I am pleased to present this guest post by Lisa Francesca who is currently researching Carlotta Norton Smith, an art editor in New York’s Gilded Age. May Alcott Nieriker’s guide, Studying Art Abroad: And How to Do It Cheaply (Roberts Brothers, 1879), reads like a confidential chat over tea with a wise and experienced friend. …
Register for free symposium today, featuring my presentation on Lizzie Alcott
On May 31st at 11am, I will be giving a 15-minute presentation on Lizzie Alcott that I believe will be groundbreaking. To see the talk, you need to register right away for this free international symposium, "Bearing Untold Stories: A Hybrid Symposium." Registration closes tomorrow. Here is the link: 31st May: Bearing Untold Stories: A Hybrid …
Continue reading "Register for free symposium today, featuring my presentation on Lizzie Alcott"
Lizzie’s words, in her own handwriting – the Hillside diary, and other news
I just received my order from the Houghton Library at Harvard for Lizzie's Hillside journal. Now you can read Lizzie's words in her own handwriting: https://aeon.hul.harvard.edu/aeonauth/aeon.dll?Action=10&Form=75&Value=818055 Presentation on Lizzie Alcott, sponsored by the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at Lancaster University, UK I would also like to announce that I will be presenting a …
Continue reading "Lizzie’s words, in her own handwriting – the Hillside diary, and other news"
Latest update on my biography of Lizzie Alcott
I haven't given you an update since April of 2021 on my progress but I am pleased now to say that Chapter 2 has been edited and the first draft of Chapter 3 is complete. Chapter 3 proved quite the challenge. I covered the seven-month-long Fruitlands experiment (June, 1843 through January, 1844) and the Alcotts' …
Continue reading "Latest update on my biography of Lizzie Alcott"
It’s here! “The Forgotten Alcott: Essays on the Artistic Legacy and Literary Life of May Alcott Nieriker” landed on my doorstep.
IMPORTANT UPDATE: Please note that the book is currently unavailable for purchase due to errors on the part of the publisher. The editors are working closely with Routledge to correct this situation. Once settled, The Forgotten Alcott will be made available for purchase again. On behalf of the editors and fellow contributors, I apologize for …
Experience The Wayside as Hillside – my latest article in the Fall 2021 edition of “Discover Concord”
When touring The Wayside, have you ever wondered how the house was laid out when the Alcotts lived there? My latest article in "Discover Concord" provides a first floor floorplan and descriptions of each room as it was used by the family. Visit https://issuu.com/discoverconcordma/docs/dcfall2021/48 to read the article. Bring it with you the next time …
Lizzie Alcott’s story told in quilts
The Littlest Woman: The Life and Legacy of Lizzie Alcott, the Real Beth March
I saw this article on a quilting blog and thought you might find it interesting. I wish I knew more about quilts and the significance of their design but perhaps some of you can offer help in your comments.
Here is the article:
Hands All Around #5: Star Puzzle for Elizabeth Alcott

A block for Elizabeth (Peabody) Sewall Alcott, the quiet sister. The puzzle may be: “How could anyone be quiet in that family?”

Crayon (chalk) portrait by Caroline Negus Hildreth 1857
Collection of Orchard House
Continue reading: http://civilwarquilts.blogspot.com/2021/05/hands-all-around-5-star-puzzle-for.html
First draft of Chapter 2 of Lizzie book completed!
The Littlest Woman: The Life and Legacy of Lizzie Alcott, the Real Beth March
I am pleased to announce that I have completed the first draft of chapter 2 which focuses on the Alcott family’s first home in Concord. This was a fun chapter to write as there was much to say about the sisters. There are a couple of revealing letters from Bronson to Lizzie plus reminiscences from Lizzie’s best friend and next-door neighbor at the time, Lydia Hosmer.

Now that I have finally figured out the methodology for writing this book (and that has taken years as I am teaching myself), the writing goes along much faster. And as I edit, I learn new things — how will I make this book read like a novel rather than just a regurgitating of facts? What words and methods will I use to make the reader feel Lizzie’s story? And how will…
View original post 59 more words
Another stab at fiction – Father, sisters and childhood from Lizzie’s point of view
The Littlest Woman: The Life and Legacy of Lizzie Alcott, the Real Beth March
This is a series of scenes that I wrote for fun a few years ago. Sometimes I wish I didn’t work so slowly! I hope I stay healthy long enough to write a novel as well as a biography. I really love taking Lizzie’s point of view and seeing life as I imagine it through her eyes. But I can always write scenes. 🙂
This is the first draft.
Memories of Father
My first memory was of his face. It was a kind face with blue eyes like still pools, and I could see myself in them. Such a sweet countenance, one I could look at from morning till night. It broke into a smile, and a quiet voice spoke my name: “Elizabeth.” My arms shot up in an instant, hoping he would lift me. He granted my wish, and as I snuggled close to his chest, he looked into…
View original post 1,796 more words
An explanation of Homeopathy (the treatment of choice by the Alcotts)
This is a fascinating article that explains with great clarity the scope and nature of homeopathic medicine (my thanks to Dr. Norbert Hirschhorn for this referral). Bronson and Abba Alcott were firm believers in Homeopathy, using its treatments and medicines (in lieu of a doctor) during the outbreak of smallpox in the family in 1850, …
Continue reading "An explanation of Homeopathy (the treatment of choice by the Alcotts)"