Welcome to" The Home of Little Women"... and so much more
Our Second Century of Education, Inspiration, and Preservation
We are fully open during the governmental shutdown
Visiting Orchard House
- ReservingTimed-Entry Admission online guarantees a visit for the date/time ofyourchoosing; “walk-ins” may also be accommodated
- We are a "mask-friendly" site; face masks are optional for entry
- Our gardens and grounds are free and accessible year-round
- Consult ourFAQs orVisit pages for detailed information
Did you know that at Orchard House you can also . . .
Discover our History before Little Women
Discover our History before Little Women
Discover our History before Little Women
The original structure of Orchard House -- a traditional two-over-two Colonial home -- was constructedcirca 1650, and then witnessed the Redcoat Line of March to the North Bridge on the 19th April 1775! Revel in the resilience of this dear old house, and marvel at the bravery of its inhabitants throughout three centuries.
Celebrate Courage and Tolerance
Discover our History before Little Women
Discover our History before Little Women
Nashobah Praying Indians -- shunned by their own people for being Christian, and by Colonists for being Indians -- were sheltered here in 1675 by original homeowner John Hoare, who was never afraid to fly in the face of convention to protect what he held dear: individual freedom, a common conscience, and compassion
Have Fun Learning about the Past
Discover our History before Little Women
Have Fun Learning about the Past
In honor of two former residents -- Timothy Hoar Sr and Jr, who were members of the Concord Militia and Washington's Continental Army, respectively -- we offer the chance to keep the memory of their commitment to Liberty alive by taking a "Revolutionary Selfie" at our life-like Photo Op Board!
Orchard House - Home of Little Women
Watch a two-minute trailer for ourEmmy Award-winning Documentary to discover why so many visitors have considered Orchard House an abiding, inspirational place for over 110 years.
Intrigued? Stream the entire Documentary with PBS Passport or rent from Amazon. Better yet, purchase it from our in-person orOnline Store to support Orchard House directly! Learn more about our Documentaryhere.
To see Orchard House for yourself,reserve Timed-Entry Admission or stop by any time!
Our burdens are here, our road is before us, and the longing for goodness and happiness is the guide that leads us through . . .
~ Marmee, Chapter I of Little Women ~
About Us
What
Orchard House (c. 1650) is most noted for being where Louisa May Alcott wrote and setLittle Women in 1868. This noble home also has a rich history stretching back two centuries beforehand, as well as more than 100 years of life as a treasured historic site open to the public.
Who
The Alcotts were a famous yet flawed family who firmly believed in the power of unconditional love, personal agency, and social justice. Discover the many ways in which they impacted literature, education, philosophy, art, reforms of all kinds -- and each other.
When
Orchard House is open year-round for guided tours, educational programs, living history, and special events. No matter the season, or whether you are aLittle Women fan, educator, family, student, or scholar, there's always something to enjoy!
Our time is revolutionary.All things are undergoing reform and reconstruction, every citizen being a partner in the concern.
A. Bronson Alcott, Tablets (1868)
Aspiring to Authorship - Sharing Space in Orchard House
An Exceptional Opportunity to spend private time in Louisa May Alcott's Bedchamber
Select dates in February, March, & November
9:00 - 11:00 am
By reservation only
Orchard House After-Hours
Open till 6 pm on November 20 & December 18, 2025
Orchard House is pleased to offer extended hours of operation during which visitors can enjoy award-winning guided tours (@ 3:45, 4:15, 4:45, & 5:15 pm), master a beguiling 19th Century craft, peruse and purchase in our carefully curated Museum Store, embrace the evening ambiance of our historic landscape, and delight in a meet-and-greet with Concord Minute Men re-enactors (special Colonial Christmas Concert also offered on December 18th)!
Tickets for after-hours guided tours are available on a first-come/first-served basis in our Admission Area any time on November 18th or December 20th (no online tickets available). Shopping in our store, strolling our grounds, and engaging with our special visitors from the past are always free to all.
Our Latest Accomplishments!
Louisa May Alcott's Orchard House is honored to have been selected as both aYankee Magazine Editors' Pick and TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice for 2025!
We are proud to be among the top 10% of things to do worldwide, and the #1 thing to do in Concord. Make a visit to find out why!
News & Activities at Orchard House
"An Old-Fashioned Christmas at Orchard House" - December 13 & 14 and 20 & 21, 2025
Colonial Concord Christmas Concert by Concord Minute Men - December 18, 2025 @ 7:00 pm
The sights, sounds, scents, and sensibilities of an Alcottian Christmas celebration come alive within our festively decorated rooms and through interactions with Living History portrayers as Victorian music, games, crafts provide enjoyment for all ages!
