The Old Manse is an extraordinary landmark of American history, standing witness to the Battle Road conflict at the North Bridge and serving as a gathering place for some of our nation's greatest literary minds. Walking through its rooms feels like stepping directly into the Revolution and the transcendental era at the same time. The docent was exceptional -- knowledgeable, engaging, and gifted at bringing the stories of the Manse's remarkable residents and visitors to life. This is a place where history isn't just told; it's experienced. If you're anywhere near Concord, don't miss this institution. read more

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A truly fascinating home filled with rich literary, political, and revolutionary histories of those who lived in and visited the home. The grounds are free to roam and one can walk through the field leading down to the North Bridge where the shot heard round the world was heard. Tours are offered on the hour Thursdays thru Sundays, and we opted for the 1 hour tour, $15. We felt transported to the past, hearing the history of those who lived there throughout the years. Emerson wrote Nature here in the upstairs room and Hawthorne choose to write in the same space. The tour is informative and interesting and the house is well preserved. Specialty tours can be arranged and there is also a tour of the attic on certain days. There is a small gift shop with books and other items. A great experience. read more

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Do not skip out on visiting the Old Manse! You absolutely need to visit this place! The Old Manse is immersed in history and literature, and I bought a tour ticket on the recommendation of a local tour guide. I'm very grateful I followed her recommendation! You can see the old North Bridge from the same room where Emerson and Hawthorne wrote some of their works. The guide let me play a little Chopin on the parlor piano. All the staff were very kind and knowledgeable. Highly recommend! read more

Old Manse - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Concord, Massachusetts

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What an incredible tour we had at the Old Manse this past week--it will go down as one of the all time tours I've been on. Richard was amazingly knowledgeable about every single thing in the house, whether part of the regular tour or in response to our questions. We got to go on the special Christmas tour, which felt like we were getting away with something because we learned so much about 1) the American Revolution, 2) the literary history of the house, AND c) the evolution of Christmas as a concept as colonial America moved into the modern day. While the house has countless fascinating stories to tell, our group agreed that the best thing about this tour was that the inner lives and humanity of the residents were spotlighted, making the moments where we were able to connect to those people resonate across centuries. We learned not only about the very famous men who lived there but about everyone, especially the women and enslaved people who so often are over shadowed on house tours like this. We are already excited to come back next year to try one of the other tours. read more

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Fantastic history given by the Trustees of the Reservation. Learned a lot about the Emerson and Ripley's who owned the place and the history of the foundation of our country. Daniel and Waldo Emerson lived there. Also there's a home overlooking the Battle of 1775. Their series of events here and I love the fact that the grounds are beautiful. read more

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We stopped in for the house tour before which was fabulous. Yesterday while looking at a newsletter I receive I found they were doing "Spirit if the Manse attic tours". Heck yeah! The family & I drove up to lovely Concord and had the tour and walked down to the Old North Bridge at dusk which was beautiful and still. The tour guide we had, can't remember her name, did quite well on giving history of the house, the attic rooms and spirit beliefs of that time period. A little bummed no spirits were sensed or orbs in my pictures but alas, it was a good night. A beautifully lite candle pathway to a fire and s'mores making while listening to a story by Nathaniel Hawthorne, he formerly lived at The Manse read more

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I was excited to visit a home with such a rich history. This home built by a Rev. William Emerson, is right next to the North Bridge, which saw the Battle of Concord, the first major battle on the revolutionary war. His grandson was the great transcendentalist writer, Ralph Waldo Emerson. Nathaniel Hawthorne, another great American writer later rented and lived in this home. Henry David Thoreau also stayed here in the past and was the one who planted the vegetable garden here. Just amazing to walk these halls and feel this history in here. If your in Concord, you should check this place out. read more

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My first look at a historical crapper! (see pic) While it's a bit too quaint and serene for my city-boy tastes, it definately is a must-see for history buffs, especially fans of the great Nathanial Hawthorne, or, as was in my case, a great spot for group picnics and get-togethers. The house itself is a great walk down history lane, complete with a historical crapper (I know... I can't get over how small toilets were back then), a drop spindle, ancient Steinway piano, stuffed owl whose eyes follow you everywhere (even to the historical crapper), teeny tiny "adult" beds (it's a wonder how they procreated), and, for the true romantics, numerous windows throughout the house where you can still see romantic messages/letters carved by diamond ring from Hawthorne to his bride. The grounds are huge, green, filled with mosquitoes, and come complete with some historical bridge that repelled either the British troops, rebels, or Nazis (I forget, wasn't really paying attention at this point of the tour as I was still stuck on the crapper thing). Make sure you take the tour with Tom, who, being British, will give his own view of what really happened during the war (damn redcoats!). read more

