In his new documentary film Ralph Waldo Emerson: Give All to Love, Michael Maglaras celebrates the 220th anniversary of Emerson’s birth by “telling the story of the father of American thought and literature and…his importance in contemporary life.”

Referencing Jeffrey S. Cramer’s book, Solid Seasons: The Friendship of Henry David Thoreau and Ralph Waldo Emerson, to explore the question of whether the two friends called one another “Waldo” and “Henry.”

Reprinted from The Public Domain Review, this essay explores the friendship of Transcendentalist illustrator Christopher Cranch and Ralph Waldo Emerson. Cranch’s collection of humorous sketches inspired by phrases from Emerson’s Nature—including his famed “transparent eyeball” drawing—is considered one of his greatest achievements.

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.

After purchasing his Concord home in 1835, Ralph Waldo Emerson set about planting a variety of trees around the property. From stately pines and chestnuts near the house to an orchard with over a hundred fruit trees, Emerson’s efforts brought the nature he so loved even closer to home.

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.

Well-versed in classic poetry and philosophy—a literature rich with heroic, mythic, and sacred figures—Emerson also admired Renaissance art, particularly works by Michelangelo and Raphael inspired by the vast iconography of the ancient world. Among the images of heroes, angels, and gods at the Emerson House are prints of five famous portraits of sibyls by Italian painters. 

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.

As part of the Concord Museum’s 2021 Holiday House Tour, the Emerson barn was decorated to reflect a nineteenth century holiday dining space.

A virtual peek at early-summer blooms in the garden of the Emerson House in Concord, Massachusetts.

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.

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.