Reservations strongly urged for this perennially popular special event that benefits educational programs and historic preservation
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Orchard House will be decorated for the holidays from December 3, 2025 through January 11, 2026
Colonial Concord Christmas Concert by Concord Minute Men - December 18, 2025 @ 7:00 pm
Colonial Concord Christmas Concert by Concord Minute Men - December 18, 2025 @ 7:00 pm
A unique opportunity to enjoy beloved holiday music performed by talented Revolutionary War re-enactors awaits in our acoustically inspiring School of Philosophy! Centuries combine to produce an unforgettable evening of merriment asThe Concord Minute Men Fife & Drum Corps offer delightful medleys of seasonal songs while honoring the fact that Orchard House (c. 1650) was home totwo Concord Minute Men in 1775!
$10 per person; donations welcome
Space is limited; reservations strongly urged
"Aspiring to Authorship" - An Exceptional Opportunity for Sharing Space in Orchard House
Ever wonder what it was like for Louisa May Alcott to unleash the simmering stories in her brain onto paper? Orchard House now offers a unique chance for visitors to encourage the same spirit of creativity and determination Miss Alcott exhibited byspending private time within the evocative atmosphere of her bedchamber.
Not interested in writing? You may instead read, sketch, meditate, or reflect.
(1 person / Up to 2 hours / Must be 18+ years)
Little Women Operatic Event by Boston Conservatory - October 25, 2025 @ 7:00 pm
An enchanting evening was enjoyed by all as highlights from Mark Adamo’s celebrated 1998 opera,Little Women, were performed in the acoustically evocative Concord School of Philosophy by students of Boston Conservatory at Berklee’s Graduate Opera Program! A "Talk-Back" with the cast followed the one-hour performance and capped a lovely evening! Orchard House was proud and delighted to partner with Boston Conservatory, and wish all the musicians great luck in their November performances!
Discover our Emmy Award-Winning Documentary: Orchard House - Home of Little Women
Orchard House has a rich, fascinating, and inspiring 350-year historical and literary significance that has finally been captured on film! Viewed by millions nationwide on public television,it has now been awarded an Emmy and is available for purchase from our Museum Store.
(Special pricing available for online orders only)
"The Legacy & Allure of Orchard House's Landscape" - Discover Concord Magazine Article
Visitors from around the world or across town consider our gardens and grounds to be a perpetual source of hope, joy, and beauty. While Mr. Alcott spent years honoring the historic landscape by carefully tending it, Louisa paid tribute to the family’s love of horticulture inLittle Women by having the March sisters cultivate their own flower beds. Read what all the buzz is about in a delightful article written by Executive Director Jan Turnquist — then try your hand at creating your ownLittle Women Garden!
"Write Stuff!" Youth Creative Writing Summer Camp: August 4 - 8, 2025
Youngsters ages 8 - 12 participated in our uniquely entertaining and educational camp, experimenting with writing poetry, fiction, correspondence, journaling, and stories inspired by nature and art. Campers had the rare chance to spend time writing in Louisa's room, closely observe artifacts in the House, and immerse themselves in the beautiful grounds of The Wayside and Ralph Waldo Emerson's garden. In addition, they discovered ways to move their bodies and enjoy games that encourage playfulness and creativity that made memories to last a lifetime!
Limited to 10 participants; advance registration & pre-payment required
"A Broad Stroke for a Husband" - Saturday, 24 August 2024 @ 5 pm
A marvelous time was had asThe Taming of the Shrew metTwelfth Night during the performance of Hannah Cowley's uproarious -- and refreshingly modern! -- 1783 play byTheater in the Openon our evocative grounds! We also thoroughly enjoyed our first-ever collaboration with Theater in the Open, and look forward to more opportunities to partner with them and revive forgotten classics!
(Click button to find out more about them)
Annual [Virtual] 5K, 10K, & 1 Miler Walk / Run Benefit for Orchard House
Annual [Virtual] 5K, 10K, & 1 Miler Walk / Run Benefit for Orchard House
Donations accepted year-round
Walk, run, stroll, or shimmy during our fun, fitness-focused event that can be done anywhere in the world, in any weather! Participants, their families, friends, and fans were invited to virtually joinUTA PIPPIG— marathon legend, fitness motivator, and event Honorary Chair — to support our public education and historic preservation initiatives.
Nashobah Praying Indian Event - November 12, 2023
Nashobah Praying Indian descendantStrong Bear Medicine and scholar/authorDan Boudillion discussed the Nashobah Praying Indians’ millennia-long presence in our area, their journey of survival, and the current thriving community. They also referred to Dan's recently published book,The History of the Nashobah Praying Indians: Doings, Sufferings, Survival, and Triumph, as a valuable resource for those who wish to know more.
Requests to receive a recording still being accepted
Enhanced Visit Experience featuring May Alcott Artwork through October 15, 2023
In honor of the Concord Free Public Library's Sesquicentennial and Concord Museum's celebratory "Perpetual Invitation . . ." exhibit, Orchard House displayed many rarely-seen artifacts related to May Alcott's life and artistic career in every room along our guided tour. Visitors were enlightened by, impressed with, and astonished at May’s talent, and came away with a greater appreciation for this gifted artist whose life (all too brief . . .),joiede vivre, and legacy continue to uplift and enrich us!