Old Manse - Historical crapper you'll find on the top floor - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Concord, Massachusetts

Pretty cool place with nice views. If you go inside the staff are all very nice. You also can just walk around and enjoy the views there is benches to sit on and nooks to overlook the views. read more

This guided tour of the home is a must if you are in the area of Concord and Lexington. We had an excellent tour guide who really knew his history. The guided tour lasted 45 minutes. The etchings in the window by the family members were priceless. The home was beautiful and sat right next to the North Bridge, another historic sight not to miss. The admission for a guided tour was $12 for an adult and it was well worth it. There was a nice little gift shop at the end of the tour. Their was ample parking for this home on the property and a bigger lot across the street. It's about a 15 minute walk from downtown Concord. read more

Great tour of such an important time in America. Thank you to the Trustees who are the stewards of this piece of Concord history. Our tour guide Tim was well versed in the timeline of the house's residents. We were enlightened with what we learned on our tour. You all do such important work..,,... thank you for carrying history forward for us all!!!! read more

WOOT! Okay... Tom was awesome (the caretaker/manager) with his interactions with our group and also his knowledge of the area. I did not take the tour of the house. We were a big group of people and I live somewhat nearby and have decided I'd rather take the tour when it's less people. The grounds, however, are spectacular and there's much to see. It's also near the center of town so there's a lot to explore there as well. I especially like the guy on the bridge playing bagpipes that's apparently there on a regular basis. If you need to get away from it all... this is a great place to visit. Also, in general, the Trustees are a wonderful organization to support. They maintain properties all over the state. I am a member and will continue to be, whether or not I get the kind of use out of my membership I'd like to. read more

very attentive staff. good for families and seems to be dog-friendly as well. nice short walk. read more

Old Manse - in the distance - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Concord, Massachusetts

What's not to love about the Old Manse? Whether you're in Concord for the Revolutionary history (the house is next to the Old North Bridge) or literary history (not just Emerson but also Hawthorne lived here), this is a must-visit. The staff is knowledgeable and, more importantly, enthusiastic about the home and its stories. The house itself is a bit dreary, almost depressing, but the etchings in the glass made by Mr. and Mrs. Hawthorne are incredibly romantic and make up for it. Spend some time in the gift shop too - they have a great selection. And, again, this place is defined by its outstanding staff. NOTE: Just beware that MOST of the photos on this entry are for the Old North Bridge and MInute Man National Park which, though right next door, is decidedly NOT the Old Manse. read more

Old Manse - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Concord, Massachusetts

We took the tour of the house with a family of 5. Two 10 year olds and 3 adults. This was by far the most interesting tour we've taken! We have traveled all through Boston and taken all the typical tours. David was our tour guide and was very very entertaining and informative, he provided us with numerous tidbits of fascinating trivia of the house and the residents. My kids and my husband and I were all enthralled by the presentation and the house. There are many original antiques and artifacts throughout the house. If you're in the area I would highly recommend bringing the family. The cost is$9 adults, $6 for children and $8 for students. Military get in free! Great tour! Great guide! Must see. read more

Old Manse - Front of old Manse! - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Concord, Massachusetts

Wow, I loved this tour. We had been to the grounds after walking up from the Old Bridge, but this was our first time inside. Our tour guide, Richard, was incredibly knowledgeable and fun. This house is packed with history, and if you're a fan of history or literature, you'll be intrigued. Standing in the room where Emerson and Hawthorne wrote was surreal. I loved every minute. read more

