The Why Concord? History Galleries

• "Establishing Concord" examines the reasons that Native Americans chose to settle in Concord 10,000 years ago and the Puritans came here in the 17th century, the relationship between them, and their legacies.
• "Defending Concord" focuses on the events that led to the start of the American Revolution and "the shot heard round the world." American icons, such as the signal lantern associated with Paul Revere and the April 19th Doolittle engravings, together with an audio program of first-hand accounts of the day are key components of the gallery.
• In "Reforming Concord" visitors will learn about the town's second revolution in the 19th century — this time in the realm of ideas and literature. Explore the reasons why so many intellectuals were drawn to Concord and the influence of temperance, anti-slavery and other reform movements. "Emerson's Study," where a remarkable galaxy of writers and intellectuals gathered from around the world to converse, and the Museum's treasured "Thoreau Collection," including the desk where Thoreau wrote "Walden" and "Civil Disobedience," are important focal points. This section concludes with Concord's industrial growth and the development of the village of West Concord.
• "Memorializing Concord" focuses on ways in which Concordians chose to preserve their past as early as the 18th century. The exhibition concludes with a brief look at the enduring legacy of Concord's past.
• In the 14-minute Exploring Concord film, which visitors may view before or after the exhibition, the Why Concord? exhibition is connected to specific natural and cultural landscapes in town, uncovering the many layers of historical significance. A driving/walking tour brochure is available to guide visitors to the sites featured in the film.
• This exhibition and film have been made possible by generous grants from the National Endowment for the Humanities, a federal agency.

Back to In the Galleries