APPLICATION for COMMUNITY PRESERVATION ACT FUNDS
The Climate Control Project
Submitted: 30 September 2016
Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard House 399 Lexington Road Concord, Massachusetts 01742 978.369.4118 www.louisamayalcott.org TOWN OF CONCORD OMMUNITY RESERVATION OMMITTEE C P C .(<(652$'&21&25'0$ 7(/ )$; Application for CPA Funding Due no later than 4:00pm on Friday, September 30, 2016 $SSOLFDQW LOUISA MAY ALCOTT'S ORCHARD HOUSE, INC. &R$SSOLFDQW LIDSSOLFDEOH 3URMHFW1DPH CLIMATE CONTROL PROJECT 3URMHFW/RFDWLRQ$GGUHVV 399 LEXINGTON ROAD CONCORD , MA 01742 3XUSRVH 6HOHFWDOOWKDWDSSO\ Ƒ2SHQ6SDFH Ƒ&RPPXQLW\+RXVLQJ Ƒ+LVWRULF3UHVHUYDWLRQ Ƒ5HFUHDWLRQ 3URMHFW%XGJHW $PRXQWRI&3$)XQGV5HTXHVWHG 350,000.00 $PRXQWIURP2WKHU)XQGLQJ6RXUFHV 0 7RWDO3URMHFW%XGJHW BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBB350,000.00 ,IPXOWL\HDUSURMHFWQRWHFXUUHQWSKDVHRQO\ 3OHDVHFKHFNZKLFKRIWKHIROORZLQJLVLQFOXGHGZLWKWKLV$SSOLFDWLRQ ✔ 2QH3DUDJUDSK3URMHFW6XPPDU\ 7LPHOLQH ✔ 0DS LIDSSOLFDEOH ✔ $UFKLWHFWXUDOSODQVV✔ LWHSODQVSKRWRJUDSKV 1DUUDWLYH ✔ LIDSSURSULDWH 6HOHFWLRQ&ULWHULDDQG1HHGV$VVHVVPHQW✔ &RS\RI$XGLWRUPRVWUHFHQW)LQDQFLDO✔ 'HWDLOHG3URMHFW%XGJHW ✔ ,QIRUPDWLRQ 1RQ3URILW2UJDQL]DWLRQV2QO\ )HDVLELOLW\$VVHVVPHQW✔ /HWWHUVRI6XSSRUW LIDQ\ 6WDWHPHQWRI6XVWDLQDELOLW\ LIDSSOLFDEOH ✔ 5HTXLUHG'RFXPHQWDWLRQ 7KH&RQWDFW3HUVRQIRUWKLV3URMHFWLV JAN TURNQUIST , Executive Director $OO&RUUHVSRQGHQFHVKRXOGEHPDLOHGWR PO BOX 343 CONCORD, MA 01742-0343 7KH&RQWDFW3HUVRQFDQEHUHDFKHGE\SKRQHDW 978.369.4118 X102 RUE\HPDLODW [email protected] Signature of Applicant: Signature of Property Owner (if different): For Historic Preservation Projects Only±SOHDVHFKHFNWKHER[EHORZOHIWDQGDFNQRZOHGJH Ƒ ,:HKDYHUHDGWKHU.S. Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic PropertiesDQGXQGHUVWDQGWKDWSODQQLQJIRUDQGH[HFXWLRQRIWKLVSURMHFWPXVWPHHWWKHVHVWDQGDUGV
APPLICATION for COMMUNITY PRESERVATION ACT FUNDS by LOUISA MAY ALCOTT’S ORCHARD HOUSE, INC. for CLIMATE CONTROL in ORCHARD HOUSE
399 Lexington Road on “The American Mile” Concord, MA
Brief Project Summary
Orchard House (c. 1690) is an assemblage of house parts remodeled by A. Bronson Alcott in the 1850s and 1860s and, beginning in 1910, has subsequently undergone varied repairs throughout its existence as an historic house museum, culminating most recently in a multi- phased Preservation Project which began in 2000 and was completed in 2012. The current proposed CLIMATE CONTROL PROJECT, submitted under the category of Historic Resources, is intended to preserve the extensive and irreplaceable material culture displayed and stored within Orchard House by providing an environmentally sustainable (geothermal/ground-source heat pump) system at a cost of $350,000. The collection of Orchard House contains thousands of personal and household items, books, photographs, artwork, furniture, and textiles belonging or relational to famed author Louisa May Alcott; her father, Transcendental philosopher and educational reformer A. Bronson Alcott; her mother, noted social reformer Abigail May Alcott; her youngest sister, artist May Alcott Nieriker; oldest sister Anna Alcott Pratt; and younger sister Elizabeth Sewell Alcott; as well as former Secretary of Education William Torrey Harris, the only other resident of Orchard House after the Alcotts’ residency. The Climate Control Project has been thoughtfully designed both to maintain the delicate balance between temperature and humidity to prevent deterioration of or other detrimental effects to the artifacts and the house itself; this will also be utilized in an environmentally ethical manner. In addition, this project will provide a physical environment in which visitors – most particularly students and scholarly researchers, who tend to spend longer periods of time in Orchard House – can comfortably enjoy their experience. Community Preservation Act funds will thus be used to help Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard House fulfill its dual mission of preservation and education in the best possible setting for Concord residents and visitors from around the world to enjoy as they are educated, enlightened, and inspired by all that Orchard House has to offer.
