This was the day I was waiting for. Ever since I started reading Eden’s Outcasts: The Story of Louisa May Alcott and Her Father, I have been dying to talk to John Matteson. His penetrating insights into Bronson and Louisa have forever changed the way I look at them (most especially Bronson). Unique understanding In …
My 3 days with Louisa May Alcott (part two): “Marmee and Louisa:” author Eve LaPlante unveils her important new book
Everyone knows the phrase, “Behind every great man stands a woman.” In the case of Louisa May Alcott, it’s a “great woman.” Who was the woman that stood behind her? She is Louisa’s mother, Abigail May Alcott, commonly known as Abba. An inside look at the life of Abba Alcott Eve LaPlante, author of Seized, …
The vacation of my dreams: 3 days with Louisa May Alcott
What's your dream for the ultimate summer vacation? Is it a trip to a new and/or exotic place? Is it time all to yourself to do whatever you wish? How about both? That’s been my dream for many summers and this year, it came true. New and exotic places Back in June, our whole family …
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“A Memorable Evening at the Alcotts’ House” as recalled by Edward W. Emerson
I recently picked up a lovely volume from the library entitled Louisa May Alcott An Intimate Anthology, put together the by New York Public Library using materials from their archives. What's inside The book contains stories and essays Louisa wrote about herself, excerpts from her journals, intimate poetry, short stories and recollections from friends. Resistance …
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Iconic, and Real: Annie Leibovitz and Doris Kearns Goodwin visit Orchard House
Tuesday was a memorable day. Imagine the pleasure of attending a conversation with Annie Leibovitz and Doris Kearns Goodwin, hosted at Louisa May Alcott's Orchard House. Approximately 200 people had that pleasure, gathered in an array of tents on the lawn of the Alcott home. It was the kickoff event for an exhibition of photos …
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Let’s celebrate! Scenes from Orchard House’s Centennial
You knew I couldn't stay away and I didn't! It was a picture-perfect day and I have lots of photos to share. The house tour was done differently with a guide in every room which allotted lots of time for questions. 🙂 I was even able to identify the species of owl that May painted …
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Happy Birthday, Orchard House!
Today marks the official 100th birthday of Louisa May Alcott's Orchard House as a museum. On May 17th, Carrie Hoyle (my maiden name, not sure if we're related), secretary of the Louisa May Alcott Memorial Association sent a letter to John Alcott Pratt, son of Anna and adopted heir of Louisa, inviting him to Orchard …
Companion volume to Marmee and Louisa includes newly discovered private writings
As mentioned in a previous post, a new dual biography on Louisa and her mother is coming out in November called Marmee & Louisa: The Untold Story of Louisa May Alcott and Her Mother by Eve LaPlante. LaPlante's website indicates that previously undiscovered private papers were found which form the basis of her book. These …
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For Moms and their ‘Little Women’
In honor of Mother's Day, I am delighted to present this guest post by Barbara Solomon Josselsohn, reprinted with permission from NYMetroParents. A two-day trip to Concord, Massachusetts and the home of Louisa May Alcott, author of Little Women, is a great way to commemorate Mother’s Day—or any other time set aside just for the …
Special kudos to one of our readers!
The Union Leader out of Manchester, NH ran an article on April 1st highlighting one of their own. I'm proud to say she is one of ours too! Jennifer Bernard, whose pictures you've seen on this blog, was honored by the Concord Free Library of having her photo of Orchard House included in their special …
Louisa May Alcott is My Passion 