Historic Downtown Springfield | Springfield MO

The Concord Museum is a history museum located in Concord, Massachusetts, dedicated to preserving and interpreting the history of Concord and its inhabitants.

Visual Characteristics

The museum building is a colonial-revival structure constructed primarily of brick. It features a symmetrical facade with a central entrance and multi-paned windows. The exterior color is a muted red brick with white trim around the windows and roofline. The building has two main stories with a pitched roof.

Location & Access Logistics

The Concord Museum is situated at 200 Lexington Road in Concord, Massachusetts. It is approximately 0.5km East of Concord Center. Parking is available on-site in a dedicated lot. The MBTA Commuter Rail Fitchburg Line stops at Concord Station, which is approximately 1.5km Southwest of the museum. Local bus routes also serve Concord Center.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The current museum building was constructed in 1937, designed by architects Perry, Shaw & Hepburn. It was built to house the growing collections of the Concord Antiquarian Society, founded in 1886. The museum's purpose is to collect, preserve, and exhibit artifacts related to Concord's history, particularly its role in the American Revolution and its literary heritage.

Key Highlights & Activities

Exhibits include artifacts from the American Revolution, such as Paul Revere's lantern and musket. Displays feature items belonging to Concord's famous literary residents, including Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, and Louisa May Alcott. The museum offers guided tours focusing on specific historical periods and themes.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available within the museum. Limited seating is provided in exhibition areas. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally available. No on-site food vendors are present, but several restaurants and cafes are located in nearby Concord Center.

Best Time to Visit

The museum is open year-round. Weekday mornings typically have fewer visitors. For optimal lighting on specific artifacts, consult museum staff regarding exhibit illumination schedules. The best months for visiting Concord, in general, are spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) due to moderate temperatures and fall foliage.

Facts & Legends

A notable artifact housed at the Concord Museum is the original writing desk used by Henry David Thoreau at Walden Pond. The museum also holds a significant collection of firearms from the Battles of Lexington and Concord.

Nearby Landmarks

• Walden Pond State Reservation (1.8km Southwest)
• Minute Man National Historical Park (2.5km East)
• Orchard House (0.7km West)
• Ralph Waldo Emerson House (0.6km West)
• Sleepy Hollow Cemetery (1.2km Northwest)