APPLICATION for COMMUNITY PRESERVATION ACT FUNDS by LOUISA MAY ALCOTT’S ORCHARD HOUSE, INC.
Narrative The beautifully maintained collection of Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard House represents over a century of community-wide commitment to its preservation. The largest artifact in our collection -- Orchard House itself -- is itself a testament to the 19th Century American Literary Renaissance led by Emerson, Thoreau, Hawthorne, and the Alcotts, who were friends as well as intellectual partners. During the late 19th Century, the only other owner-resident of Orchard House after the Alcotts, educator William Torrey Harris, staunchly protected drawings and mottoes throughout the house in honor of the Alcotts. In 1911, the Concord Women’s Club formed The Louisa May Alcott Memorial Association (LMAMA) and charged it with preserving the home as a “memorial.” Anna Alcott Pratt’s son Frederick and his wife personally returned original Alcott furnishings to the house prior to its opening to the public for tours. Today, descendants of the Alcotts and founding members of LMAMA remain dedicated to advising, volunteering, and donating, while the collection continues to attract the interest and enthusiasm of tens of thousands of visitors annually.
Of the nearly 2,500 artifacts in the collection of Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard House, approximately 80% were owned by the Alcotts themselves or are directly relatable to them; the remaining items are of the period (c. 1858-1877) or date to the early 1900s, when Orchard House first opened to the public. The collection includes the house itself, which contains much of the fabric of the Alcotts’ residence. Nine period rooms are publically exhibited (without barriers), including Louisa May Alcott’s Bedchamber and the desk built by her father where she wrote her stories and novels (most notably Little Women in 1868); the Kitchen, with an original soapstone sink, built-in cupboards, hot water reservoir, and laundry drying rack; May Alcott’s Bedroom, with original (c. 1860) wallpaper and drawings on wall panels and doors as well as her Studio, which also features sketches executed directly on the walls; the Parlor and Study, where Mr. Alcott’s architectural renovations and many significant family possessions may be seen; the Parents’ Bedchamber, which displays recently acquired 18th Century portraits of Mrs. Alcott’s grandparents, Samuel and Abigail May, as well as of her father, Joseph May, as a young man; along with a vast array of household furnishings, artwork, personal memorabilia, books, and photographs both on display and stored on-site.
Taken as a whole, these items are indispensable resources that document the family’s contributions to art, education, literature, philosophy, and reforms and are valued by researchers, students, and casual visitors alike. Although the most common research use of the collection focuses on the Alcott family, the diverse nature of our holdings provides insight pertinent to abolition, women’s suffrage, Transcendentalism, educational reform, art, theater, social welfare, and publishing. Alcott letters, both written and received, describe local authors such as Emerson, Thoreau, and Hawthorne or important socio-political issues of the time, and include valuable narratives of the Alcotts’ experiences and interactions, both at home and abroad. By exhibiting their home and the collection in a welcoming and accessible manner, Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard House is committed to enhancing visitor understanding and appreciation of the ideals and involvements of one of the most significant periods of American history. Perhaps no protocol is more important to safeguarding our collection than the proper management of temperature and humidity. ~continued
APPLICATION for COMMUNITY PRESERVATION ACT FUNDS by LOUISA MAY ALCOTT’S ORCHARD HOUSE, INC.
