January 2009 at Orchard House

Orchard House is closed to the public for routine maintenance and inventory from January 1st–15th. Re-opening on Friday, January 16th at 11:00 a.m.

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Saturday, January 24  4:45 - 5:45 p.m.
“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
(Orchard House Members - Half-price on individual tickets only).
Space is limited; reservations & pre-payment strongly suggested.
Phone: 978.369.4118 x106 for information and reservations.

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The 2009 Summer Conversational Series
and Teacher Institute
Sunday, July 12 - Friday, July 17
The Concord School of Philosophy on the Grounds of Orchard House

“Striking a Blow for Freedom:
The Alcotts and Abolition”

This year’s series focuses on the Alcott family’s dedication to the 19th century reform and antislavery movement and Concord’s ties to the John Brown raid on Harper’s Ferry in 1859.

Professional Development Points awarded to Massachusetts teachers participating in the Teacher Institute!

More information available as planning proceeds;
click here to see details of last year’s Series.

CALL FOR PROPOSALS
Suggestions for sessions, presenters, programs, and activities for the
2009 Summer Conversational Series are welcome;
please send submissions to education@louisamayalcott.org
Submission deadline: January 31, 2009

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Through January 30, 2009
“Lessons, sketching, and her dreams” -
May Alcott as Artist
A Collaborative Exhibition at
The Concord Free Public Library Art Gallery

The extensive resources of The Concord Free Public Library and Louisa May Alcott's Orchard House combine to present this first-ever detailed glimpse into the development of May Alcott's artistic talent!

In November and December, the exhibit will be enhanced through lecture-discussions by renowned Alcott scholars Daniel Shealy, Joel Myerson, and John Matteson (2008 Pulitzer Prize winner).

For more details, hours, and directions, please visit
The Concord Free Public Library website

Photo: May Alcott by Rose Peckham, 1877 (oil on canvas).
From the collection at Louisa May Alcott's Orchard House
This image may not be reproduced without permission

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Tuesday, April 21 - Friday, April 24  1:00 - 2:00 p.m. daily

“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 in the Parlor; help to act out a scene from Little Women; 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.

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Saturday, April 25  8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Rain date: Sunday, April 26
“Spruce Up for Spring”
A Volunteer Opportunity for Gardeners 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 helpful to bring. Lunch, snacks, and beverages provided (let us know if you can provide healthy refreshments).
R.S.V.P. to 978.369.4118 by April 24th.

Community Service credit given to High Schoolers and Boy/Girl Scouts!

Click here for a “Spruce Up” poster.

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Saturday & Sunday, May 2 & 3, 2009
Spring Open House at Orchard House

Welcome the joyous month of May with a very special Open House featuring Living History re-enactors, 19th Century games, Maypole dancing, a silhouette artist (Carol LeBeaux/Studio of Carol LeBeaux), Morris Dance demonstrations (featuring Ha'Penny Morris and Muddy River on Saturday from 11 - 12 a.m.) , live harp music by Nina Mills (Sunday afternoon), period-appropriate refreshments, and preservation tours. Guided tours offered throughout the weekend will feature the themes of love and marriage as expressed in the diaries and letters of Alcott family members.

Visitors will also have access to a laptop to vote for Louisa May Alcott's Orchard House to win the 2009 Partners in Preservation contest.

Print materials for the Partners in Preservation contest generously subsidized in part by Deborah Scarff of The Better Light and Budget Printing of Concord LLC.

Regular admission charged for tours; all other activities and refreshments free of charge. A wonderful friends and families activity!

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Friday, May 29  7:00 p.m.
Oak Meadow Montessori School Concert
in The Concord School of Philosophy
on the grounds of Louisa May Alcott's Orchard House

Two new music ensembles, the Oak Meadow Montessori Choir and Teen Cabaret, will perform a special concert featuring a wide variety of musical works with piano accompaniment.

Orchard House is thrilled to host the Oak Meadow Montessori community for this concert, as in the early 1900s Maria Montessori codified much of her pedagogy from the teachings of innovative educators such as A. Bronson Alcott. Today, Montessori is known world-wide not only for the intellectual accomplishments of their students, but also for providing children, their parents, and educators with diverse social and emotional growth experiences.

Seating for this very special event is limited; light refreshments will be served.
This event is free and open to all!

For further information, please call Oak Meadow Montessori School
at 978.486.9874 or visit www.oakmeadow.org

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Click here to download a color flyer listing our summer programs
for youths and families .

