Since it was established in 1635, Concord has been the center of global historical attention. Much of this attention has focused on the literary contributions of the town’s leading citizens and authors, such as: Thoreau, Sanborn, Emerson, the Alcotts and so many more prolific individuals.

Equally, the nation’s identity is grounded in events unfolding in Concord, and documented by these same local authors. Without these authors we would not have access to some of the less well known, compelling events and individuals contributing to the “making” of Concord — a fertile ground for democracy and freedom.

Concord’s role in the American Revolution and in the literary and philosophical ‘revolution’ of Transcendentalism has long been celebrated. Less well known, is the leadership that women of Concord provided to yet another revolution – the abolition of slavery in the United States

The Drinking Gourd Project’s goal is to unearth and publish the stories of lesser-known individuals who led brave and heroic lives, and to create a venue to explore these stories that have been forgotten or are no longer told.

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
— Margaret Mead, (1901 – 1978)