Preserving the Legacy of an Extraordinary Life
The Ralph Waldo Emerson Memorial Association—RWEMA—maintains the historic home of Ralph Waldo Emerson in Concord, Massachusetts and promotes continuing interest in his life and works.
Whether you’re discovering Emerson for the first time or consider him an old friend, welcome.
-
![Black and white front view of the Ralph Waldo Emerson House.]()
The Emerson House
The Concord, Massachusetts home where Ralph Waldo & Lidian Jackson Emerson raised their family and welcomed visitors from around the world remains a time capsule from the 19th century. Please come in.
-
![Black and white close-up of Ralph Waldo Emerson's handwriting.]()
Emerson's Ideas & Ideals
A renowned essayist, poet, speaker, and philosopher, Ralph Waldo Emerson had a gift for words that continues to resonate. Learn about his prolific body of work and explore his timeless wisdom.
-
![Black and white family portrait of Ralph Waldo & Lidian Emerson with their children and grandchildren on the front steps of the Emerson House.]()
Meaningful People & Places
Emerson was a devoted family man and friend and an engaged Concord citizen. Meet some of the local people and places he loved and global thinkers he inspired as one of the most admired men of his time.
-
![Black and white close-up of the slate roof on the Emerson House.]()
Support Our Mission
The RWEMA relies on donations to help cover maintenance and repair costs of the Emerson House and grounds. We are currently raising funds to replace the existing slate roof, which has crowned the home for more than 150 years.
-
![Black and white vintage drawing of a crowd assembled for a lecture in the Concord School of Philosophy.]()
The Lyceum
Expand your knowledge of all things Emerson with deep dives, detours, and dispatches on a variety of subjects. Our blog publishes informative essays, news of relevant books & films, updates from the Emerson House, and more.
-
![Black and white shot of two large clusters of Concord grapes harvested from the Emerson House arbor.]()
Out & About
From scholarly talks to nature walks, find community happenings relating to Emerson’s life, works, and enduring impact. Most listed events are held in Emerson’s home town of Concord, Massachusetts.
Make your pilgrimage to the historic Emerson House
“But we shall crowd so many books & papers, &, if possible, wise friends, into it that it shall have as much wit as it can carry.”
The Ralph Waldo Emerson House in Concord, Massachusetts is open to the public for tours from late April through October.
Ring the doorbell and one of our knowledgeable and dedicated guides will greet you at the same front door opened to Thoreau, Hawthorne, Whitman and many other esteemed guests.
Like them, you will enter a space still full of Emerson’s personal effects and alive with his welcoming spirit. Like them, may you leave enriched by the experience.