Thursday, June 4  7:30 p.m. (preceded by reception)
Colin Ford Lecture
in The Concord School of Philosophy
on the grounds of Louisa May Alcott's Orchard House

We are delighted to host preeminent British historian of photography Colin Ford as he begins his American lecture tour this year. Considered by The London Times to be "the doyen of British historians of photography," Ford began his career in the theatre and is an experienced director and broadcaster. He has been Keeper of Film and Photography at the National Portrait Gallery (London), Founding Head of Britain’s National Media Museum, Director of the National Museums & Galleries of Wales, Chair of the Kraszna-Krausz Foundation and of Partnership Events & Entertainment Ltd, and most recently a Visiting Lecturer/Researcher at the Universities of Sao Paolo and Texas-Austin, the International Museum of Photography (Rochester, NY), and the Reiss-Engelhorn Museum (Mannheim). Guest curator of photographic exhibits around the world, Ford has also authored more than a dozen books on photography, as well as three books on Lewis Carroll. His particular expertise is in the life and works of Julia Margaret Cameron, the "19th Century Photographer of Genius," whose image of Thomas Carlyle (reproduced at left) hangs in Mr. Alcott's Study.

Seating is limited; cost $10.00 per person.
For further information, please contact Karen Hilliard
at 617.277.9375 or khilliard@rcn.com

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Friday, June 26  9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
“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!
Cost: $18 per person (Members - $15).
Reservations & pre-payment required.
Phone 978.369.4118 x106 for information and reservations.

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Saturday, June 27  4:45 - 5:45 p.m.
“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
(Orchard House Members - Half-price on individual tickets only).
Space is limited; reservations & pre-payment strongly suggested.
Phone: 978.369.4118 x106 for information and reservations.

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July 2009 at Orchard House

Click here to download a color flyer listing our summer programs
for youths and families .

Wednesday, July 1  9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
“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!
Cost: $18 per person (Members - $15).
Reservations & pre-payment required.
Phone 978.369.4118 x106 for information and reservations.

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Saturday, July 4  11:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Orchard House at Concord’s Picnic in the Park
featuring
CAROL LEBEAUX, Silhouette Artist
Held annually for over 20 years, Picnic in the Park (Emerson Field in Concord) is a fun-filled way to spend Independence Day! This year -- in addition to interactive 19th C. games and Living History portrayers -- Orchard House is delighted to feature silhouette artist extraordinaire CAROL LEBEAUX of Shrewsbury, MA. Continuing a time-honored tradition, Carol creates hand-cut heirloom portraits of children, couples, families, and pets, working directly from sitting models or profile photographs. Carol is one of only a handful of true silhouette artists in the country, and her work has been featured in magazines such as Vogue, Real Simple, Country Living, and House Beautiful. Carol also lends her talent to charity, and this year, she will be generously donating a portion of her sales to support Orchard House! So enjoy the picnic, take home a lovely keepsake, and encourage friends and neighbors to do the same, especially since you’ll also be helping one of Concord’s most beloved historic sites.
Costs vary according to size & number of silhouettes desired; mats & frames additional
Silhouettes -- a moment’s monument … a treasure forever!
Supporting Orchard House -- helping a Concord treasure last forever!

For more information on Carol Lebeaux, visit www.silhouettes-by-carol.com

Independence Day Special!
All visitors to our table at Picnic in the Park can purchase the gorgeous hardcover book, Concord, Massachusetts -- regularly $24.95 -- for only $10 (tax included)!
Limited quantities; cash and checks only, please.

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Wednesday, July 8  9:00 - 10:00 a.m.
“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)

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Thursday, July 9  9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
“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!
Cost: $18 per person (Members - $15).
Reservations & pre-payment required.
Phone 978.369.4118 x106 for information and reservations.

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The 2009 Summer Conversational Series
and Teacher Institute
Sunday, July 12 - Friday, July 17
The Concord School of Philosophy on the Grounds of Orchard House

“Striking a Blow for Freedom:
The Alcotts and Abolition”

This year’s series focuses on the Alcott family’s dedication to the 19th century reform and antislavery movement and Concord’s ties to the John Brown raid on Harper’s Ferry in 1859.

Professional Development Points awarded to Massachusetts teachers participating in the Teacher Institute!

Our Esteemed Presenters so far include ...
John Matteson (Pulitzer Prize Winner/John Jay College)
Joel Myerson (University of South Carolina)
Ronald A. Bosco (SUNY-Albany)
Cathlin Davis (California State University-Stanislaus)
Sarah Elbert (SUNY-Binghamton)
Sterling Delano (Villanova University)
Paula Doress-Worters (Brandeis University)
Anne-Laure François (Université Charles-de-Gaulle Lille 3)
Jason Giannetti (Regis College)
Len Gougeon (University of Scranton)
Eve LaPlante (Author)
Daniel S. Malachuk (Western Illinois University-Quad City)
Sandra Petrulionis (Penn State-Altoona)
Nancy Porter & Harriet Reisen (Documentary Film Producers)
Debra A. Ryals (Pensacola Junior College)
John Stauffer (Harvard University)

Click here to read bios of our Esteemed Presenters.