So Emerson used to live here. You may have heard of him? Ralph Waldo, that's the one. And a certain Nathaniel Hawthorne. Something about a scarlet note, or something. It was first owned by Emerson's grandfather during the revolution. Which means it's pretty darn ancient. Seeing the length of the beds and height of the door frames it's so old the people were even smaller. Okay, all jokes aside now. The building and its grounds did indeed survive many historically significant happenings - muskets firing, red coats charging - right in its backyard. The original structure is still standing, ornamented with furnishings from the 18th and 19th century. Antique and piano buffs will swoon over the 1864 Steinway piano, that even now resonates a-beauty. A tour (preferably with the knowledgable and humored guide, British Tom) reveals the writing room shared by Emerson and Hawthorne. And the window panes where Hawthorne and his wife engraved love notes to each other with their diamond rings. With a look at the picturesque grounds, the epitome of bucolic New England, it's no wonder they felt enlivened and amorous. Great for a slice of history and picnic date in serenity. read more

I don't know if it's just me, but I really disliked the tour here. The guide (forget his name... an older gentleman) was really all the over the place. Gave details about various people at various times so I couldn't remember who was who, who did what, or any sense of a timeline. For $10, I wouldn't recommend =\. The gift shop is also just mostly books. Meh. read more

Manse is a minister's home and Old is really old. Our tour guide was an very enthusiastic Tom B. who was gave apt and concise historical references that abound in the house. He also pointed out the many idiosyncratic features of 18th century living. It's similar to visiting Sturbridge Village or Williamsburg, but all in a 2000 sq foot house, and without the busyness of lots of dressed up actors who, despite best intentions, lend an air of inauthenticity. I personally liked seeing the Canton china dishes and vessels, I have a few minor pieces of the same kind. It occurred to me that they were only 60-80 years old at the time the Hawthorne's acquired them. Possibly the most esoteric things there, when you think about it. Well, save for the English "crapper". Tom tells us that there was indeed, an English gentleman by the name of Thomas Crapper who had much to do with early flush toilets. The grounds are pristinely managed by The Trustees of Reservations, a private organization that New England is blessed to have. A must-see stop along the many sights that is beautiful Concord! read more

I'm going to review the spot as a place to hold a function. Mostly because I skipped the House Tour, as I have done it before, and quite frankly, I wanted to be outside, and enjoying that... So, we had a tent, a large amount of space, and electricity. All Grand. It was in a fantastic location, right on the River, and the scenery was gorgeous. Tom, the Director, was a funny bloke with a great Liverpool (I think) accent. He seemed to really enjoy our being there. Also, great. There was some confusion about bathrooms, and facilities to begin with. But, that was minor. The only thing I'd caution anyone about, is that you'd better bring bug spray. My legs, neck and wrists are covered with welts. And, I sprayed! read more

As a Concord born-southern transplant I was excited to visit the North Bridge and Old Manse again. It had been over 20 years since I walked the bridge and the grounds of this historic setting. There is something special about this town of Concord and would recommend a visit for anyone interested in the history of America. read more

Old Manse - A view from the dock of the Old Manse Boathouse - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Concord, Massachusetts

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Overall, I had a good time/education experience at the Old Manse. The tour guide was knowledgeable, most of the furniture dates back to the original, and the grounds were also quite beautiful. This is a really fun date idea when you want to get out of the city and especially if you enjoy history, particularly New England writers such as Emerson and Hawthorne. I'd give this place 5 stars but the people selling tickets in the front room had forgotten to take their ADD meds and could not figure out how to run a credit card machine. read more

The cost of the tour is a couple bucks more than I expected but when you get inside you see that the house does need some improvements so the price is definitely justified. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and also obviously interested in the house and its history. Keep an eye out for the secret messages Hawthorne and his wife left to each other. I went here on a hot summer day but I bet this place feels pretty spooky at night with its low ceilings and creaking floors. read more

If these walls could talk...when we visited the Old Manse last weekend, thats what I kept thinking. If you're into name dropping- Ralph Waldo Emerson drafted "Nature" here; Nathaniel Hawthorne and his bride rented it for 3 years; and Thoreau, Margaret Fuller and Bronson Alcott talked transcendentalism here. Beyond that though, the tour was quite good, our guide was enthusiastic and there's an impressive amount of original furnishings. It gave me chills to see the etchings in the window panes written by Hawthorne and his wife Sophia to each other. The house is only a short walk from Concord Bridge and grounds are lovely. We went on a cloudy November day, but I"d go any time of year! read more

Old Manse - The Old Manse - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Concord, Massachusetts

