Step back in time to 1858 and spend some time with the famed 19th-Century writer and naturalist Henry David Thoreau! Mr. Thoreau (portrayed by Historian Richard Smith) will read selections from his essay, “Walking.” Afterward he will take questions (in character) for an entertaining and educational look into Thoreau’s life in 19th Century Concord, Massachusetts.

Richard Smith is a Public Historian in Concord, Massachusetts and has been portraying Henry Thoreau for over 20 years. While he spends most of his time (as Thoreau) at Walden Pond, he also travels a great deal, and has performed as Thoreau across the country and in Canada. In addition, Richard has written six books (including two about Thoreau) for Applewood Books. He is also the current Scholar In Residence for Longfellow’s Wayside Inn in Sudbury, Massachusetts.

This program is offered by Thoreau Farm as part of the Hidden Treasures Festival of Nature, Culture & History, an annual month-long celebration showcasing events and activities hosted by local partners celebrating the unique places, objects, and stories of the Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area. Hidden Treasures programs are free and open to the public. Click to discover more Hidden Treasures!