During Phase I Preservation of Orchard House (2000-02) funded by a Save America’s Treasures Grant and triple-matched by private donations, a climate control system was installed for the first time following recommendations derived from a year-long environmental survey funded by an Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) Conservation Projects Support Grant which monitored temperature and humidity inside Orchard House via hygrothermographs. Using the monitoring data and observations from site visits, consultants prepared a plan to improve ventilation and reduce fluctuations in heat and relative humidity without compromising the historic integrity of the building. This climate control system also allowed for remote monitoring of the system by the Buildings & Grounds Supervisor, who could override the system to ensure optimal protection for the collection.
Over time, this system experienced increasing failures which required numerous repairs. After over 15 years of nearly continuous operation, upgrading this system is a necessity to protect Orchard House and its collection from the detrimental effects of improperly balanced temperature and humidity.
The proposed Climate Control Project seeks to provide a state-of-the-art, environmentally sustainable geothermal system which will utilize ground-source heat pumps for both heating and cooling. Estimated cost for the project is $350,000, inclusive of overhead/contingencies.
Specifically, implementation of this project will include:
Excavation and installation of geothermal wells Excavation and installation of piping to Orchard House Replacement of existing gas-fired boilers, which are beyond their useful lifespan, with condensing boilers and accompanying sheet metal, duct, and heat coil work Replacement of existing air handlers, which are inefficient and beyond their useful lifespan, with geothermal heat pumps and accompanying sheet metal, duct, and heat coil work Replacement of the existing return air fan with a new Greenheck fan and accompanying electrical work Required outdoor air to each new packaged heat pump and ducting of returns in order to comply with International Mechanical Code standards (Section 602.2.1) Cleaning of all supply and return air grilles and diffusers Installation, activation, and commissioning of controls systems
A team of Climate Control Project Coordinators — comprised of Administrative Staff from Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard House (Executive Director Jan Turnquist, Buildings & Grounds Supervisor Jay Powers, and Executive Assistant Maria Powers), the climate control system designer, and the system installer — will coordinate all aspects of the project with relevant subcontractors. Since no portion of the Climate Control Project will visibly or physically alter the structure of Orchard House nor its historic landscape, no special approval process is required.
~continued
APPLICATION for COMMUNITY PRESERVATION ACT FUNDS by LOUISA MAY ALCOTT’S ORCHARD HOUSE, INC.
Successful completion of the Climate Control Project will result in the most sustainable, effective, state-of-the-art system to protect and preserve Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard House and its collection of artifacts. The ultimate result of implementing the project will be evidenced in our ability to continue to welcome, educate, and inspire visitors, students, and scholars for decades to come. At Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard House, adults and children from all over the world follow in the footsteps of the Alcotts to discover the family’s invaluable contributions in the fields of literature, education, philosophy, art, and social justice.
Our hospitable home is singularly proud to have a virtually unaltered physical environment filled with original family possessions that evoke an indescribable sense of “being home.” Orchard House’s significance as one of America’s oldest and most authentically preserved historic sites and educational centers allows us to bring to life the rich historical context of the dynamic, progressive world of 19th- Century Concord as well. Community support has and continues to be vital to the preservation and operation of our award-winning tours and unique educational programs. We are also most recently proud of the Excellence Award from TripAdvisor, which rated us the third most visited site in Concord (after The North Bridge and Minute Man National Park).
With the help of a Community Preservation Act Grant for our Climate Control Project, Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard House will be able to continue to share Concord’s story through the eyes of the incredible Alcott family well into our second century. By combining the highest standards of historic preservation with the ultimate in sustainable energy solutions, Orchard House will be making an impact in more than one way, as data recently compiled by the New England Foundation for the Arts (NEFA) conservatively estimates the economic benefit to Concord of one year of Orchard House visitation to be in excess of $1 million with respect to direct, indirect, and induced economic effect.
We hope that more than a century of our contributions to the fabric of the community, our thoughtful plans for the Climate Control Project, and prior support from Concord’s Town Meeting, endorsements by the Historic Districts Commission, and national and international recognition of Orchard House, its collections, and the Alcott family legacy will resonate with members of the Community Preservation Committee and allow us to safeguard our future by the approval of funding for our project.
Thank you in advance for your consideration.
APPLICATION for COMMUNITY PRESERVATION ACT FUNDS by LOUISA MAY ALCOTT’S ORCHARD HOUSE, INC.