Little Women Film Festival - February 2, 9, 16, & 23, 2023 in The School of Philosophy
Treating ourselves to a February full of Marches, all four major motion pictures of Little Women (1933, 1949, 1994, 2019) were shown chronologically on consecutive Thursdays in collaboration with and celebration ofThe Concord Players, honoring their Spring 2023 Decennial Production ofLittle Women [The Musical]!
Virtual Fundraiser Event: A Conversation with Actor Chris Cooper - October 23, 2021
Academy Award winner Chris Cooper joined Orchard House Executive Director Jan Turnquist for a scintillating Zoom webinar about the making of Greta Gerwig’s 2019Little Womenfilm!
We are extremely grateful to Mr. Cooper for giving generously of his time so that all proceeds from this event can benefit Orchard House’s educational programs and historic preservation!
Orchard House featured in the March/April 2022 issue of Yankee Magazine
In the“Weekend Away” section (pages 68-73, accessible via the link below), Orchard House is one of the sites thatYankee recommends to visit — even if only on the outside — during a Spring weekend trip to Lexington and Concord. You may read the entire issue as well,without a subscription,using the link.
Virtual Book Launch - A Worse Place Than Hell . . . by John Matteson - February 9, 2021
Celebrate the latest publication from the Pulitzer Prize-winning pen of John Matteson —A Worse Place Than Hell: How the Civil War Battle of Fredericksburg Changed a Nation — by watching the Virtual Book Launch hosted by Orchard House Executive Director Jan Turnquist on Tuesday, February 9, 2021!
"Welcome to Our Home" Monthly Living History Tours
"Welcome to Our Home" Monthly Living History Tours
"Welcome to Our Home" Monthly Living History Tours
"Welcome to Our Home" offers an interactive tour with an expert living history guide, allowing for intimate access to fascinating anecdotes about the Alcotts' lives and times. 19th Century games, songs, and a treasure hunt round out this memorable experience suitable for all ages. Offered the fourth Saturday of each month through November, as well as during February and April school vacation.
Please note that these tours are temporarily suspended
Our Documentary Wins an Emmy!
OurOrchard House: Home of Little Women Documentary was honored with theEmmy for Outstanding Historical/Cultural Program/Specialduring the 42nd Boston/New England Emmy Awards at the Marriott Boston Copley Place on 15 June 2019
Connect with Us Virtually!
Facebook Live with Director Jan "Hope, & Keep Busy Broadcasts"
Executive Director Jan Turnquist hosted 62 live broadcasts Sundays at 2:00 pm, which continue to be available to view at any time [without a Facebook account]
140 years of "Hillside Chapel" & The School of Philosophy
Celebrate the unique and evocative structure that has welcomed scholars and students since July 12, 1880!
Little Women Lessons
Little Women Lessons
For educators, parents, or students who want to learn aboutLittle Women and Louisa May Alcott
"Maxims of Teaching"
Little Women Lessons
Bronson Alcott was a revolutionary educator and passionate educational reformer — be inspired by his own words!
Digital Discoveries of Orchard House & Our Collection
All episodes of our Digital Discovery series are available to view any time in our Vimeo Showcase, with more to come as time goes by
Little Women Garden Updates
Follow the beautiful transformation of ourLittle Women Garden — a perennial favorite of visitors for decades
Support Us!
Your contribution enables us to keep the legacy of Orchard House, the Alcotts, andLittle Women alive for generations to come. Please consider giving generously to support our mission of public education and historic preservation. Thank you!
Make a Visit!
Orchard House is a "mask-friendly" site; face masks are optional for entry.
To guarantee admission, we encouragereserving Timed-Entry tickets online, but “walk-ins” may also be accommodated.
As always, our gardens and grounds remain free and accessible to all, whileVirtual Toursprovide an enjoyable way to experience Orchard House from the comfort of your own home.
Louisa May Alcott's Orchard House
399 Lexington Road, Concord, MA 01742 USA
General Phone:978.369.4118
Open year-round: CURRENT HOURS (through October)
Open today | 11:00 am – 05:00 pm |
Open till 6:00 pm on November 20 & December 18, 2025!
November - March Hours of Operation:
Weekdays 11 am - 3:30 pm; Saturdays 10 am - 5 pm; Sundays 1 - 5 pm
CLOSED: Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve & Day, December 31-January 3
Open Extended Hours (10 am - 5 pm): Veterans' Day Observed, day after Thanksgiving, weekdays between Christmas and New Year's, Martin Luther King Jr Day, & February School Vacation weekdays
Interact with Us
For postal mail correspondence, please use the following address:
Louisa May Alcott's Orchard House
PO Box 343 Concord, Massachusetts 01742-0343 USA
General Phone:978.369.4118Jan Turnquist, Executive Director
What Our Visitors have to say . . .
© 2025 Louisa May Alcott's Orchard House - All Rights Reserved
Louisa May Alcott's Orchard House is a registered501(c)(3) non-profit organization;EIN #04-2126592