Ellen & Edith: A Look Back

Last summer, in celebration of the publication of the book Emerson’s Daughters(University of Massachusetts Press, July 2025), the Emerson House hosted a special exhibition of items from our Ellen Tucker Emerson and Edith Emerson Forbes collections, many of which were displayed to the public for the first time. Due to popular demand, the exhibition was extended through the end of our 2025 visitor season. For those who missed it—or those who’d like to revisit the experience—we’re pleased to share highlights below, including a photo gallery. Please note that image captions may not be visible in mobile view.

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Kate Culkin’s dual biography of sisters Ellen and Edith Emerson, Emerson’s Daughters, leads readers through the devoted sisters’ lives—both born and raised at Emerson House—as they grew, matured, and made their own choices.

Culkin did years of extensive research, providing insights into Ellen’s and Edith’s distinct personalities, life events, challenges, gifts, and directions. She shared her vast knowledge of the sisters and their lives at Emerson House in several sold-out tours of the exhibition.

Among the items on display were selections of Edith & Ellen’s clothing, books inscribed by Emerson & Lidian to their daughters, toys belonging to the girls, Ellen’s traveling trunk, and a first edition of Flower Fables, written by Louisa May Alcott and dedicated to Ellen Emerson.

— B. Ewen, Emerson House guide emeritus

Edith's gray dress ensemble

One of several fashionable outfits displayed in her bedroom during the special exhibition. Photo by B. Ewen.

Clothing displayed in Edith's bedroom

A drawing of her mother, Lidian, hangs on the wall. Photo by K.L. Martin.

A purple velvet top of Edith's

Matching an ensemble from Paris. Photo by K.L. Martin.

A Parisian ensemble on Edith's bed

This purple velvet and lace set was made for her in France. Photo by K.L. Martin.

Edith's lace chemisette

Another piece for her purple velvet ensemble. Photo by K.L. Martin.

Edith's maternity ensemble

Edith married William H. Forbes in 1865, in her parents’ parlor, and went on to bear eight children. Photo by K.L. Martin.

Edith's hat and a book she published

In addition to helping her father edit Parnassus, Edith compiled several anthologies for children. Photo by K.L. Martin.

Book inscribed to Edith from her mother, Lidian

Given to her in 1853 on the occasion of her twelfth birthday. Photo by K.L. Martin.

Children's tea set

These cups and saucers were among the girls’ playthings. Photo by K.L. Martin.

Edith & Ellen's paper dolls

The sisters likely crafted these themselves. Photo by K.L. Martin.

Clothing displayed in Ellen's bedroom

A lace blouse and checkered apron from Ellen’s wardrobe were displayed next to her open traveling trunk—its interior is usually not on view to visitors.. Photo by K.L. Martin.

Ellen’s traveling trunk

Ellen often accompanied her father on trips and lecture tours in his later years. She shared a name—and the initials ETE—with Emerson’s first wife, Ellen Tucker, who died of tuberculosis. Photo by B. Ewen.

Ellen's traveling outfit

This dress and hat remain on view in Ellen’s room. Photo by K.L. Martin.

Author Kate Culkin in Ellen’s bedroom

Seeing Ellen’s original traveling ensemble helped inspire Culkin to write her biography of the sisters. Photo by R. Davis.

Young Ellen's artwork

Two pencil sketches by Ellen, including one of her younger sister, Edith. Photo by K.L. Martin.

A first edition of "Flower Fables"

Louisa May Alcott’s first published book was dedicated to Ellen Emerson because Alcott had originally created the stories for her. Photo by B. Ewen.

Pages from Ellen's notebook

Like her father, Ellen kept journals and was a prolific correspondent. Photo by K.L. Martin.

Gloriosa the Donkey

A photo of Ellen astride her donkey, Gloriosa, on display next to Gloriosa’s bridle. Gloriosa was sent to Ellen from the Azores as a gift after she’d spent time there in 1868. Photo by B. Ewen.