The 'half-moon' desk where Louisa May Alcott wrote Little Women was built by her father, Bronson Alcott, from a piece of wood.
Bronson Alcott moved the house to its current location in 1858 by purchasing a small, run-down farmhouse and attaching it to a larger structure on the property.
The interior contains the original 'Pilgrim's Progress' book collection belonging to the Alcott family.
The schoolroom used for the Concord School of Philosophy remains on the property, where lectures were held for thinkers like Ralph Waldo Emerson.
Louisa May Alcott initially did not want to write Little Women, preferring to write thrillers, but was persuaded by her publisher.
The house features a custom-built, adjustable height desk designed by Bronson Alcott to alleviate his back pain while writing.
The Alcotts lived in nearly 30 different residences before settling at Orchard House, which was their first real permanent home.
The museum collection includes original sketches and paintings created by May Alcott, the real-life inspiration for the character Amy March.
Orchard House is the historic 17th-century Concord residence where Louisa May Alcott wrote and set her 1868 novel, Little Women. The site has been preserved as a museum since 1912, maintaining original family artifacts and furnishings. Visitors can view the 'half-moon' desk where Alcott penned the manuscript for her famous book. The property includes the main house, a schoolhouse used by Bronson Alcott for his Concord School of Philosophy, and period gardens. The collection features over 80 percent of the original Alcott family belongings. The house remains a significant site for American literary history due to its deep connection to the Transcendentalist movement. Tours are strictly guided to protect the historic structure and interior collection. The building's architecture reflects multiple renovations performed by the Alcott family during their residence from 1858 to 1877.
The exterior front facade of the house from the garden path offers the iconic view associated with the home.
Book tour reservations online well in advance, as capacity is strictly limited due to the house's fragile historic nature.
Photography is strictly prohibited inside the historic house to protect the artifacts.
Visit the gift shop for literature-related souvenirs and educational resources on the Transcendentalist era.
Do not attempt to walk in without a reservation, as walk-in spots are rarely available during the high season.
Closed on certain major holidays; check the website for potential seasonal schedule adjustments during winter months.
Photography inside the home is prohibited; large bags and backpacks must be left in designated areas; quiet, respectful conduct is required.
