Special Events at Orchard House

Adults - $12.00; Seniors/College Students - $10.00;
Youths (6-17 years) - $8.00; Children (2-6 years) - $4.00
Family Rate (2 Adults & up to 4 youths) - $30.00
(Orchard House Members - Half-price on individual tickets only)

Space is limited; reservations & pre-payment strongly suggested.
Phone 978.369.4118 x106 for information/reservations

Tuesday - Friday, February 22 - 25 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. daily

FEBRUARY FAMILY FUN WEEK
“Welcome to Our Home” Tours

Suitable for all ages! Ideal for families!
Your visit to Orchard House becomes a trip to the past as you have an interactive tour with an expert, authentically costumed guide portraying an Alcott family member or one of their famous friends. Hear fascinating anecdotes and learn first-hand about their lives and times; play a 19th-century game and sing period songs in the Parlor; participate in a treasure hunt -- all while learning about this extraordinary New England family!

Adults - $12.00; Seniors/ Students - $10.00;
Youths (6 - 17 years) - $8.00; Children (2 - 6 years) - $4.00
Family Rate (2 Adults & up to 4 youths) - $30.00
(Orchard House Members - Half-price on individual tickets only)

Space is limited to 15 participants; reservations & pre-payment strongly suggested.
Phone 978.369.4118 x106 for information and reservations.

Space is limited; reservations & pre-payment strongly suggested
Phone 978.369.4118 x106 for information/reservations

Tuesday, March 1 - CALL FOR PROPOSALS DEADLINE

The 2011 Summer Conversational Series and Teacher Institute
Sunday - Friday, July 10 - 15
The Concord School of Philosophy on the grounds of Orchard House

“Creating A Vision: The Power of Place"
A Centennial Celebration of Louisa May Alcott's Orchard House

In the spring of 2011, Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard House begins a year-long celebration of its centennial as a historic house museum. Purchased by The Louisa May Alcott Memorial Association in April of 1911 and officially opened to the public on May 27, 1912, Orchard House attracts the pilgrim and curiosity-seeker alike with a spirit of place that has continued to draw people from all walks of life for more than a century.

The 2011 Summer Conversational Series will explore the power of place, and how different types of environments -- physical, spiritual, cultural, and intellectual -- have distinguished Concord, and specifically Orchard House, as an important center of history and learning. Participants can expect lively discussion of how the visionaries of Concord, including Alcott, Emerson, Fuller, and Thoreau, created a social and intellectual milieu that expanded upon itself over time and formed the basis for a community that nurtured many of its citizens and earned them a place in history.

~ More information available as planning proceeds ~

Professional Development Points are awarded to Massachusetts teachers

participating in the Teacher Institute

Suggestions for sessions, presenters, programs, and activities for the
2011 Summer Conversational Series are welcome;
please send a one-page summary to education@louisamayalcott.org
Submission deadline: March 1, 2011

See details of last year’s Series

Back to Events | Home

Space is limited; reservations & pre-payment strongly suggested.
Phone 978.369.4118 x106 for information/reservations

Join us for a week of fun during April school vacation! Try your hand at activities popular with Louisa May Alcott and her sisters. Our trained staff will help you act, write, make a craft, and draw just like the Alcott girls -- the real-life models for “Meg,” “Jo,” “Beth,” and “Amy”!

Cost: $100 for the week or $30 per day
(Orchard House Members, $80 & $24 respectively)

Space is limited! Pre-registration & pre-payment required;
please phone 978.369.4118 x106

Tuesday, April 19th
“ Meg”/Anna Day - Theater
See where the Alcott girls performed “theatricals” for friends and family! Rehearse a skit based on a scene from Little Women, play theater games,
and improve your acting skills!

Wednesday, April 2oth
“ Jo”/Louisa Day - Writing
Practice writing in the very room where Louisa May Alcott penned the bestseller, Little Women! Have fun putting together a skit, story, or poem --
just like Jo March -- and illustrate your work to take home!

Thursday, April 21st
“ Beth”/Lizzie Day - Crafts & Games
Make a clothespin doll to keep or give away as a gift. You’ll see a doll that the real-life Lizzie made for one of her neighbor friends, play with old-fashioned toys, dolls, and games, and put on an original puppet show!

Friday, April 22nd
“ Amy”/May Day - Art
Try an art experiment using your “third eye,” just as Amy March may have done! Make your own copy of original artwork done by the real-life May Alcott, play art-centered games, and illustrate scenes from your favorite books!

Tuesday - Friday, April 19 - 22 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. daily

APRIL VACATION FAMILY FUN WEEK
“Welcome to Our Home” Tours

Suitable for all ages! Ideal for families!
Your visit to Orchard House becomes a trip to the past as you have an interactive tour with an expert, authentically costumed guide portraying an Alcott family member or one of their famous friends. Hear fascinating anecdotes and learn first-hand about their lives and times; play a 19th-century game and sing period songs in the Parlor; participate in a treasure hunt -- all while learning about this extraordinary New England family!

