The North Bridge
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Spend an afternoon with Charles Dickens. Concord Free Public Library presents Rick Corbo in the persona of Charles Dickens as he reads from the great author’s works. Rick is a living historian whose educational background is in theater. He has performed for the award-winning, Connecticut-based puppet company, Elmwood Productions, and starred in the popular EWTN Network series, Saints Versus Scoundrels. He has also performed as Charles Dickens in the original Christmas special titled Reclaiming the Carol, also by ETWN Network, and at museums and libraries across New England. The event will begin with a brief discussion of Louisa May Alcott’s appreciation of Charles Dickens—and her reaction to seeing him perform in Boston, and will include time for questions and answers. June 25 at 2:00 pm. Visit concordlibrary.org for more information.
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Town Meeting: Let Your Voice Be Heard! In January 1774, Concord residents were faced with some difficult decisions. A large quantity of tea was destroyed in Boston Harbor a few weeks before. Do they distance themselves from those “Sons of Liberty” who destroy private property? Or do they stand with them against the British government and accept the consequences? This is your chance to debate revolutionary issues with Concord residents of 1774, portrayed by Minute Man National Historical Park staff and volunteers. The issues to be discussed are taken from an actual Concord meeting warrant from that time. In the spirit of a New England town meeting, we will vote after debating each issue. Afterwards we will compare our votes with how the town voted in 1774. June 25, 3:30 pm at the North Bridge. This event will be repeated on August 20. Learn more about Concord’s historic Town Meeting in “Town Meeting: Concord’s Living Wonder” on p. 14. nps.gov/mima/planyourvisit/special-event.htm
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Find out if that old book is valuable. Concord Museum will host Ken Gloss, proprietor of the internationally known Brattle Book Shop in Boston and frequent guest appraiser on PBS’ Antiques Roadshow. Ken will discuss the value of old and rare books, share 12
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some of his favorite finds, and describe the joys of the “hunt” for rare books. Following the forum, Ken will give free verbal appraisals of attendees’ books or will do so at his shop in Boston. June 29 at 7:00 pm. This program will be presented both in-person and online. Visit concordmuseum.org for more information.
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Ken Gloss
Enjoy colonial crafts and games to celebrate Independence Day at the Concord Museum. July 2 -3. concordmuseum.org
Celebrate our nation’s Independence Day at Minute Man National Historical Park. Join park rangers and volunteers as we mark the 245th anniversary of our nation’s independence with a live, in-person reading of the Declaration of Independence at Concord’s North Bridge. Following the reading, reenactors representing the 10th Massachusetts Regiment will fire three musket volleys in honor of American Independence. July 4 at 2:00 pm.
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Plan your adventures in Concord to make the most of your time here. See “Exploring Concord in a Morning, a Day, or a Weekend,” on p. 62 for tips on what to see and do. Turn to “Historic Concord: Plan Your Visit” on p. 37 for websites, hours, and more on local historic sites.
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Stop by the Old Manse for live outdoor music classes for kids with Rockabye Beats. Spread out on the beautiful and historic grounds of the Old Manse for this 45-minute class for kids. Children develop an appreciation for music and nature while building their vocabulary in English and Spanish, gross motor skills, and social/
Courtesy of Concord Museum
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Things to See & Do in Concord
