The Lyceum
A gathering place for engaging Emersonian content to educate & entertain.
A Momentous Day: April 19, 1775
Remembering the historic Battles of Lexington and Concord that marked the beginning of the American Revolutionary War, and sharing Emerson’s “Concord Hymn,” written for the 1837 dedication of a monument commemorating the battle at Concord’s North Bridge.
Winter Reflections
Excerpts on the wonders of winter from Emerson’s poems, essays, and other writings, accompanied by recent photos of the snowy landscapes around his Concord home.
On the Grapevine
Exploring the history of the ‘Concord grape,” developed by Concord resident—and Emerson neighbor—Ephraim Wales Bull in the 1840s. Henry David Thoreau first planted a scion of the original stock in the Emersons’ garden in the 1850s and a ‘Concord’ grapevine has grown there ever since.
Emerson’s Impact on Concord
Ralph Waldo Emerson had a lifelong association with the town of Concord, descending from one of its founders and periodically living with relatives there before making it his permanent home in 1835. Emerson was actively engaged in the town’s intellectual and civic life and both he and Lidian were involved in social reform movements. Nicknamed the “Sage of Concord,” one of Emerson’s greatest impacts on the town was drawing many of the leading writers, educators and reformers of the 19th century to his Concord home.
The Spring 2022 Opening of the Ralph Waldo Emerson House
Welcoming visitors back to the Emerson House for the 2022 season with a look back at the museum’s 92-year history and some memorable Emersonian events over the years.
Holiday Dinner in the Emerson Barn
As part of the Concord Museum’s 2021 Holiday House Tour, the Emerson barn was decorated to reflect a nineteenth century holiday dining space.
Mr. Emerson Speaks
Starting in 1833, Ralph Waldo Emerson earned his living by lecturing across the country, and eventually in Europe as well. Leveraging a rising enthusiasm for the lyceum movement, he spoke to audiences on a broad range of topics and maintained a rigorous schedule of speaking engagements.
Ellen Tucker Emerson
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.
Edward Waldo Emerson
A biographical profile of Ralph Waldo & Lidian’s youngest child, Edward Waldo Emerson. Trained as a doctor, Edward practiced medicine until his father’s death, after which he left the profession and spent his time writing, painting, and editing his father’s manuscripts.
Emerson Barn Virtual Tour
A virtual tour of the historic barn behind the Emersons’ Concord home with architectural historian, Anne Forbes; Concord Museum Curator, David Wood; and Bay Emerson Bancroft of the Ralph Waldo Emerson Memorial Association. Created in partnership with the Concord Museum.
Lidian Jackson Emerson
A biographical profile of Lydia “Lidian” Jackson, Ralph Waldo Emerson’s second wife, whom he married on September 14, 1835. The newlyweds moved to their Concord home the following day, where they would remain together for the next 47 years.
The Emerson Barn
The history of the barn behind the Emerson House in Concord, built circa 1828 and used for a variety of purposes by the Emerson family. The Ralph Waldo Emerson Memorial Association—RWEMA— completed an extensive restoration of this historic structure in August 2020.