Thoreau Society
Encyclopedia
Established in 1941, the Thoreau Society has long contributed to the dissemination of knowledge about Henry David Thoreau
by collecting books, manuscripts, and artifacts relating to Thoreau and his contemporaries, by encouraging the use of its collections, and by publishing articles in two Society periodicals. Through an annual gathering in Concord, Massachusetts
, and through sessions devoted to Thoreau at the Modern Language Association
’s annual convention and the American Literature Association’s annual conference, the Thoreau Society provides opportunities for all those interested in Thoreau – dedicated readers and followers, as well as the leading scholars in the field – to gather and share their knowledge of Thoreau and his times.
The Thoreau Society archives are housed at the Thoreau Institute's Henley Library in Lincoln, Massachusetts
. This repository includes the collections of Walter Harding and Raymond Adams, two of the foremost authorities on Thoreau and founders of the Thoreau Society; and those of Roland Robbins, who uncovered Thoreau's Walden house site.
of professions, interests, and hometowns across
the USA and around the world
. They are connected
by the conviction that Henry Thoreau had
important things to say and crucial questions to
ask that are just as significant in our time as in his.
Through its programs, publications and projects,
The Thoreau Society is committed to exploring
Thoreau's observations on living with self, society
and nature, and encouraging people to think about
how they live their own lives.
, Harpers Ferry, Mt. Monadnock and Concord sites such as Egg Rock
, Fairhaven Bay, Gowing's Swamp and Sleepy Hollow Cemetery.
Henry David Thoreau
Henry David Thoreau was an American author, poet, philosopher, abolitionist, naturalist, tax resister, development critic, surveyor, historian, and leading transcendentalist...
by collecting books, manuscripts, and artifacts relating to Thoreau and his contemporaries, by encouraging the use of its collections, and by publishing articles in two Society periodicals. Through an annual gathering in Concord, Massachusetts
Concord, Massachusetts
Concord is a town in Middlesex County, Massachusetts, in the United States. As of the 2010 census, the town population was 17,668. Although a small town, Concord is noted for its leading roles in American history and literature.-History:...
, and through sessions devoted to Thoreau at the Modern Language Association
Modern Language Association
The Modern Language Association of America is the principal professional association in the United States for scholars of language and literature...
’s annual convention and the American Literature Association’s annual conference, the Thoreau Society provides opportunities for all those interested in Thoreau – dedicated readers and followers, as well as the leading scholars in the field – to gather and share their knowledge of Thoreau and his times.
The Thoreau Society archives are housed at the Thoreau Institute's Henley Library in Lincoln, Massachusetts
Lincoln, Massachusetts
Lincoln is a town in the historic area of Middlesex County, Massachusetts, United States. The population was 6,362 at the 2010 census, including residents of Hanscom Air Force Base that live within town limits...
. This repository includes the collections of Walter Harding and Raymond Adams, two of the foremost authorities on Thoreau and founders of the Thoreau Society; and those of Roland Robbins, who uncovered Thoreau's Walden house site.
Mission
- To stimulate interest in and foster education about Thoreau's life, works, and philosophy and his place in his world and ours,
- To encourage research on Thoreau’s life and writings,
- To act as a repository for Thoreauviana and material relevant to Thoreau,
- And to advocate for the preservation of Thoreau Country.
Members
Thoreau Society members represent a wide rangeof professions, interests, and hometowns across
the USA and around the world
World
World is a common name for the whole of human civilization, specifically human experience, history, or the human condition in general, worldwide, i.e. anywhere on Earth....
. They are connected
by the conviction that Henry Thoreau had
important things to say and crucial questions to
ask that are just as significant in our time as in his.
Through its programs, publications and projects,
The Thoreau Society is committed to exploring
Thoreau's observations on living with self, society
and nature, and encouraging people to think about
how they live their own lives.
Annual Gathering
Four days of indoor and outdoor sessions and excursions in and around Concord focused on a different theme each year. The Thursday–Sunday program is scheduled in early July.Educational Programs
Lectures, classes, and performances in Thoreau's hometown of Concord, often in collaboration with other historical, literary, environmental and educational organizations. An educational DVD, “Life With Principle,” is available for high school and adult audiences with a full accompanying curriculum and related workshops.Excursions
Trips to places associated with Thoreau, from half-day hikes to multi-day outings. Past locations have included Mt. Katahdin, Cape CodCape Cod
Cape Cod, often referred to locally as simply the Cape, is a cape in the easternmost portion of the state of Massachusetts, in the Northeastern United States...
, Harpers Ferry, Mt. Monadnock and Concord sites such as Egg Rock
Egg Rock
Egg Rock is an outcrop of Silurian Straw Hollow Diorite at the confluence of the Assabet and Sudbury rivers, where they form the Concord River in Concord, Massachusetts. The outcrop is located on a roughly oval intermittent island of about 100 by 50 meters...
, Fairhaven Bay, Gowing's Swamp and Sleepy Hollow Cemetery.