transition in 19th Century America

SLAVERY & ABOLITION

"Arrival of a Party at League Island" (near Philadelphia, 1856) by John Osler in William Still's The Underground Railroad (1872)

 EDUCATION REFORM

Math Class in a New England Dame School, circa 1850






registration

 WOMAN'S SUFFRAGE

"Mrs. Woodhull Asserting Her Right to Vote" by H. Balling, Harper's Weekly engraver,

November 25, 1871

Discover more about The Concord School of Philosophy

The School had an unusual genesis, a heralded initial run, and a long-awaited revival.  Treat yourself to an overview of its origin story, insights into the people who made it happen, and an understanding of the ideals that continue to inspire it, including contemporaneous accounts and an image gallery!

More about The school

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