The Wayside

The oldest parts of the Wayside House in Concord, MA, were constructed in the late 17th century. It was inhabited by the Bronson Alcott family and was the only home that Nathaniel Hawthorne ever owned. Later it was purchased by the Lothrop family. Mr. Lothrop owned a publishing house in Boston and the wife was a distinguished author of children's books. The history of the house, the people who lived in it, and their relationship to major events in American history are clearly explained in an exhibit in the barn, which is adjacent to the the Wayside.

The house is operated by the National Park Service and part of the Minuteman National Historic Park . The ranger had decades of experience and gave a very clear and complete tour. He was clearly a seasoned professional. It is in a bit better condition than the Ralph Waldo Emerson House but it made me wish that our government would spend more on the Park Service. Several years ago the Longfellow House in Cambridge, MA was renovated, and it looks great. Unfortunately many historic house museums are getting fewer visitors than in years past.