The Old Manse Concord MA
Historic Georgian house where literary giants Emerson & Hawthorne lived, overlooking the site of the 'shot heard round the world'.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more intimate tours
The Old Manse Concord MA
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more intimate tours
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic Georgian house where literary giants Emerson & Hawthorne lived, overlooking the site of the 'shot heard round the world'.
"A fascinating house with an interesting history and knowledgeable docents."
Book Guided Tours Online
Tours fill up fast! Book your spot in advance via their website to guarantee entry. :ticket:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing some walking around the grounds and inside the historic house. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Literary Connections
Interior rooms
Explore rooms where literary giants like Emerson and Hawthorne lived and wrote. Discover their personal stories and creative inspirations.
Revolutionary War History
Exterior and grounds
Stand where the 'shot heard round the world' took place. The house overlooks the historic North Bridge battlefield.
Window Etchings
Upper floor windows
See unique messages and drawings etched into the glass by past residents, offering a glimpse into their lives.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tour in Advance
Understand the Historical Context
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Guided Tours Online
Tours fill up fast! Book your spot in advance via their website to guarantee entry. :ticket:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing some walking around the grounds and inside the historic house. :athletic_shoe:
Ask Your Docent Questions
The guides are incredibly knowledgeable and love sharing stories about the house and its famous residents. :speech_balloon:
Explore the Grounds
The setting by the Concord River is picturesque. Don't miss the views of the North Bridge. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Guided Tours Online
Tours fill up fast! Book your spot in advance via their website to guarantee entry. :ticket:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing some walking around the grounds and inside the historic house. :athletic_shoe:
Ask Your Docent Questions
The guides are incredibly knowledgeable and love sharing stories about the house and its famous residents. :speech_balloon:
Explore the Grounds
The setting by the Concord River is picturesque. Don't miss the views of the North Bridge. :camerawithflash:
Check for Special Events
They host unique events like Candlelight Christmas tours. :sparkles:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise The Old Manse for its rich history, particularly its connections to literary figures like Emerson and Hawthorne, and its significant role in the Revolutionary War. The knowledgeable guides are frequently highlighted for their engaging storytelling. Some visitors wish for more in-depth coverage of the battle itself, and the authentic, historical decorations might be perceived as understated by some.
"The Old Manse offers a great tour with plenty of fascinating history, especially about the authors and public figures connected to the house, which I really enjoyed. However, I do wish they had gone more in-depth about the battle, as it felt like that part was only briefly mentioned. That said, it’s still one of the better tours in the area by far, with a lot of interesting insights you won’t get elsewhere. Definitely worth a visit if you’re in the area!"
Erik
"It's a charming building from the Revolutionary War period. There are guided tours, which I didn't take but have heard it's a great tour. There is a small gift shop with books about the area and the role it played in history. Definitely at least stop by the bookstore and look at the area around it. The people who work there are very friendly, helpful and full of information."
Lisa Stephenson
"A fascinating house with an interesting history. The docents who lead our tour was very knowledgeable. He told the stories of the people who lived there and the times in which they lived in an interesting way. Don't miss the notes cut into some of the windows. Glass cut with diamond."
Alfred Thompson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Old Manse is located at 106 Monument St, Concord, MA. It's easily accessible by car, with parking available on-site. Public transportation options are limited, but you can take an MBTA commuter rail train to Concord Center and then it's about a 15-20 minute walk to the Manse. :train: :walking:
Yes, there is a parking lot available for visitors at The Old Manse. It's convenient for those driving to the site. :car:
Yes, it's a pleasant walk from Concord Center to The Old Manse, approximately 15-20 minutes. It's a good way to see more of the historic town. :walking:
The historic nature of the house means accessibility can be challenging. Tours are primarily guided and involve stairs. It's best to contact The Old Manse directly to discuss specific needs and accommodations. :wheelchair:
Many attractions in Concord are within walking distance of each other, including The Old Manse, Minute Man National Historical Park, and Orchard House. :walking: For longer distances, consider a local taxi or ride-sharing service. :taxi:
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, guided tours of The Old Manse require tickets. It's highly recommended to purchase them in advance online, as tours can sell out. :ticket:
Operating hours vary seasonally. It's essential to check The Old Manse's official website for the most current tour schedules and opening times. :clock:
Ticket prices for guided tours vary. Check the official website for current admission fees. They may offer discounts for members or specific groups. :moneywithwings:
Access to the interior of The Old Manse is primarily through guided tours. The grounds and exterior can be viewed without a tour, and there's a small gift shop. :gift_card:
The Old Manse may offer discounts for Trustees members, children, or seniors. It's always a good idea to check their website or inquire when booking. :discount:
