Shop at Walden Pond

04/20/2026

The Thoreau Alliance was well represented at the Concord Patriots Day Parade with the Executive Director Rebecca Migdal and the Shop at Walden Pond's Manager Chynna Lemire.

The purpose of the Alliance is to stimulate interest in and foster education about Thoreau’s life, works, legacy and his place in his world and in ours, challenging all to live a deliberate, considered life.

To support this mission, the Alliance hosts programs and publications that educate the public about Thoreau’s work and legacy, supports research about his life and writing, serves as a repository for a collection of Thoreauviana, advocates for the preservation of Thoreau Country, and maintains the birth house of Henry Thoreau on Virginia Road in Concord, Massachusetts, as a cultural and education center open to all.

There are two major components to the organization’s structure: The Thoreau Society, including the membership, collections, and publications; and Thoreau Farm, including the birth house, its operations, and its property.

www.thoreaualliance.org

01/23/2026

Because of the impending snow storm The Walden Pond Visitor's Center and The Shop at Walden Pond will be closed on Sunday January 25 and Monday January 26th.

12/01/2025

Will it snow here tomorrow? Will the snow turn to sleet and to rain? Will it fall as all rain instead? We don't know. But we think a lot of people will be staying home tomorrow, Tuesday, December 2nd. We've decided to stay home, too. The Shop at Walden Pond WILL BE CLOSED on Tuesday. We'll see you at opening at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, December 3rd.

11/14/2025

Two of Walden Pond's interpretive staff members, Kyle and Mark, met one of the park's residents just as the sun was setting, a few days ago. This Great-horned owl was getting ready to look for dinner. Good thing our friends were not mice ... You never know what you may see out and about Walden Pond. :-)

10/10/2025

This morning, Walden Pond was a perfect forest mirror, Henry. Just like you said.

10/03/2025

We never know WHO will show up at the Shop at Walden Pond. Hey, this afternoon it's LAURA DASSOW WALLS, author of "Henry David Thoreau: A Life," "The Daily Henry David Thoreau: A Year of Quotes," and a number of other wonderful books. She took a moment to sign our copies for us. Thanks again, Laura! It's great to see you again.

09/13/2025

It's "Girl Scouts Love State Parks" weekend! All parking fees at Massachusetts state parks have been waived for today and tomorrow, September 13-14. Including Walden Pond State Reservation. Come early, come visit, and stop by the Shop to say Hi. :-)

09/06/2025

Our staff member, Richard Smith, is retiring his long-standing role as Henry David Thoreau this year. Stop by the Pond tomorrow to see his last official act at Walden, if you can. Thanks for everything, Richard! (I mean, Henry. Or, Richard....)

Richard Smith is hanging up his straw hat and sack coat after a final appearance at Walden Pond on September 6.

09/02/2025

Musician-dancer Paula Abdul and fellow musician Jimmy Demers stopped by Walden Pond AND the Shop last weekend. They had participated in the memorial service for Judge Frank Caprio in Providence, Rhode Island. And since they were within 60 miles of Concord, Jimmy convinced Paula to make the side trip. Jimmy is a Massachusetts native, and he comes back to visit relatives (and us!) several times a year. This was Paula's first time at the Pond and Shop. Here they pose with manager Corinne Smith. Thanks, guys!

08/23/2025

Alas! Summer is coming to a close, and we'll soon have to say goodbye to the seasonal park staffers. Here, we're sending Ben, Meaghan, Will, and Ava out into the world with shirts from our Shop. We consider them to be new members of the Sauntering Society! Good luck, guys! Hope to see you next year. :-)

08/08/2025

Hey, we've got a TAX-FREE WEEKEND this Saturday and Sunday, courtesy of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts! Saturday is also the 171st anniversary of the publication of the book WALDEN, written by Henry David Thoreau. Hah! What irony! We celebrate the book and the man by NOT CHARGING TAXES! Hah! Come visit us this weekend and save save save ... :-)