The Old Manse

Activity Overview

Sitting near the banks of the Concord River; The Old Manse is a house built in 1770 which has seen a great deal. The very first shots of the Revolutionary War were fired not far from here and on April 19th 1775 the battle of North Bridge took place; the Bridge can be seen from the house itself.

The Old Manse also has great literary importance. After different times it was the home of both Ralph Waldo Emerson and Nathaniel Hawthorne. Transcendentalists such as Bronson Alcott, Henry David Thoreau and Margaret Fuller were all familiar faces here during its history.

Things to Do

• The Old Manse runs various tours, events and programs throughout the year. On Patriot's Day weekend there are re-enactments on the grounds and special tours of the house and the surrounding landscape.
• On Mother's Day a music concert is held while in early June they hold Riverfest, a festival of music, poetry and art. They also have a celebration of the Summer Solstice and a Columbus Day Weekend Festival.
• Stroll across the Old North Bridge, which is adjacent to the property, and enjoy views of the Concord River and the Paul Revere Statue commemorating the skirmish between the British and the start of the American Revolution.
• Grab a bite to eat in Concord Center at the Historic Colonial Inn or a number of small sandwich shops.

The Old Manse Insider Tips

• A handsome watercolor map of the house and grounds is available for download before you visit.
• Bear in mind that photography is not permitted inside the home. Also you can not cycle bikes on the property or launch a canoe or kayak into the river.
• It is free to walk around the grounds though there is a fee for any tours of the House.
• If you would like to study the history of the House and grounds further you can find archival material relating to it at the Archives & Research Center of Sharon, Massachusetts.
• Free parking is available across the street