Special Collections Events

The William Special Collections is honored to host a series of programs in spring 2024. Sponsored by the Concord Free Public Library Corporation. 

Concord Wetland Wildlife: Close Looks at the Animals of Thoreau’s Favorite Swamp - with Ron McAdow

Sunday, April 21, 2:00—3:30 p.m.

Goodwin Forum, Main Library

This slide presentation will feature videos and photos of wildlife from Well Meadow, the pristine wetland off Fairhaven Bay, on Concord’s southeast boundary. Well Meadow was a frequent destination for Henry David Thoreau. Ron’s trail camera monitors traffic on a beaver dam that crosses the swamp. We will see images and videos of the wide variety of animals that use this bridge: mink, otter, bobcat, and many other species. Thoreau kept an appreciative eye on Well Meadow vegetation—we will hear his observations about some of the plants that anchor this rich natural community. You can sample one of Ron's wildlife videos here.

Ron McAdow is the author of The Concord, Sudbury, and Assabet Rivers, Emerson’s Nature, Concord Village, and other books. He served for a decade as Executive Director of Sudbury Valley Trustees. His Adult and Community Education course offerings include Fairhaven History and Hike. [Register for Ron McAdow Talk]

A Personal History of the 1960s - with Doris Kearns Goodwin

Sunday, April 21, 5:00 - 6:30 p.m.

Goodwin Forum, Main Library

Please join us in the Goodwin Forum for a presentation and book signing with the Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Doris Kearns Goodwin for her newest book, An Unfinished Love Story: A Personal History of the 1960s. One of America’s most beloved historians, Doris artfully weaves together biography, memoir, and history. She takes us along on the emotional journey she and her husband, Richard (Dick) Goodwin embarked upon in the last years of his life. [Register for Doris Kearns Goodwin Talk]

Past programs -