Adults - $12.00; Seniors/ Students - $10.00;
Youths (6 - 17 years) - $8.00; Children (2 - 6 years) - $4.00
Family Rate (2 Adults & up to 4 youths) - $30.00
(Orchard House Members - Half-price on individual tickets only)

Space is limited to 15 participants; reservations & pre-payment strongly suggested.
Phone 978.369.4118 x106 for information and reservations.

Space is limited; reservations & pre-payment strongly suggested.
Phone 978.369.4118 x106 for information/reservations

“Spruce Up for Spring”
Gardens and Grounds Clean-Up
for volunteers of all ages!

Come for all or part of the day to help keep
Orchard House looking great on the outside!

Seasonal tasks include raking leaves, collecting downed branches, weeding, and possibly some planting. Gloves, gardening tools, or tarps are

can contribute healthy refreshments).
R.S.V.P. to 978.369.4118 x104 by April 28th

Space is limited; reservations & pre-payment strongly suggested.
Phone 978.369.4118 x106 for information/reservations

Adults - $12.00; Seniors/College Students - $10.00;
Youths (6-17 years) - $8.00; Children (2-6 years) - $4.00
Family Rate (2 Adults & up to 4 youths) - $30.00
(Members - Half-price on individual tickets only)

Space is limited; reservations & pre-payment strongly suggested.
Phone 978.369.4118 x106 for information/reservations

This program offers a very special first look at a historic house museum and the Alcott family for children aged 6 and under with a parent or adult caregiver. Activities such as matching games, songs, Victorian dress-up, drawing, and age-appropriate stories are included to stimulate, entertain, and educate the very young while allowing their adult partners time to enjoy Orchard House in a very unique way.

Cost: $15 per Adult/Child Grouping;
$7.50 for each additional Adult or Child
(Members - $12 and $6 respectively)

Reservations & pre-payment required;
phone 978.369.4118 x106 for information/reservations

“A Morning with the Alcotts”
Step back into the pages of history to find out what it was like to live in the time of the Alcotts! Expert, authentically costumed staff and volunteers portray Alcott family members to introduce youngsters aged 7 and up to life in the 19th Century generally and within the Alcott home particularly.
An interactive tour, old-fashioned games, songs, stories, and refreshments
are all part of this highly popular and unforgettable experience!

Reservations & pre-payment required;
phone 978.369.4118 x106 for information/reservations

Sunday - Friday, July 10 - 15
The Concord School of Philosophy on the grounds of Orchard House

“Creating A Vision: The Power of Place"
A Centennial Celebration of Louisa May Alcott's Orchard House

In the spring of 2011, Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard Housebegins a year-long celebration of its centennial as a historic house museum. Purchased by The Louisa May Alcott Memorial Association in April of 1911 and officially opened to the public on May 27, 1912, Orchard House attracts the pilgrim and curiosity-seeker alike with a spirit of place that has continued to draw people from all walks of life for more than a century.

Professional Development Points awarded to
Massachusetts educators participating in the Teacher Institute

We are once again delighted to partner with The Thoreau Society in co-hosting
the concluding session of their Annual Gathering and the opening session of
our Summer Conversational Series and Teacher Institute

"Hand-in-Hand at Orchard House"
This program offers a very special first look at a historic house museum and the Alcott family for children aged 6 and under with a parent or adult caregiver. Activities such as matching games, songs, Victorian dress-up, drawing, and age-appropriate stories are included to stimulate, entertain, and educate the very young while allowing their adult partners time to enjoy Orchard House in a very unique way.

Cost: $15 per Adult/Child Grouping;
$7.50 for each additional Adult or Child
(Members - $12 and $6 respectively)

Reservations & pre-payment required;
phone 978.369.4118 x106 for information/reservations

“Welcome to Our Home”
A Living History Tour
Your visit to Orchard House becomes a trip to the past as you have an interactive tour with an expert, authentically costumed guide portraying an Alcott family member or one of their famous friends. Hear fascinating anecdotes and learn first-hand about their lives and times.
Adults - $12.00; Seniors/College Students - $10.00;
Youths (6-17 years) - $8.00; Children (2-6 years) - $4.00
Family Rate (2 Adults & up to 4 youths) - $30.00
(Members - Half-price on individual tickets only)

Space is limited; reservations & pre-payment strongly suggested
Phone 978.369.4118 x106 for information/reservations

“The Apple Slump Players”
Drama Workshop
Youngsters aged 8 - 12 are invited to participate in this unique experience at Orchard House. After brief daily theatrical warm-ups, participants will play theater games, experiment with mime and improvisation, and act out scenes from Louisa May Alcott’s stories. Then, just as Louisa and her sisters did, a skit will be rehearsed during the week and performed at week’s end. Dress comfortably; imagination and a sense of fun are required!

