Concord Walking Tours

04/23/2026

Concord Walking Tours will be on vacation through May 2nd.

04/03/2026

Concord History Nerd Alert! An HDT Tidbit for you!

One of the biggest mysteries about Henry David Thoreau isn't about his writing, but what happened after his death, specifically, when his remains and those of his family were moved from their original burial plot to Author's Ridge in Sleepy Hollow Cemetery.

Most people know that Henry's sister Sophia arranged the move sometime in 1872, but the exact date remains a mystery. Recently, I uncovered an article from the October 7, 1873, "Boston Globe" that mentions HDT was buried beside Hawthorne - proving the move was finished by then.

So, next time you stroll along Author's Ridge, remember there is still a little mystery beneath those famous gravestones. Let the sleuthing continue, fellow History Nerds!

03/12/2026

What do I do when not giving tours? I do research.

I am honored and proud to share that my article has been published in Commonplace, the Journal of Early American Life! In this piece, I share my search for the final resting place of Concord's Black community in Sleepy Hollow. Shedding light on these untold stories has been a privilege.

I invite you all to read the article, reflect on its significance, and join the ongoing conversation about historical memory.

Ultimately, the search for Concord’s lost graves is not solely about stones and names; it is about restoring individuals to history, one clue at a time.

01/27/2025

Traditionally, winters in New England have cold weather and snow. However, over the past two years, we experienced milder winters. This year, however, is more reminiscent of a classic New England Winter, with cold air, biting winds, and snow. While most sidewalks have been cleared, walking to and from historic sites remains challenging. (See photos)

With more snow and turbulent weather predicted for February, I won’t be able to conduct tours. Instead, more research will be done to refresh existing tours and develop new ones.

One of the greatest challenges we face is recovering the lives of ordinary Americans - women, children, people of color, and those who were enslaved or indentured, among others. Primary sources are invaluable in helping me uncover these narratives.

For the next few weeks, I will share some of the stories I have uncovered to help highlight the narratives that have long-awaited rediscovery and retelling.

11/20/2024

11/20/2024

I give back to my community by volunteering to do historical research for the History & Education Subcommittee. See the below link to watch the talk I recently gave.

11/10/2024

Reminder - there is still work happening up at the North Bridge.

Visit the Minute Man National Historical Park website to keep up to date on park closures.

11/03/2024

In two weeks, I will give a talk at the Concord Free Public Library!

Crowdsourcing the American Revolution

November 16, 2:00 - 3:30 p.m.

Goodwin Forum, Main Library

Concord and surrounding communities are very good about celebrating April 19th; however, there was more to the American Revolution than that critical date. The war lasted for eight years.

Join historian Beth van Duzer as she speaks about her research, including finding individuals who fought for Concord during the eight years of the war, who died in service, and where they are buried. Most importantly, learn how the Concord250 History & Education Subcommittee would like your assistance to make this database more complete. Beth van Duzer is an independent historian in Concord, MA. She earned a bachelor's degree in English from Montclair State University and a master's degree in History, focused on Public History, from Southern New Hampshire University. Beth is the co-chair and clerk of the Concord250 History & Education Subcommittee and is the owner of Concord Walking Tours, a history research and tour company.

08/21/2024

In case anyone was wondering what was happening at Merriam’s Corner along Battle Road - Minuteman National Historical Park is moving the historic marker back a few feet to a previous location. It has been hit by trucks and cars. By returning the stone to a previous location further in from the road it is hoped fewer vehicles will injure the marker.

08/05/2024

A fading rainbow near Dee funeral home greeted my tour group as we rounded a corner this evening. The group was debating what was at the end of the rainbow - a pot of gold or skittles…

Look for public tours to resume at the end of August.