Statement Regarding CPC’s Selection and Needs Assessment
As a not-for-profit historic house museum that has been continuously open to the public since 1911, Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard House attracts over 50,000 local, national, and international visitors annually. Award-winning guided tours, unique educational programming, and Living History special events lend a vibrant relatability to the artifacts and archives contained within the walls of Orchard House. The house itself -- most known for being the setting of Miss Alcott’s beloved classic novel, Little Women, but which has an earlier storied history as well -- is considered one of the most vital, intriguing, and irreplaceable artifacts in our collection. Nearly every visitor acknowledges the significance of the sheer existence of Orchard House and its collections, and how re-assuring it is that the House and artifacts will be preserved by both the stewards of Orchard House and the Concord community. The Climate Control Project therefore has as its primary goal the long-term protection of Orchard House and its artifacts, which have been widely recognized as cherished and indispensable historical resources for Concord, New England, and the world.
As the Climate Control Project seeks to protect and maintain such valued assets of Concord’s history (Goal CH-1 of the 2005 Long Range Plan), it will also allow for an increase in the accessibility and sharing of these resources to enhance widespread appreciation for the Town’s unique and important place in history (Goal CH-3).
Orchard House’s status within the Local Historic District (1961), as a National Historic Landmark (1962), on the National Register (1966), with a Preservation Restriction (1988), and as a Save Am erica’s Treasures Official Proj ect (1999) repeatedly reinforces how seriously we consider our mission to preserve our collection and present it to the public, and how unqualified the support of Concord residents as well as town, state, and federal officials. More than once over the last more than hundred years, Orchard House and its collection have been threatened by the ravages of time, the elements, and lack of funding. And more than once, valiant efforts have been made to rescue it, all while maintaining the highest standards for the treatment of historic properties as outlined by the Secretary of the Interior. In choosing to support the Climate Control Project, a major step will be made in not only the preservation of artifacts and archives, but a unique resource in America’s historical inventory.
In addition, we intend to leverage Community Preservation Act funding as a challenge to private, corporate, and governmental donors to generate additional support for future preservation/restoration projects, as well as for our annual appeal for operational support.
Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard House Geothermal Mechanical & Climate Control Budget
ITEM UNIT COST TOTAL 1600 FEET OF VERTICAL WELLS REQUIRED IN TOTAL $25/FT 40,000.00 (4 AT 400 FEET EACH) EXCAVATION INTO THE BUILDING FOR 15,000.00 NEW GEOTHERMAL PIPING TWO NEW BOILERS FOR GEOTHERMAL $10,500/EA 21,000.00 LOOP TEMPERING AND REHEAT COILS THREE NEW GEOTHERMAL HEAT PUMPS $2,500/TON 25,000.00 TOTALING 10 TONS NEW RETURN AIR FAN $5,000/EA 5,000.00
NEW OUTDOOR AIR SUPPLY FAN $5,000/EA 5,000.00
GEOTHERMAL PIPING MATERIALS (10 TONS) $2,500/TON 25,000.00
TEN REHEAT COILS WITH ACTUATORS $1,500/EA 15,000.00
SHEET METAL MATERIALS FOR 10,000.00 FAN AND REHEAT REPLACEMENT BOILER AND REHEAT PIPING MATERIALS 10,000.00
CONTROLS UPGRADES TO DIRECT DIGITAL CONTROLS 35,000.00
ELECTRICAL WORK REQUIRED TO SUPPORT 12,000.00 NEW GEOTHERMAL REQUIREMENTS LABOR 100,000.00
ADMINISTRATIVE 32,000.00
TOTAL 350,000.00
Due Diligence CSI Engineering LLC Louisa May Alcott Project # 2016-183
Mechanical & Climate Control Due Diligence
Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard House Concord, MA
September 1, 2016
Table of Contents
OVERVIEW ...... 3
INTRODUCTION...... 3
SURVEY CONDITIONS ...... 3
BUILDING INFORMATION & EXISTING DOCUMENTATION...... 3 HVAC CONDITION ASSESSMENT ...... 3
EXISTING HEATING SYSTEM ...... 3
EXISTING COOLING SYSTEMS ...... 4
EXISTING VENTILATION SYSTEMS ...... 4 HVAC FINDINGS ...... 4
EXISTING HEATING SYSTEM ...... 4
EXISTING COOLING SYSTEM ...... 4
EXISTING VENTILATION SYSTEM ...... 4 HVAC RECOMMENDATION ...... 4
RECOMMENDATIONS: NEW GEOTHERMAL ...... 5
MECHANICAL PROS AND CONS ...... 5
Due Diligence CSI Engineering LLC Louisa May Alcott Project # 2016-183
Overview
Introduction
CSI Engineering LLC performed an existing conditions survey of Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard House in Concord, MA. The scope of the survey was to describe and document the existing condition of the HVAC system in Orchard House. This report shall provide an overview of the existing system and recommendations on necessary repairs and replacement of the HVAC system. CSI will provide our findings for the system and recommendations for a new geothermal system. With this information, Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard House will be able to make an informed decision on the future HVAC system for the home.