COSTS
Conversational Series + Teacher Institute:
$150 for Educators; $250 for others

Summer Conversational Series only:
Sunday - Thursday: $200
Per Diem Monday-Thursday: $50
Opening Event only (Sunday afternoon): $20
“Wednesday Evening Edification”
(Alcott Documentary Screening) only: $10

Daily Lunch: $10
(otherwise please bring your own)

(20% discount for Orchard House Members; 50% discount for Students with ID)
For more information or to make a reservation, please phone 978.369.4118 x106

For a Complete Packet of Materials, click here.

To see a Daily Schedule, click here.

For a Registration Form, click here.

To read Presenter Bios, click here.

New this year!
We are delighted to partner with our friends at The Thoreau Society to conclude their Annual Gathering and begin our Summer Conversational Series
on the afternoon of Sunday, July 12th.
To find out more about the Thoreau Society Annual Gathering,
click here or visit the Thoreau Society website.

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Thursday, July 23  9:00 - 10:00 a.m.
“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)

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Monday - Friday, July 20 - 24  9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.  
“Plumfield Fun Week!”

“Meg,” “Jo,” “Beth,” and “Amy” will guide you in their favorite activities throughout this week! Our trained staff will lead youngsters aged 8 - 12 in acting, writing, games, music, and activities that the real-life Alcott sisters – Anna, Louisa, Lizzie, and Abba May – and their counterpart characters in Louisa May Alcott’s novel, Little Women, would have enjoyed! Perform a skit, join “The Pickwick Club,” sketch from nature, play games, and have fun with crafts, just as boys and girls did in Old Concord!

Cost: $230 (Members - 10% off)
Space is limited; reservations & pre-payment required.
Phone 978.369.4118 x106 for information and reservations.

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Saturday, July 25  4:45 - 5:45 p.m.
“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
(Orchard House Members - Half-price on individual tickets only).
Space is limited; reservations & pre-payment strongly suggested.
Phone: 978.369.4118 x106 for information and reservations.

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Monday - Friday, July 27 - 31  9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
“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% off).
Space is limited; reservations & pre-payment required.
Phone 978.369.4118 x106 for information and reservations.

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Click here to download a color flyer listing our summer programs
for youths and families .

Monday - Friday, August  3 - 7  9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
“Write Stuff!”
Creative Writing Workshop
Orchard House is pleased to have this popular workshop led by Marjorie Tudor, daughter-in-law of world-renowned artist/author Tasha Tudor!
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!
Cost: $230 (Members - 10% off).
Space is limited; reservations & pre-payment required.
Phone 978.369.4118 x106 for information and reservations.

About Workshop Leader Marjorie Tudor …
Mrs. Tudor graduated from Boston University with a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and a Master’s in Education. She has also been a teacher of high school English and Language Arts in Connecticut public schools. Mrs. Tudor wrote and illustrated her first children’s book, Let’s Be Friends, and is currently at work on a new book. In addition to being Vice President of Tasha Tudor and Family, Mrs. Tudor is highly skilled in doll and marionette making, and enjoys sharing all her talents with young people and adults in small group settings. For more information about the talented Tudor family, please visit www.tashatudorandfamily.com.

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Tuesday, August 11  9:00 - 10:00 a.m.
“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)

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Wednesday, August 12  9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
“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!
Cost: $18 per person (Members - $15).
Reservations & pre-payment required.
Phone 978.369.4118 x106 for information and reservations.

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Thursday, August 20  9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
“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!
Cost: $18 per person (Members - $15).
Reservations & pre-payment required.
Phone 978.369.4118 x106 for information and reservations.

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Friday, August 21  9:00 - 10:00 a.m.
“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)

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Saturday, August 22  4:45 - 5:45 p.m.
“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
(Orchard House Members - Half-price on individual tickets only).
Space is limited; reservations & pre-payment strongly suggested.
Phone: 978.369.4118 x106 for information and reservations.

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October 2009 at Orchard House

Sunday, October 25  12:00 noon (registration begins at 10:30 a.m.)
4th Annual Louisa May Alcott Benefit
5K Walk / 10K Run
UTA PIPPIG, Honorary Chair

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 fourth 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 our Honorary Chair!

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. In endorsing this particular Walk/Run, Pippig is also paying tribute to health-conscious individuals who have come before us, like the Alcotts.

All manner of runners and walkers – from serious marathoners to “strollercisers” and wheelchair travelers – are encouraged to spend a day with Louisa May and support the educational and preservation efforts of her beloved home during this FUNdraiser! Musical entertainment provided; starting volley by The Concord Minute Men. Living History portrayers and 19th C. games and toys available.

Event held rain or shine. Meet at Concord-Carlisle High School (500 Walden Street, Concord) for registration beginning at 10:30 a.m. Walk/Run route traverses Historic Concord, Massachusetts during lovely Fall Foliage time!

Click here to Donate to the Walk/Run or Sponsor a participant.

Click here to download maps of the Walk/Run Routes.

Click here to find out more about Uta Pippig.

For questions or comments about the Walk/Run, please e-mail walkrun@louisamayalcott.org

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