Hi all-
BLOGGER TOM, with news from Concord, Massachusetts! This just came into the website from Jan Turnquist, the director of Orchard House:
Smithsonian Magazine and Tourism Cares for Tomorrow have named Louisa May Alcott's Orchard House, the "Home of Little Women," as one of only three finalists for the 2005 Sustainable Tourism Award, honoring our commitment to historic preservation and responsible tourism!
Orchard House was selected from nearly 150 well-qualified nominees from across the country. The winner will be chosen by public on-line voting between August 15th and October 31st. You may vote once per day per e-mail address. Click here to vote
Opened in 1911, Orchard House (ca. 1690) is one of America's oldest and most authentic historic sites. In addition to being the Alcott family home, the property sheltered Native Americans in the 1600s, witnessed the start of the American Revolution in the 1700s, and in the 1800s was a meeting place for notables of New England's Renaissance and the venue for Bronson Alcott's School of Philosophy, one of the first adult education programs in the country.
Resting on bare earth, however, Orchard House was sinking unevenly into the ground, with walls near collapse just five years ago. In a year of heroic effort, it was lifted onto steel beams and a foundation was dug -- largely by hand, rescuing Orchard House from certain destruction. Remarkably, the House remained open to not disappoint its global audience. Orchard House now awaits further structural work, conservation of artifacts and historic finishes, updating of safety and security systems, and restoration of The School of Philosophy and the historic landscape.
Orchard House brings the Alcott legacy in literature, art, education, philosophy, and social justice to life through acclaimed tours, living history events, curriculum-based educational programs, and original family furnishings and archives. Countless visitors from all walks of life and every corner of the globe experience Orchard House and discover what it means to be "home" -- the rescue of Orchard House will afford future generations the same opportunity.
The massive Phase One Preservation Project of Orchard House is complete and has been recognized by this nomination. In this contest, the highest number of votes wins, so every vote counts. Your help is needed to spread the word to vote for Orchard House. Forward this e-mail to your friends, and ask them to do the same.
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