First Parish in Concord played a central role in the life of Ellen Tucker Emerson, the elder daughter of Lidian Jackson and Ralph Waldo Emerson. A Sunday school teacher and founding member of the Women’s Parish Association, she left a bequest to the parish to aid single women. In honor of Ellen’s birthday week, the Transcendentalism Council of First Parish in Concord is pleased to host biographer Kate Culkin for an evening presentation on the importance of First Parish in Ellen's life.

Professor Culkin’s talk will explore the significance of Concord’s First Parish to Ellen and the joy and satisfaction it brought her, with details not found in her recent book, Emerson’s Daughters: Ellen Tucker Emerson, Edith Emerson Forbes, and Their Family Legacy (2025). It will also place Ellen’s relationship with First Parish in the context of her deep faith and curiosity about the religious practices of others.

This event will be held in the Sanctuary of First Parish in Concord and livestreamed on Zoom. Following the presentation, a reception will be held in the Parish Hall with books available for sale and signing.

Registration is required for both in-person and virtual attendance, with a suggested donation of $10 per ticket. Find more information and register here.