Survey Conditions
Date: August 16, 2016 Time: 11:00 AM Weather: Overcast Temperature: 78° F
Building Information & Existing Documentation
The existing building is a two-story house built around 1690. A modern basement was added to it relatively recently. There is a basement, first, second floor and an attic with an approximate total area of 7,800 Sq. ft. The assessments and recommendations by CSI Engineering, LLC are based upon information obtained through our field observations and discussions with LMA about their requirements for this building in the future.
HVAC Condition Assessment
Existing Heating System
The current heating system in Orchard House is composed of two hot water boilers and a series of duct mounted heating coils located downstream of air handling units or on duct branch takeoffs.
The hot water boilers are identical make and models -- Viessmann GS1-42 gas fired boilers – both built in 2001. The water main then has a main pump and secondary main pump, which are identical TACO 132 series pumps. The water is then distributed throughout the basement to the duct mounted heating coils. Each heating coil is controlled by a Belimo LF-24-SR control valve.
Due Diligence CSI Engineering LLC Louisa May Alcott Project # 2016-183
Existing Cooling Systems
The existing cooling system consists of three air handling units with DX coils, one indoor ducted air cooled condensing unit, four compressors and associated piping. AHU-1 is the largest unit and it serves exhibit rooms on the first and second floors. AHU-2 serves staff offices on the second floor. AHU-3 serves the gift shop on the first floor. For humidity control, the heating coils are used as part of the cooling system, reheating air coming out of the AHU to ensure an acceptable percent of humidity.
Existing Ventilation Systems
There is an outdoor air duct that takes in air from the side of the building in place of a basement window, and brings the air to all three air handling units.
HVAC Findings
Existing Heating System
The heating system appears to be sized to support the building heating load. The boilers and immediate piping connections are in poor condition. Piping appears to be in fair condition and it is uninsulated. This reduces the heating efficiency of the system and can be harmful to personnel. An air separator was not found on the heating system piping. Not all of the Belimo control valves are operational and a majority of the valve piping around the heating coils is corroded and show signs of leaking.
Existing Cooling System
The cooling system does make some noticeable noise in the basement area. When running, the compressors make a noticeably loud noise. The ACCU is also quite loud due to high air velocity in the ducts. The current cooling set up has some reliability issues, specifically regarding the compressors. There is an oil leak in one of the compressors, which makes it inoperable once all oil is leaked. The oil leak in the piping has not been found yet. Most of the DX piping is insulated, but there are patches of uninsulated pipe that may reduce the efficiency of the system and experience condensate formation on the pipe. Since not all the Belimo control valves are operable, the humidity control aspect of the cooling system cannot be fully utilized.
Existing Ventilation System
The outdoor air fan was not operable at the time of the site visit. Outdoor air duct connecting into the air handler units’ return duct is an acceptable way of fulfilling the ventilation requirements.
HVAC Recommendation
Due Diligence CSI Engineering LLC Louisa May Alcott Project # 2016-183
Recommendations: New Geothermal
1. The existing gas fired boilers are beyond their useful lifespan. CSI recommends replacing the existing boilers with a new condensing boilers to assist in tempering the geothermal loop when required and provide heat to reheat coils.
2. The existing air handlers are inefficient and beyond their useful life. CSI recommends removing the existing air handlers and all other appurtenances and replacing them with new geothermal heat pumps of the same capacity.
3. A new geothermal system would include geothermal wells, pumps, controls, valves, hydronic specialties, reconnection to existing make up water, and all other associated appurtenances.
4. The location of geothermal wells are to be determined.
5. The existing return air fan should be replaced with a new Greenheck fan of the same capacity and voltage.
6. Required outdoor air to each new packaged heat pump and duct any return that are currently return air plenums need to meet 2009 International Mechanical Code, Section 602.2.1.
