There’s something magical about Concord, Massachusetts. A persistent and insistent energy over the course of centuries has attracted artists, innovators, writers, revolutionaries, philosophers, abolitionists, social justice warriors, scholars, and a whole host of leaders and creative disrupters. They live among us today, and I had the great honor to sit down with two artists - Gregory Maguire and Andy Newman – in their Concord home to learn about their creative journey, and also about the very special place they created to raise their three adopted children.
“‘Christmas won’t be Christmas without any presents, grumbled Jo, lying on the rug.’” This opening line from Little Women has linked Louisa May Alcott with Christmas for the past 150 years. In keeping with the spirit of the novel, Alcott penned dozens of short stories about the true meaning of Christmas, loosely modeled after Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Like Dickens, Alcott sought to teach her young readers about the virtues of giving versus receiving.
We all know the old adage, “Behind every great man there is a great woman.” In fact, throughout history many women have distinguished themselves just as much as their men. Women such as Abigail Adams, Dolley Madison, Eleanore Roosevelt, or Jackie Kennedy were a force to be reckoned with in their own right, their place in history assured. Here in Concord, our “Two Revolutions” revolved around the names Ripley, Emerson, Hawthorne, and Thoreau. But these great men were surrounded by equally impressive and influential women, who also played a pivotal role in our nation’s history. We would like to share a few of their stories here…
A love of books and reading is a lifelong treasure passed from adult to child, from generation to generation. The 24th annual Family Trees: A Celebration of Children’s Literature at the Concord Museum gives Concord’s renowned literary tradition a creative twist. From November 27, 2019 through January 5, 2020, the Museum’s newly renovated galleries are filled with 39 fanciful trees and wreaths, decorated with original ornaments inspired by acclaimed children’s storybooks and contemporary picture book favorites.
It’s that time of year, when Concord bids farewell to pumpkin spice as our homes fill with the aroma of pine boughs and gingerbread. These smells evoke images of the distant past, but our colonial forbearers might be surprised—if not downright scandalized—to see the “profane and superstitious customs” that we enjoy at midwinter.
The Crucolo Cheese Parade is celebrating its 10th Anniversary this year and you won’t want to miss the festivities! Starting in 2010, Peter Lovis, owner of The Cheese Shop, began importing a 400-pound wheel of Italian cheese to Concord to help kick off the festive holiday season. Why? Well, as Peter says, “Who doesn’t love cheese?” The thousands of people who turn up each year to cheer on the parade would agree!
There is more to Concord architecture than white clapboard and immaculate colonials. Like its neighbors in Lincoln and Lexington, Concord abounds with fine examples of mid-century modern homes. Built between 1930 and 1970, these examples of architectural history have largely been ignored until recently - too young to be considered “historical.”
The holiday season is here; time for awkward family gatherings! And if you were Concord resident Phebe Bliss Emerson, you might find yourself in the middle of one.
Born in 1741, Phebe was the second child of the Reverend Daniel Bliss. Her family lived in Concord, MA, where Rev. Bliss was the pastor of the Congregational Church from 1738-1764. Rev. Bliss’ fire and brimstone sermons left his parishioners quaking, crying, and praying for salvation.
On a rainy morning in early May, in the small back parlor of 13 West Street, Boston, a wedding was about to take place. It would be the second wedding for the Peabody family in less than a year, and while 38-year-old Elizabeth could certainly claim an intimate relationship with each of the handsome grooms, she would be bride to neither.
Art is everywhere in Concord. As the weather turns cold why not spend an afternoon at one of Concord’s extraordinary galleries and immerse yourself in the world of art? Nothing better to chase away the evening chill than a lively concert, a compelling film, or a stunning theatrical performance at one of our talent-filled theatres. And don’t miss the holiday markets at Concord Art, The Umbrella Arts Center, or the Three Stones Gallery. From unique gifts to something special for yourself, celebrate the season with art!
Each year, more than 100,000 people visit Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard House. This December 25th, millions more will have the chance to learn about Louisa May and her amazing family through the lens of Sony Picture’s newest presentation of the classic book Little Women.
The Concord Players trace their roots to Louisa May Alcott who, along with her sisters, founded the Concord Dramatic Union in 1857. The Alcotts performed their plays, many of them original, in the parlor of their home at Orchard House and in the homes of friends in the town.
