On July 24, 1872—150 years ago today—a fire started in the attic of the Emerson House and spread quickly. Neighbors rushed over to help, rescuing most of the family’s possessions and managing to save the house, although it was badly damaged. After the fire, friends raised funds to reconstruct the Emersons’ home, which still stands today with the structure intact and most of the original furnishings within.

In the 19th century as it is today, December was a time of celebrations and gatherings. For Ralph Waldo Emerson, it was also a month when he experienced many life changes. 

In the spring of 1857, a group of like-minded men met at Boston’s Parker House Hotel brainstorming ideas for a new magazine. The co-founders of what would become The Atlantic Monthly included Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, James Russell Lowell, Oliver Wendell Holmes, and several others. The magazine—now known as The Atlantic—has been published continuously since its first issue in November 1857.

A biographical profile of Ralph Waldo & Lidian’s second child, Ellen Tucker Emerson. A lifelong companion to her parents in their Concord home, Ellen was very active in the community and accompanied her father on lecture tours later in his life. She was an avid correspondent and her surviving letters offer many insights into Emerson family life

Reflecting on the Emersons’ December gift-giving traditions and the unexpected gift that a 15-year-old Ellen Emerson received from Louisa May Alcott on this day in 1854. The Emersons and Alcotts were neighbors at various times and the families were close.