The Old Manse stands as a witness to pivotal moments in early American history. Built by William Emerson Sr., it was first home to his family and enslaved people, including Phillis, Cate, and Frank. Two generations later, the house became a gathering place for abolitionists such as Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, and the Alcott family, who helped operate the Underground Railroad nearby. Ralph Waldo Emerson heard the first shots of the Revolution in the home's backyard and later penned "Nature" within its walls, laying the foundation for the Transcendentalist literary movement. Nathaniel Hawthorne and his family once rented The Old Manse, giving it its name.
CRB Classical 99.5 midday host Edyn-Mae Stevenson explores these echoes of American history through an immersive classical music listening experience, featuring works such as Gustav Holst's Walt Whitman Overture, John Williams's Hymn to New England, William Grant Still's Symphony No. 1, "Afro-American," and more.
Listen to Classical Music at the Old Manse via the audio player above, or here:
The Old Manse is located in Concord, Massachusetts.
Get directions and explore this historic site.
