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  • Cover Spring26.jpg

    The Spring Issue is Here!

    Patriots' Day is almost here, and this issue of Discover Concord brings you a list of events, the parade route, and much more to make your celebration special.  Also in this issue is an in-depth look at the new PBS documentary "Henry David Thoreau," a fascinating piece on how the Concord Lyceum came to be, and a look at how Massachusetts civilians on the homefront managed the challenging months of January - May 1776. Freedom's Way National Heritage Area is launching an exciting program you won't want to miss called "Declaring Independence: Then & Now" in more than 20 towns across Massachusetts. With two special fold-out inserts,  maps, lists of shops, and so much more, you'll want to get your copy early!
    April 6, 2026
  • American Revolution

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    Between Siege and Independence: The Struggles of Massachusetts Civilians on the Homefront January–May 1776

    Between January and May 1776, Massachusetts occupied a critical juncture between rebellion and the emergence of...
    April 3, 2026
  • Concord History

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    Established for Social & Mutual Improvement: The Concord Lyceum

    The Lyceum Movement started in New England in 1826, when educator and scientist Josiah Holbrook founded the...
    April 3, 2026
  • Historic Sites in Concord

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    West Side Story

    Concord Center takes justifiable pride in its history, but today great things are happening in West Concord....
    April 3, 2026

Paul Revere’s Bike Ride for the Concord Museum

  • Paul Revere’s Bike Ride for the Concord Museum
    16May

    Paul Revere’s Bike Ride for the Concord Museum

    Concord Museum

    Join us in tracing parts of Paul Revere’s Midnight Ride on a ride through the historic towns of Concord, Lexington, Lincoln, Bedford, and Carlisle. Starting at the Concord Museum near the historic town center, cyclists can choose to ride a 20- or 32-mile loop on paved roads, pas…

American Revolution

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    Sons of the American Revolution: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future

    As the nation prepares for the America 250 celebrations in 2026, the meaning of patriotism feels especially resonant. Few organizations embody that spirit more...
    April 3, 2026
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    Declaring Independence: Then & Now

    Then...By the spring of 1776, the question of independence was on the minds of those living in the thirteen American colonies. The Patriots were winning the hearts...
    April 3, 2026
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    TIMELESS TAVERNS: Exploring Colonial New England’s Earliest Community Gathering Spaces

    In colonial America, taverns were commonplace throughout Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area. But these early American taprooms were much more than just watering...
    April 3, 2026

Featured Events

  • April 24 - May 17 2026

    HAIRSPRAY at The Umbrella Arts Center

    With big hair, big laughs, and even bigger heart, this joyous, high-energy musical proves that when we dance together, anything is possible. Tracy Turnblad’s dream to dance on the Corny Collins Show has come true, but this determined teen won’t just do the twist and the mashed potato: she’ll use her star power to integrate Baltimore’s TV network to a swingin’ soundtrack! 

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  • April 29 - June 28 2026

    "Earthworks: Evolution" Ceramics Biennial

    The Umbrella Arts Center of Concord, MA, presents its second Ceramics Biennial Exhibition, “Earthworks: Evolution”, a regional show celebrating the depth of history, tradition, and cultural expression in contemporary ceramics, and the ways in which artists continue to expand the field through innovation and reinterpretation.

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  • May 1 - May 31 2026

    Hidden Treasures Festival of Nature, Culture & History

    Explore Concord during the Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area Hidden Treasures Festival (May). A dozen+ partners present free, townwide events—from The Umbrella Open Studios and West Concord Art Loop to historic house tours, garden walks, poetry, family workshops, and a community treasure hunt. Discover pop-ups from the Guitar Museum, Revolution 250–inspired programs, and nature activities along the Concord River—revealing the stories, landscapes, and creative spirit that define this iconic New England town and 44 neighboring communities in the nationally designated Heritage Area.

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  • May 1 2026

    Revolutionary Legacies Student Gallery Talk

    Join the student artists featured in the new special exhibition Revolutionary Legacies, along with  Curator David Wood and Curator and Director of Exhibitions Christie Jackson, for a gallery talk.

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  • May 2 - May 3 2026

    The Umbrella Open Studios 2026

    The Umbrella's beloved Open Studios is May 2 & 3, from 12 - 5 PM in Concord, MA. It's fun for all, FREE to attend, and priceless to get to know your local artists! The Umbrella Arts Center is home to more than 60 working artists skilled in a variety of fine and applied arts, including ceramics, glass, fiber arts, jewelry making, illustration, mixed-media, painting, photography, printmaking, illustration, sculpture, woodworking, writing, and more. Our annual Open Studios is an incredible opportunity to meet our artists, learn about their process, and share in celebrating their work.

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Concord History

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    Harvard’s Year of Exile

    Lexington and Concord. April 19, 1775. Where and when the Revolutionary War started is well known. Not so well known is the fact that Harvard played an important,...
    April 9, 2026
  • TriCon at 200: Faith in Action Since 1826

    This year, the Trinitarian Congregational Church (TriCon) on Walden Street is celebrating its 200th anniversary. However, from the early days of Concord’s founding...
    April 3, 2026
  • Tokens of Compliment and Love: 19th Century Concord Celebrates the Holidays

    When November rolls around each year many Americans begin to think about the upcoming holidays. Traditional family recipes are dusted off for Thanksgiving as...
    November 1, 2025
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    Concord’s Minutemen of 1861: Captain George L. Prescott and the Concord Artillery

    In the early morning of April 19, 1861, Daniel Lawrence rode into the town of Concord on horseback, rousing the town militia with orders to report to Boston in...
    September 4, 2025
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    Relations be Hanged: Frayed Loyalties to King and Family

