Discover Concord

Discover 16 very different and exciting things to do this winter. There's so much going on!

The American Revolution, a new six-part, 12-hour series directed by Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein, and David Schmidt and written by Geoffrey Ward will premiere on PBS on November 16, 2025. The series examines how America’s creation turned the world upside-down. Thirteen British colonies on the Atlantic Coast rose in rebellion, won their independence, and established a new form of government that radically reshaped the continent and inspired centuries of democratic movements around the globe. 

Discover Concord magazine had the privilege of speaking with the filmmakers about their experience here in the Concord and Lexington area and what it meant to them to film such an important documentary about the war that would launch the United States of America into being.

On February 26, 1775, a confrontation occurred in the port town of Salem, Massachusetts, today known as “The Salem Affair.” Although many historians gloss over this event, it nearly triggered the start of the American Revolution and accelerated Massachusetts’ wartime preparations.

As the 250th Anniversary of the Battles of Lexington and Concord approaches, a witness house sits at the top of Concord’s Main Street, full of stories of rebels and traitors whose actions shaped the America we know today. It is the Wright Tavern, a red wood building with black shutters; one of the last standing colonial-era taverns from that fateful day of April 19, 1775. 

The tale of this tavern begins with a dangerous hole in the ground.

Since 2000, many reenactors have asserted that haversacks were commonly worn by Massachusetts militia and minute companies when they fielded against British forces on April 19, 1775. The two most common arguments advanced have been that militia and minutemen were in possession of haversacks because they were previously issued to Massachusetts troops during the French and Indian War, or that the item was acquired on the eve of the American Revolution from a third-party source.

Unfortunately, neither argument is valid.

In 2025, the lively Concord250 Arts, Literature, and Music Subcommittee is looking to the arts to bring fresh and expanded perspectives to local history, elevate lesser-told stories, and look ahead to the “next 250.” From Liz Helfer’s Freedom’s Silhouette interactive sculpture recently installed in Monument Square to newly commissioned musical compositions and more, local artists and cultural organizations are creatively re-examining history and bringing it into the now.

The forty-five communities within the Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area were at the epicenter of the earliest debates regarding independence and the first battles of the American Revolution. Those events live on in the region’s rich tapestry of monuments, memorials, and markers commemorating those events.

Our top favorites are presented here as a great ‘road trip’ that you can take to dive into the exciting history of our area. 

Just because winter has arrived doesn’t mean the adventure has to end! Bundle up in your favorite coat, throw on a cozy hat, and step outside to embrace the season’s magic. Whether you’re craving a scenic walk, eager to glide on the ice, ready to hit the ski trails, or excited to uncover Concord’s rich history with one of our enthusiastic tour guides, there’s a fresh adventure waiting just for you

On Rt. 126, as you pass Walden Pond, cross into Lincoln, and dip through wooded drumlins, the road soon rises and straightens out by Baker Bridge Road along the expansive fields of The Food Project’s Baker Bridge Farm. The railroad bridge is straight ahead. Small and easy to miss, it was once the location of the tiny Baker Bridge railway station. It was also one of the deadliest spots in 19th century Massachusetts.

Meet Pierre and Gaby Chiha, two remarkable photographers whose philosophy and vision create stunning works of art.

Early American quilting is a form of art that has captured the attention of women for generations. To this day, it enjoys a growing and enthusiastic following, including among men, who represent about 1% of quilters in the U.S. and Canada today. To better understand the history of this beautiful art form, we interviewed several experts - keepers of an important artisanal trade - who graciously shared their knowledge for this article. 

On the list of Concord’s notable 19th century women about whom few people know is Lidian Emerson Jackson; so little is written of her many talents, quiet fortitude, and unwavering support of her famous husband, Ralph Waldo Emerson. 

She was Waldo’s second wife, succeeding his marriage to Ellen Tucker in 1829.

In 1910, the home of one of the world’s most beloved authors was up for sale and likely to be demolished. It had been built in the mid-1600s and had been vacant for years. “Private Property” and “No Trespassing” signs were nearly obscured by tall grass, giving the overall impression of sad dilapidation. The real estate prospectus read, “perfect site for a new mansion.”

Discover what's happening in Concord's art scene this winter.

They say a person’s home is their castle. But what do you do if that castle is stolen from you?

In May of 2024, such a theft reportedly occurred in Concord, Massachusetts, when an unknown entity badly, but effectively, stole the identity of a Concord landowner and sold her land out from under her. Located on the corner of Mattison Drive and Ayrshire Lane (near Alford Circle), the sloping 1.8-acre plot of land had been purchased for the woman (who we shall call “the True Concord Lady”) in 1991 before circumstances moved her out of state. 

Gather the kids and learn all about snow.

Concord has many historic sites of interest. Below is contact information for each, along with their hours of operation. Please check the website before visiting, as sites may be closed on holidays or for private events.

Test your knowledge of Concord history!

Experience the many colors of winter in Dave Witherbee's stunning photo essay.

Since 1770, The Old Manse has stood majestically on the banks of the Concord River, overlooking the North Bridge where, on April 19, 1775, one of the first battles of the American Revolution unfolded.