7. All supply and return air grilles and diffusers should be cleaned.
Mechanical Pros and Cons
Pros: High energy efficiency Clean and sustainable source of heating and cooling Low maintenance requirements Least invasive due to utilizing existing piping & ductwork Drastically reduce the use of natural gas
Cons:
High initial cost
Due Diligence CSI Engineering LLC Louisa May Alcott Project # 2016-183
APPLICATION for COMMUNITY PRESERVATION ACT FUNDS by LOUISA MAY ALCOTT’S ORCHARD HOUSE, INC.
Statement of Sustainability Recognition of the importance of environmental and economic sustainability dates back to Mr. Alcott’s use of recycled and re-worked materials during early renovations to the home. Moreover, Transcendentalism’s deep reverence for Nature was an overarching principle in the Alcotts’ lives, inspiring them to always intend to do no harm to their environment. We continue to support these views, and renew our commitment to operating Orchard House with a focus on reducing our environmental impact and safeguarding natural resources. Utilizing innovative technology in the Climate Control Project will enable us to not only protect our collection, but to do so in an environmentally ethical manner. By utilizing eco-friendly products and energy conservation measures, we will also be supporting our local community, which has shown its support of the environment with recent bottle and plastic bag bans. We remain willing to collaborate with other organizations focused on environmental conservation as well.
ADVANTAGES OF A GEOTHERMAL CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM
Environmentally Friendly • Minimal carbon footprint due to few, if any, polluting aspects and very low emissions • Significantly reduces or eliminates the use of fossil fuels, which helps combat global warming and reduces dependence on foreign or fracked energy sources
Renewable • A naturally replenishing source of energy available 24/7, year-round • Nearly unlimited ability to sustain its own consumption rate and operate at capacity
Reliable • Provides continuous baseload energy demands to prevent surges or outages • Operates year-round regardless of heat or cold and without worry of flames or leaks • Designed for a long service life and is practically maintenance-free
Added Benefits • Minimizes noise pollution by eliminating vibrating/oscillating outdoor fans • Decreases energy bills, with a typical payback period of approximately 10 years • Easily integrates into any landscape without unsightly mechanicals
Both the Environmental Protection Agency and the Union of Concerned Scientists assert that Geothermal/Ground-Source Heat Pumps are “the most energy-efficient and environmentally clean heating and cooling systems available.” CLIMATE CONTOL PROJECT ESTIMATED TIMELINE
EXCAVATION/INSTALLATION OF WELLS BOILER & EQUIPMENT REPLACEMENT INSTALLATION, ACTIVATION, & COMMISSIONING OF CONTROLS
Month 1 Month 2 Months 3 & 4 Month 5 Month 6
SHEET METAL, DUCT, & HEAT COIL WORK + ELECTRICAL EXCAVATION/INSTALLATION OF PIPING TO HOUSE
Inventory No: CON.170 Historic Name: Orchard House Common Name: Alcott, Louisa May House Address: 399 Lexington Rd
City/Town: Concord Village/Neighborhood: Merriam's Corner Local No: Year Constructed: r 1750 Architect(s): Architectural Style(s): Colonial; Greek Revival Use(s): Museum; Single Family Dwelling House Significance: Architecture; Literature; Music Area(s): CON.DS: American Mile Historic District Local Historic District (03/06/1961); Nat'l Historic Designation(s): Landmark (12/29/1962); Nat'l Register Individual Property (10/15/1966); Preservation Restriction (02/05/1988) Roof: Asphalt Shingle Building Materials(s): Wall: Wood; Wood Clapboard
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BIBLIOGRAPHY
Original Owner: Deed Information: Book Number Page Registry of Deeds Orchard House, circa 1865 from l to r: Louisa May AlcoƩ (seated on ground); Abigail May AlcoƩ; Frederick AlcoƩ PraƩ (in baby carriage); Anna AlcoƩ PraƩ; A. Bronson AlcoƩ Orchard House was constructed in the late 1600s and has a proud history of also being home to a progressive farming family (the Hoars) who sheltered “Praying Indians” on the property in the early 1700s; a Concord Minute Man and along the Line of March on 19 April 1775; and later, future Secretary of Educa on William Torrey Harris Orchard House Today
Recent preserva on efforts have adhered to the highest standards of preserva on as outlined by the Secretary of the Interior, allowing Orchard House to retain an unchanged exterior and interior appearance. Local residents and repeat visitors o en remark how awe-inspiring and comfor ng it is to know that Orchard House abides as it did in the me of the Alco s. The Climate Control Project will ensure the stability of the structure and the collec on for genera ons to come. KITCHEN
