The headquarters of The Walden Woods Project, The Thoreau Institute at Walden Woods is a center for research and education focusing on Henry David Thoreau’s literary achievements, philosophy, and his influence on the environmental and social movements of the 20th and 21st centuries.

Situated on twenty-two acres of conservation land in the heart of Walden Woods, it is comprised of three buildings including the 12,000 square ft. Higginson House, the headquarters of The Walden Woods Project; the library/archive building, a 5,000 square foot, state of the art structure containing the most complete collection of material related to Thoreau ever assembled, and a stable building.

The former home of philanthropist and founder of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Henry Lee Higginson, the site is rich with history and symbolism and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2006.  Situated close to Walden Pond, Thoreau came to the property each year to pick huckleberries and blueberries and to visit Beech Spring.

Photo courtesy of The Walden Woods Project