1 25th Annual Family Trees: A Celebration of Children’s Literature takes place November 25, 2020 through January 3, 2021. Trees and wreaths of all shapes and sizes are decorated with charm and inspiration from acclaimed classic and contemporary children’s books. One of Concord’s best-loved family events. concordmuseum.org/events/25th- annual-family-trees-a-celebration- of-childrens-literature
2 Concord Stories from Concord Free Public Library Special Collections is a new virtual series that features stories about Concord’s people and places from a variety of guests, including Concord residents, scholars, researchers, and curators. There are currently three presentations available online. Alexander von Humboldt and the United States is presented by Dr. Eleanor Harvey, Senior Curator at the Smithsonian American Art Museum. This fascinating talk explores the relationships between the Concord Transcendentalists and Humboldt. A Hopeful Heart: Louisa May Alcott Before Little Women is presented by Deborah Noyes, author of a book by the same name. Local historian, author, and tour guide Victor Curran brings to life two extraordinary women in Emerson’s Muses: Mary Moody Emerson and Sarah Bradford Ripley. Listen to them all – you won’t be disappointed! concordlibrary.org
3 Get outside and explore Concord’s living history! Even in winter, Concord Tour Company offers eight fascinating walking tours, ranging from classic history to fun and insightful experiences like “the Real Little Women” or “No Remedy for Love: Romance, Flirtation, and Scandal in 19th Century Concord.” There’s even a tour about beer and taverns! At just $25 per person, it’s a great way to get outside while learning something new. concordtourcompany.com
©Concord Museum4 This year you can enjoy the lights and decorations of the season from the warmth of your own home. The Conord Museum’s 10th Annual Holiday House Tour is going virtual and the Guild of Volunteers invites you to join them for exclusive video tours of six Concord homes decorated for the holidays with boundless charm, creativity, and the joys of the season. There will even be bonus content including holiday decorating how-to’s, design inspiration, and more. December 11-13. concordmuseum.org
5 Many of us are working on home renovation projects this winter. If you’re doing this in anticipation of selling your home, you may want to listen in on the virtual seminar “Selling Your Home in a Pandemic” December 15th or January 13th. Find out more at rebrand.ly/SellingWebinar
6 Winter Market Goes to Town The Umbrella is taking its annual Winter Market to town this year, pairing Umbrella artists with area businesses. You’ll find handcrafted artisanal gifts creatively displayed by area merchants throughout Concord Center, Thoreau Depot, Nine Acre Corner, and West Concord. This is the perfect opportunity to shop both the fabulous array of items carefully selected by our local shop keepers and the unique work of our area artists. theumbrellaarts.org/studio-arts/winter-market-goes-town
John Fitzsimmons
7 In winters past, locals have cozied up to the bar at the crowded Village Forge Pub at Concord’s Colonial Inn on Thursday evenings for live music and tall tales from their beloved “Fitz” (John Fitzsimmons). In a beautiful example of pivoting in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, John has made sure that you can still enjoy his heartwarming folk music on dark and snowy winter nights from the comfort of your own home. Pour yourself a glass of wine or make your favorite cocktail and tune into a Facebook Live Stream every Thursday at facebook.com/johnfitzfolksinger. You can even request your favorite song in the comments!
8 Concord Museum’s April 19, 1775 Galleries are now open. These three new permanent galleries chronicle the events of April 19, 1775 and their revolutionary effect on American history. The oft-told story of the battle at Concord’s North Bridge comes to life in dramatic new and more inclusive ways to recount the fateful moment when the first shots were fired and the American Revolution began. concordmuseum.org/april-19-1775-exhibit
9 Concord Players present a dramatic reading of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol December 18-24 on YouTube. Grab a cup of hot chocolate and curl up by the computer for this special event! While you’re there, you might also enjoy listening to their recorded presentation Spellbound: A Conversation with Gregory Maguire, also available on YouTube. Concord Players is developing an exciting lineup of virtual events to keep us entertained this winter, so check their website for the latest news. concordplayers.org
10 Concord Art will host a juried exhibition of paintings and sculptures January 14 – February 14, 2021. Don’t miss your chance to see original work by some of our area’s finest artists. concordart.org
11 Minute Man National Historical Park and The Umbrella Arts Center invite you to explore the beauty, history, and unique nature of the park through public art. Witnessing Winter is the first challenge in the One Revolution campaign. Visitors, both virtual and in person, are asked to interpret the beauty and the battles of the cold and quiet season at Minute Man by drawing, painting, or coloring one of the park’s eleven 1775 witness houses covered in clean, white snow. Learn more at theumbrellaarts.org/one-revolution
12 Shop and dine locally this holiday and feel great finding the perfect gift for everyone on your list, while supporting your friends and neighbors. Our local shops and restaurants thank you!