Concord’s history is filled with revolutionaries—not just the famous names we learn in school, but everyday people whose courage and vision helped define Concord as it is today. Now, there’s a brand-new way to learn about these trailblazers: the Revolutionary Concordians Trading Card Game, developed by Thoreau Farm with funding from Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area. This interactive, town-wide experience invites people to connect with Concord’s history like never before, all while exploring the businesses, cultural institutions, and landmarks that make the town special today.
Trading cards have long been a beloved way to collect and celebrate heroes, whether they’re athletes, pop culture icons, or historical figures. The Revolutionary Concordians Trading Cards put a fresh spin on this idea, featuring notable individuals from Concord’s history, spanning centuries of social, cultural, and political change. Each card is a mini-history lesson featuring a striking image and key facts about the “Revolutionary Concordian”—a person whose actions, ideas, or influence helped shape the town and beyond. Some players may want to collect as many as possible, while others might treasure just a few as keepsakes. No matter how they play, everyone walks away with a deeper connection to Concord’s history.
Some figures, like Louisa May Alcott, are widely recognized, but their full stories remain less explored. This project highlights Alcott not just as a beloved author, but as a bold progressive thinker, abolitionist, and advocate for women’s rights. Others, like Brister Freeman, an enslaved man who gained his freedom during service in the American Revolution, may be familiar to some Concord residents but deserve broader recognition. By collecting these cards, players gain a deeper appreciation for the people who lived, worked, and fought for change in Concord. The game encourages curiosity and exploration, offering a fun, interactive way to learn about figures who might otherwise be overlooked.
“Revolutionary Concordians” offers more than just a history lesson—it’s an experience designed to bring the past and present together. To collect cards, players visit participating businesses and cultural sites around Concord, where they receive a card after completing a small task (i.e. answer a trivia question, make a purchase, attend an event). The trading cards are an invitation to explore Concord, support local businesses, honor Concord’s past, and look toward its future, asking ourselves: What kind of history will we help write? Just like the figures on these cards, we all have the power to make a difference. So, are you ready to play? Start collecting today and uncover the revolutionary spirit of Concord—one card at a time.
For a list of participating locations, go to DiscoverConcordMA.com/tradingcards. Local businesses and cultural locations interested in participating can contact Rebecca Migdal at rebecca@thoreaufarm.org.