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Guided tours at The Old Manse usually last about 45-60 minutes, providing a comprehensive overview of the house's history and its famous residents. :timer:
The Old Manse is famously associated with Ralph Waldo Emerson and Nathaniel Hawthorne, both of whom lived and wrote there. It also has connections to the Revolutionary War. :writinghand: :crossedswords:
Photography policies can vary. Generally, non-flash photography is permitted inside the house, but it's always best to confirm with your tour guide or check signage. :camerawithflash:
The grounds offer beautiful views of the Concord River and the historic North Bridge battlefield. You can also explore the gardens and enjoy the scenic setting. :river: :park:
Yes, there is a small gift shop where you can purchase books related to the history of Concord, its authors, and The Old Manse itself. :books:
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Old Manse itself does not have a restaurant or cafe. However, Concord Center, a short walk away, offers a variety of dining options from casual cafes to sit-down restaurants. :coffee: :forkandknife:
Picnicking on the grounds might be permitted in designated areas, but it's best to check with the site staff. For full meals, Concord Center is your best bet. :sandwich:
Concord Center offers a range of cuisines, including American comfort food, cafes with pastries and sandwiches, and some international options. :pizza: :salad:
Many of the restaurants in Concord Center are family-friendly. Look for places offering classic American fare or pizza, which are usually hits with children. :hamburger:
Yes, there are several cafes and bakeries in Concord Center that serve coffee, tea, pastries, and light snacks. :croissant:
📸 📸 Photography
The exterior of the house with its historic architecture, the views of the Concord River and North Bridge, and the surrounding gardens offer excellent photo opportunities. :camerawithflash:
Non-flash photography is generally permitted inside The Old Manse. Always confirm with your guide, as policies can change. :iphone:
The 'golden hours' – early morning or late afternoon – often provide the most beautiful light for exterior shots of the house and grounds. :sunrise: :sunset:
The main restriction is usually on flash photography inside the house to protect the artifacts and interiors. Drone photography is typically not allowed. :noentrysign:
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm equivalent) is great for both interior and exterior shots. A wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the architecture and landscapes. :camera:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the tours are informative, keep in mind that younger children might have shorter attention spans. Consider pairing your visit with a walk along the Concord River or a stop at the nearby Minute Man National Historical Park for more active exploration. The grounds offer space to run around after the tour. :running_child:
📚 Book Lovers & History Buffs
The guided tours provide in-depth narratives about their lives and works, making it a truly enriching experience. Beyond the literary giants, the house's role in the Revolutionary War adds another compelling layer. Understanding its connection to the 'shot heard round the world' and its strategic location at North Bridge offers a tangible link to the nation's founding. Don't miss the chance to explore the small gift shop for related reading material. :books: :scroll:
📸 Photographers & Aesthetics Seekers
While interior photography is generally allowed without flash, the real magic for photographers might be in capturing the exterior details, the surrounding landscape, and the unique window etchings.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Literary Legacy of The Old Manse
Later, Nathaniel Hawthorne and his wife Sophia resided at The Old Manse from 1842 to 1845. It was during this period that Hawthorne wrote 'The Celestial Railroad' and 'The Birth-Mark,' and began working on 'The House of the Seven Gables.' The house provided him with a quiet, inspiring environment, though he also documented some of the more peculiar aspects of its history, including the unique window etchings.
Visitors can still feel the presence of these literary giants. Guided tours often highlight the rooms where they worked and lived, sharing anecdotes and insights into their creative processes. The house itself seems to hold echoes of their profound thoughts and imaginative stories, making it a pilgrimage site for literature enthusiasts. The Old Manse Concord MA is truly a place where history and literature intertwine.
Revolutionary Roots and the 'Shot Heard Round the World'
During the tour, guides often recount the dramatic events of that day, explaining the movements of the Minutemen and the British regulars. Visitors can see the Minuteman Statue from the windows of the Manse, a constant reminder of the bravery and sacrifice that occurred here. The house itself, built in 1770, stands as a silent witness to the birth of a nation.
While the literary history is prominent, understanding the Manse's role in the Revolution adds another layer of depth to the visit. It's a place where profound philosophical ideas were conceived and where the fight for independence began, making the manse Concord MA a site of dual historical importance.
Unique Architectural and Personal Touches
One of the most fascinating features are the window etchings. For generations, residents used diamond-tipped tools to scratch messages, drawings, and names into the glass panes. These etchings offer a unique, unfiltered glimpse into the daily lives, thoughts, and even the boredom of those who lived here, from children's doodles to more profound inscriptions.
During special events like Candlelight Christmas, the house is decorated authentically, offering a different perspective on how past residents celebrated holidays. These details, from the architectural style to the personal markings on the windows, make the old manse concord massachusetts a deeply human and historically rich destination, far beyond just a famous house.
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