Cost: $230 (Members - 10% discount)

Space is limited; reservations & pre-payment required
Phone 978.369.4118 x106 for information and reservations

Youngsters aged 9 - 13 will experiment with various writing forms, many inspired by the Alcotts and Tudors themselves. Included will be “sensory writing,” poetry, journal writing, fiction, and much more. A fun, creative, and very different way to spend a week of the summer!

Space is limited; reservations & pre-payment required
Phone 978.369.4118 x106 for information and reservations

Reservations & pre-payment required;
phone 978.369.4118 x106 for information/reservations

Cost: $15 per Adult/Child Grouping;
$7.50 for each additional Adult or Child
(Members - $12 and $6 respectively)

Reservations & pre-payment required;
phone 978.369.4118 x106 for information/reservations

“Hand-in-Hand at Orchard House”
This program offers a very special first look at a historic house museum and the Alcott family for children aged 6 and under with a parent or adult caregiver. Activities such as matching games, songs, Victorian dress-up, drawing, and age-appropriate stories are included to stimulate, entertain, and educate the very young while allowing their adult partners time to enjoy Orchard House in a very unique way.

Cost: $15 per Adult/Child Grouping;
$7.50 for each additional Adult or Child
(Members - $12 and $6 respectively)

Reservations & pre-payment required;
phone 978.369.4118 x106 for information/reservations

Space is limited; reservations & pre-payment strongly suggested.
Phone 978.369.4118 x106 for information/reservations

“Partners in Preservation,” a division of The National Trust for Historic Preservation, awarded grant funding in 2009 to 25 Massachusetts historic sites -- including Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard House. During the Open House today, visit one or several of these treasured places to discover what a difference the grants have made, and celebrate the energy and determination of the Staff and Volunteers who make things happen on a daily basis!

Regular admission fees apply. For more information about “Partners in Preservation,” including a map of all the Open House sites, please click here.

Over 100 years ago, Louisa May Alcott wrote, “Running was one of the delights of my early days,” proving once again that she was ahead of her time in advocating a healthy lifestyle. For our sixth benefit Walk/Run, we are privileged to announce that Uta Pippig -- three-time Boston Marathon winner, two-time Olympian, and internationally-recognized exercise motivator -- continues to serve as Honorary Chair of the event and will help celebrate our Centennial by participating in this year's Walk/Run!

Pippig, founder of “Take the Magic Step,” a fitness awareness program and charitable foundation, believes that everyone owes it to themselves and to future generations to take care of their physical well being. By participating in this particular Walk/Run, Pippig is also paying tribute to health-conscious individuals who have come before us, like the Alcotts.

Join Uta as she signs autographs, warms up, spreads encouragement,and runs alongside you every step of the way! All manner of runners and walkers -- from serious marathoners to “strollercisers” and wheelchair travelers -- are encouraged to spend a day with Uta and Louisa May to support the educational and preservation efforts of her beloved home during this FUNdraiser!

Event held rain or shine. Meet at Concord-Carlisle High School (500 Walden Street, Concord) for registration beginning at 10:30 a.m.

Runners, please note: This flat course is an easy, fun way to help you qualify for future events!The Walk/Run route traverses Historic Concord, Massachusetts during lovely Fall Foliage time. Musical entertainment provided; starting volley by The Concord Minute Men; "Living History" portrayers and 19th C. games and toys available.

Download maps of the Walk/Run Routes
(may chage slightly due to road construction or other unforeseen circumstances)

Adults - $12.00; Seniors/College Students - $10.00;
Youths (6-17 years) - $8.00; Children (2-6 years) - $4.00
Family Rate (2 Adults & up to 4 youths) - $30.00
(Members - Half-price on individual tickets only)

Space is limited; reservations & pre-payment strongly suggested
Phone 978.369.4118 x106 for information/reservations

Get a sneak peak of The Wellesley Players' performance of the acclaimed Broadway musical version of Little Women in our Concord School of Philosophy! This preview features authentically-reproduced costumes, the orignal musical score, and award-winning director Celia Couture.

The full production will be performed on October 7th - 9th and 14th - 16th at The Arsenal Center for the Arts in Watertown, MA. For tickets, directions, and further information, click here.

Space is limited; reservations & pre-payment strongly suggested
Phone 978.369.4118 x106 for information/reservations

Come for all or part of the day to help keep
Orchard House looking great on the outside!

Seasonal tasks include raking leaves, collecting downed branches, weeding, and possibly some planting. Gloves, gardening tools, or tarps are helpful to bring, but not required. Lunch, snacks, and beverages provided.

Orchard House will be decorated for the holidays with the tasteful, festive simplicity

that the Alcotts were noted for and come alive through costumed "Living History"

Youths (6 - 17 years), $8.00;
Children (ages 2 - 6 years), $4.00; Under age 2, free
Members, 20% off individual ticket prices
Family Rate (2 Adults & up to 4 Youths), $30.00

~ Advance reservations strongly suggested ~
Reserved tickets receive a 10% Museum Store discount;