    Stand in the middle of Concord’s North Bridge with the Minute Man statue on your right and the British soldiers’ grave on your left. Place your hands on the rough...
    September 4, 2025

Arts & Culture

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    Artist Spotlight Volume 8, Issue 1

    In this series, we highlight some of the many artists who contribute to the deep creative culture of Concord. Across town, many organizations are dedicated to...
    April 3, 2026
  • Concord Chorus Celebrates Its 80th Season

    The Concord Chorus traces its origin to a summer 1945 performance of selections from Johannes Brahms’ German Requiem by the combined choirs of Concord’s churches at...
    April 3, 2026
  • Arts Around Town

    Discover what's happening in Concord's vibrant arts community this spring.
    April 3, 2026
  • Sneak Peek: Discover Rare Instruments at the Guitar Museum of New England’s “Hidden Gems” Pop-Up Exhibit

    Visitors to West Concord this spring will have a rare opportunity to step inside the world of fine guitar craftsmanship and musical innovation—years before the...
    April 3, 2026
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    Loveday Lockets Highlight a Treasured Tradition

    From November 8 through the holidays, Loveday Boutique will showcase hand crafted contemporary lockets from 14 artisans, alongside a selection of vintage finds....
    November 1, 2025
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    Coming Soon to West Concord: The Guitar Museum of New England

    There is a new kind of museum coming to the heart of the fun and vibrant neighborhood of West Concord. Seventy-four Commonwealth Avenue will soon be home to The...
    November 1, 2025

Visiting Concord Soon?

RESERVE A TIME NOW

Plan ahead and reserve a timed-entry ticket to see the Louisa May Alcott Orchard House!

Welcome to “The Home of Little Women”…and so much more!   

Visiting Concord Soon?

RESERVE A TIME NOW

Plan ahead and reserve a timed-entry ticket to see the Louisa May Alcott Orchard House!

Welcome to “The Home of Little Women”…and so much more!   

Concord Writers

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    From a New Eden in Concord to Little Women: New Alcott Family Collections

    The William Munroe Special Collections at the Concord Free Public Library has recently expanded one of the nation’s most significant archives devoted to Louisa May...
    April 3, 2026
  • Celebrating 85 Years of the Thoreau Society Annual Gathering

    This year marks the 85th Annual Gathering of the Thoreau Society—the oldest and largest community devoted to an American author. Founded in 1941 by Walter Harding,...
    April 3, 2026
  • Henry David Thoreau: Concord's Own Son Featured in a New PBS Documentary

    HENRY DAVID THOREAU, a new, three-part, three-hour film examines the life and work of Concord’s 19th-century writer in the context of antebellum New England and the...
    March 23, 2026
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    A Season of Stories Worth Sharing

    In the 19th century, Concord was home to a literary revolution spawned by writers such as Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, Louisa May Alcott, and others....
    November 1, 2025
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    Henry David Thoreau and the Crackbrained Troublemaker

    Concord-born Henry David Thoreau is among the town’s most quoted writers. One of his best-known sentiments is telling the reader that you should “endeavor to live...
    September 4, 2025
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Things to See & Do

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    Historic Concord: Plan Your Visit Spring 2026

    April 9, 2026
  • Drawing Inspiration: The 2026 Concord Museum Garden Tour

    On June 5 and 6, the Concord Museum Guild of Volunteers welcomes community members to join the 37th Garden Tour. This beloved annual event invites ticket holders to...
    April 3, 2026
  • Patriots’ Day 2026: Remembering the Courage and Sacrifice of April 19, 1775

    The events of April 19, 1775, when militia and British Regulars first clashed at Lexington and Concord, ignited the struggle that became the American Revolution....
    April 3, 2026
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    19 Things to See & Do in Concord this Spring

    Discover what's happening around town this spring!
    April 3, 2026
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    Winter Events to Light Up the Season

    Art, music, and theater make the winter months shine. Check here for everything that Concord's vibrant creative community has in store for us this year.
    November 1, 2025
  • Spring 2026

    Spring 2026

    April 6, 2026
  • Discover the Battle Road

    Discover the Battle Road

    January 1, 2026
  • 2025 Guide to Holiday Gift Giving

    2025 Guide to Holiday Gift Giving

    November 7, 2025
  • Fall 2025

    Fall 2025

    September 4, 2025
  • Spring 2025

    Spring 2025

    April 30, 2025

Parks & Nature

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    Signs of Spring Everywhere

    As spring approaches, we, along with much of the wildlife, look forward to its changes: fresh green leaves, blooming flowers, fruit tree blossoms, and more. The...
    April 3, 2026
  • Nature’s Gifts

    No matter the season, nature has something to offer—but fall, with its vibrant colors and crisp air, is especially stunning. Nature is full of things to see, smell,...
    September 4, 2025
  • Painted Leaves

    “October is the month for painted leaves,” Henry Thoreau wrote in 1860. “Their rich glow now flashes round the world.” And while it’s true that other parts of the...
    September 4, 2025
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    Patriots’ Day and the Signs of Spring: A Season of Renewal and Reflection

    Nature is springing forth and so is Patriots’ Day! And this year is very special as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the start of the Revolutionary War with...
    April 25, 2025
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    The Nature We All Call Home: Robert Macfarlane to Accept the Thoreau Prize for Nature Writing

    Concord’s status as a Mecca for nature writers gains an international dimension this summer. The renowned British writer Robert Macfarlane will accept the 2025...
    April 25, 2025
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