Step back in time at Concord Scout House, where history and community converge in a beautifully preserved New England barn. As you approach down the pine-lined driveway, the white clapboard building emerges like a hidden treasure in the heart of historic Concord.
The Concord Scout House stands on land that was farmed dating back to the founding of the town of Concord. The property, 74 Walden Street, was part of land owned by Timothy Wheeler during the American Revolution. Wheeler was known for successfully hiding colonial supplies from the British troops on April 19, 1775. After a succession of farming owners, The Concord Massachusetts Girl Scouts, Inc. acquired the land with the barn from the Stow family in 1930.
The vision of Mary H. Chamberlin, brought to life through William Kussin’s thoughtful architectural design in 1930, transformed an 18th century barn into “a central and attractive meeting place for the young people of Concord.” Step through the grand double doors into the Main Hall, where soaring 30-foot ceilings and exposed wooden beams frame a magnificent space that has hosted generations of scouts and community gatherings. Natural light streams through seven towering windows, dancing across the newly replaced 40’ x 70’ wooden floor that has welcomed countless footsteps - from traditional scout ceremonies to the lively rhythms of weekly contradances.
The hall’s centerpiece is its original stone fireplace, where scouts still gather today just as they did at the building’s dedication in 1931 when 300 Girl Scouts witnessed its first lighting. Along the walls, six-foot-high natural wood wainscoting with historic coat pegs tells silent stories of the thousands of future leaders who have hung their jackets here before embarking on adventures.
For the adventurous, Concord Scout House offers unique outdoor experiences at Scout Island, a 10-acre haven on Warner’s Pond in West Concord. Here, scouts practice camping and water skills using the organization’s fleet of canoes, carrying forward traditions of outdoor leadership that have defined scouting for generations.
The building comes alive throughout the year with over 150 scout meetings and ceremonies, while also hosting community events in its versatile space. The 20-foot-wide stage, complete with classic curtains and side rooms, has showcased countless performances, from scout ceremonies to silent movies to community theater. And the Barn Cooperative Nursery School, established in 1971, extends this legacy of youth development to our youngest community members.
Gold Award and Eagle Scout aspiring scouts conduct community service projects annually to benefit the community. New generations of Girl Scouts learn fire lighting skills at the original fireplace, while Scouts BSA members tackle challenges like the 20-mile Hiking Merit Badge along the historic Minutemen’s Pursuit Trail. The Concord Scout House maintains two National Historic Trails: the Minutemen’s Pursuit Trail and the Thoreau Leave No Trace Trail.
Experience this living piece of Concord’s heritage through public events or venue rental. Visit ConcordScoutHouse.org to plan your visit to this unique historical treasure.
All images courtesy of the Concord Scout House
This article made possible with the support of the Concord Scout House
