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The Wayside and its collection

The Wayside
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The Wayside, located in Concord, Massachusetts, is a house with significant connections to American literature. It is currently part of the Minute Man National Historical Park and is managed by the National Park Service. The Wayside was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1963, further emphasizing its historical and cultural importance.

The Alcotts and The Wayside

In 1845, the house was purchased by educator and philosopher Amos Bronson Alcott and his wife Abby, who renamed it Hillside. It was here that Louisa May Alcott and her sisters experienced many of the events that would later be depicted in her renowned novel, Little Women. The Alcotts made substantial modifications to the house, including terracing the hill behind it and adding an office for Bronson and a bedroom for Louisa.

Nathaniel Hawthorne and The Wayside

In 1852, the house was bought by author Nathaniel Hawthorne from the Alcotts. He renamed it The Wayside and moved in with his wife Sophia and their three young children. Hawthorne made significant architectural changes to the house, including adding a second floor to the west wing, enclosing the porch, relocating the barn to the east side of the house, and constructing a three-story tower at the back, which he referred to as his 'sky parlor'.

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History & Anthropology History & Anthropology Historic house Language & Literature Person & Artist

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#1 History & Anthropology in Concord #1 Historic houses in Concord #1 Language & literature museums in Concord #1 Person & artist museums in Concord #19 Free museums in Massachusetts #45 History & Anthropology in Massachusetts #31 Historic houses in Massachusetts #8 Language & literature museums in Massachusetts #19 Person & artist museums in Massachusetts #40 Language & literature museums in United States

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The Wayside
455 Lexington Rd,
MA 01742 Concord
Massachusetts

Images of The Wayside

Visitor information The Wayside

Opening hours

The grounds of Minute Man National Historical Park are open daily, year round, from sunrise to sunset.

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Admission

0+Free
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Facilities

We don't have information about the facilities of The Wayside.

Location & Map

455 Lexington Rd,, Concord

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Exhibitions

No exhibitions in The Wayside have been found.

The Wayside Reviews

The Wayside has 1 rating.

  • Apollo's Insights AI-Generated

    The Wayside in Concord, Massachusetts, is a historic house museum with significant literary connections. As part of the Minute Man National Historical Park, it offers visitors a glimpse into the lives of several prominent American authors. The house, once home to Louisa May Alcott and later Nathaniel Hawthorne, provides an authentic look at 19th-century life and the environment that inspired these writers.

    Visitors generally appreciate the well-preserved nature of the house and its furnishings, which help to create an immersive historical experience. The knowledgeable tour guides are often praised for their engaging presentations and deep understanding of the house's history and its famous residents. Many reviewers note that the tours provide interesting insights into the daily lives and writing processes of the authors who lived there.

    However, some visitors mention that the tours can feel rushed at times, particularly during busy periods. A few reviewers also note that the house's small size can make it feel crowded when tour groups are large. Additionally, some visitors express a desire for more interactive exhibits or hands-on experiences to complement the guided tour.

    Despite these minor drawbacks, most visitors find The Wayside to be a worthwhile stop for literature enthusiasts and history buffs alike. The museum's connection to multiple important American authors and its role in the broader context of Concord's literary history make it a valuable educational experience. While it may not have the grandeur of some larger historic homes, its intimate setting offers a personal connection to the authors who once called it home.

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