The Tale of Concord’s Barrow Bookstore

June 15, 2024

Welcome, dear readers, to the story of The Barrow Bookstore, a unique shop featuring rare and gently-read books down the lane at 79 Main Street, Concord, Massachusetts. For 54 years, the Barrow has been owned by three generations of women whose passion for history and literature personify Louisa May Alcott’s quote, “She is too fond of books and it has turned her brain.”

The Fall Issue is Here!

Autumn is here, and there is so much to do in Concord! Discover two dozen events you won't want to miss in Things to See & Do. Handy walking maps and a list of where to shop, eat, and stay are here too. Click on the image for details on what's in store in this issue!

Agents of Change: The Concord Female Anti-Slavery Society

When we think of Concord’s history, images of Walden Pond, the Old North Bridge, Transcendentalists, and Little Women might come to mind. We don’t always think about a remarkable, diverse group of women from Concord’s past dedicated to eradicating slavery. We might not even know their fascinating story. The Concord Female Anti-Slavery Society worked diligently across three decades, becoming important players in the abolitionist cause, and helping to more widely promote its messages.

Militia Companies and the April 19th Alarm

April 19, 1775, marked the first battle of the American Revolution. On that day, 700 British soldiers marched from Boston to Concord to seize a stockpile of military arms and supplies. The expedition caused patriot leaders to raise the alarm and muster the militia. The scale of the response is truly staggering and hints at a surprising amount of organization.