Mr. Alco ’s 1857-58 renova ons to Orchard House included increasing the size of the original manor house by adding a tenant house to the back and conver ng it into the Kitchen. This room is filled with ingenious domes c improvements Mr. Alco made, as well as many household items belonging to the Alco s, and even a whimsical ar s c a empt at “pyrography” on a breadboard by the youngest daughter, May Alco — all of which require proper climate control to be properly preserved. PARLOR & DINING ROOM
Alco hospitality was a hallmark of Orchard House, and quite well-known throughout Concord. An open house would be held very Monday evening, enabling neighbors and friends to visit with each other while singing, dancing, enjoying the Alco sisters’ home-made theatricals, and discussing all manner of subjects — from social to social reform. Visitors to this room included Emerson, the Hawthornes and Frank Sanborn, while John Brown’s widow and children spent me in this room when they stayed at Orchard House. LOUISA MAY ALCOTT’S BEDCHAMBER
Perhaps no other room in the house is as an cipated to view as this one. LiƩle Women aficionado and old house enthusiasts alike are enthralled and intrigued by features such as the custom-built shelf desk between the two front windows made by Bronson Alco for Louisa and upon which she wrote Li le Women; the abundance of owls and flowers painted by Louisa’s sister May; and dozens of books from Louisa’s personal library along with many in mate objects. MAY ALCOTT’S BEDCHAMBER
Recently restored with the help of a grant from the Lowe’s Charitable & Educa onal Founda on, May’s room surprises and delights every visitor to Orchard House. With pencil and ink drawings around windows and on the backs of doors, a variety of sketches, and painted ware, photographs of her husband and daughter, and the famed costume trunk complete with props, boots, and cape, the joie de vive May exuded in her life con nues to be evoked in her room. STUDY
Both Mr. and Mrs. Alco and countless Concord neighbors and friends, as well as educators and reformers from all parts of the country spent me in this room. Many items that fill the space, therefore, are reflec ve of a shared love of learning and pursuit of high thoughts and meaningful reform. From hundreds of books from Mr. Alco ’s personal library to reminders of May Alco ’s ar s c talent, the Study resonates an abiding belief in the power of knowledge and compassion to overcome difficult situa ons. SELECTED ARTIFACTS FROM THE COLLECTION
The arƟfacts pictured above are just some of the hundreds of extraordinarily meaningful items in the Orchard House collecƟon. Many are not able to be displayed conƟnuously, but when they are, or when scholars view them during their research appointments, they once again seem to live and impart their influence, as they did for the AlcoƩs.
Seen here is a box decorated by Mr. AlcoƩ and filled with Elizabeth AlcoƩ’s sewing accessories, as well as a homeopathic kit used by Louisa May AlcoƩ SELECTED ARTIFACTS FROM THE COLLECTION
The ar facts pictured above are just some of the hundreds of extraordinarily meaningful items in the Orchard House collec on. Many are not able to be displayed con nuously, but when they are, or when scholars view them during their research appointments, they once again seem to live and impart their influence, as they did for the Alco s.
Seen here is A. Bronson AlcoƩ’s copy of The New Testament, as well as a leƩer and lock of hair Elizabeth AlcoƩ gave to her father SELECTED ARTIFACTS FROM THE COLLECTION
The ar facts pictured above are just some of the hundreds of extraordinarily meaningful items in the Orchard House collec on. Many are not able to be displayed con nuously, but when they are, or when scholars view them during their research appointments, they once again seem to live and impart their influence, as they did for the Alco s.
Seen here is Louisa May AlcoƩ’s sewing kit which she used as a nurse in the Civil War as well May AlcoƩ’s paintbox SELECTED ARTIFACTS FROM THE COLLECTION
The ar facts pictured above are just some of the hundreds of extraordinarily meaningful items in the Orchard House collec on. Many are not able to be displayed con nuously, but when they are, or when scholars view them during their research appointments, they once again seem to live and impart their influence, as they did for the Alco s.
Seen here are Pickwick Club “badges” (one with original silk ribbon sƟll aƩached) worn by the AlcoƩ sisters when they performed adaptaƟons of works by Charles Dickens