The grounds that the Old Manse sits on are beautiful. There is a boat house and a lake, with a view that you could find on a post card. I opted out of the tour with Tom, and now wish I hadn't! I wasn't in a touristy mood that day... but that just means that I have a valid reason to go back another day. The area next to the Old Manse with the tent is perfect for an afternoon picnic, party, etc.... and I heard through the grape vine that it was very reasonably priced. The only down side to this place were the mosquitos! They were like locusts devouring our tasty bodies... so when you're out walking the grounds... WEAR BUG SPRAY... and if you're going to be staying in one spot for awhile, bring lots of insect repelling things - i.e. citronella candles (but I'm not sure if you can have candles b/c of the "fire hazard" - so you would need to check on that before you go). read more

This house gives me chills. The good kind. It's been around through the revolution... which was fought right in its back yard, literally... North Bridge (from 'Shot heard round the world fame') is just out the back door. There is so much history here, from war history, to religious history, to Hawthorne history (it was his first home with his bride, who wrote messages which you can still behold in the windows with her diamond ring), Emerson history (through many generations, and where Ralph Waldo Emerson drafted 'Nature'), and there is even a vegetable garden that was originally planted by Henry David Thoreau as a wedding present to the Hawthornes. An amazing place to visit! read more

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To say that this is house is historically significant is a gross understatement, and being the tremendous geek that I am, I jumped at the chance to visit. I was generally a bit underwhelmed. Tours of the first floor were free and self-guided on the day we visited (though I believe there is typically a fee), and employees were posted in each room to provide information. Because people were bouncing from room to room, things seemed a little disorganized, and the information we received wasn't necessarily chronological. We sort of received bits and pieces of information that didn't really flow together to create a "big picture." Tours of the upstairs and attic were available for a $5 fee, and we opted in. The upstairs rooms were interesting, and because this was a guided tour, we had an easier time digesting information. The attic was a mess-- not at all well maintained or preserved. Apparently the attic was finished at one time, but forty years ago they removed the 1800's version of drywall from the wooden frames, and haven't replaced it. Wallpaper is peeling, furniture is just hanging out collecting dust, and in one room an original sketch by a resident who became a famous artist (whose name naturally escapes me) is unceremoniously nailed to a wall. Kind of odd. It could be that they simply don't have the funds to complete whatever project they started or properly preserve the attic space, which is too bad. This wasn't the best historic tour I've been on, but the property is significant to Massachusetts and U.S. history, so I'd still recommend a visit. read more

Fantastic place to visit. Took our daughters (13 and 9), and they enjoyed it as well. Amazing that so many original furnishings and personal items remain in the house after 150+ years. Tour guide did a great job. Highly recommend it. read more

Loved it! The best time to go is in the fall or early winter - so easy to visualize Hawthorne and Emerson tromping around through this gorgeous clapboard house that oozes history. You can still see poems that Hawthorne and his wife, Sofia, wrote to one another on the windows of the house - truly amazing! It's a good idea to purchase the Trustees of Reservations membership if you love the outdoors and want to explore our backyard history. I got a free T-shirt with my membership that has a pic of Nathaniel Hawthorne on it that reads "Hawthorne is a hottie!" You get a free tour of the Old Manse with your Trustees membership as well (among many other free tours of historic places around New England)! I went on the Thanksgiving tour where they go over the history of what took place in the house during "Thanksgiving," what types of food they prepared, and what else took place during the month of November. Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to be immersed in history. read more

We were at the Old North Bridge and saw an advertisement for free warm cider and cookies here so we thought we would take a chance. It was a fantastic decision. The staff was so friendly and hospitable. Our tour guide, Dana, was VERY knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the house and the writers that lived in it. Overall, even as a longtime resident of Bedford, a nearby town, my first experience at the Old Manse was very fascinating and I'm very glad I went. read more

I had the good fortune of visiting this lovely place just two days ago. Thankfully, it wasn't during mosquito season. I can't say enough about the knowledgeable and fun guide, Tom. He made the place come to life. I loved the fact that there were no ropes between the guests and the beautiful old original furnishings like so many historic places. For me, the energy of those incredible minds was palpable in The Old Manse and I feel privileged to have walked the floors they walked and breathed the same air they breathed for a time. read more