How many of us remember what 1998 was like?
Apparently, it was the year that a few like minded people decided to get together and preserve Henry David Thoreau's Birthplace. The house itself was moved down the road from its original address, but I don't think Henry would mind the new setting. If he were to visit now (and who knows, maybe he has?), he'd find a farm adjacent to the property (Gaining Ground); one that is operated by volunteers who raise fruits and vegetables for food pantries.
He'd also find a replica of his cabin behind the building. There are MANY replicas now, not counting copycats from the Tiny House movement. I wonder if he'd think this one was as oddly placed as the one near the Walden Pond Parking lot. Cynics might see the Parking Lot Replica as an accommodation to tourists who can't be bothered to walk to the original site. But frankly, any opportunity to place yourself inside the cabin changes your perception of what a human needs.
The Thoreau Farm itself is only slightly more expansive, but with a full family, it probably felt very crowded. You can feel the years of history standing on the old wood planks of the floor.
If you can't come to the events, I'd recommend visiting the House (and cabin). Time travel is easier than we think.
You can view the full events page here: https://thoreaufarm.org/2018/11/5839/
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UPDATE OF THE EVENTS:
Jack Beatty led an excellent panel discussion about Thoreau's Moral Sense of Purpose, and how important it was to be true to oneself. A spirited audience member got up and reiterated questions about staying true to one's beliefs-especially as an outsider. However, under the circumstance, he was discussing the current political climate. He was a supporter of the president, and felt seriously outnumbered and defensive. So much so that his words became forceful and angry-which also felt unnatural to the discussion.
It was the PERFECT setup for the movie about Ramsey Clark, https://alifeofprinciple.com/, a controversial lawyer who always fought for the little guy-even when it wasn't a popular choice. It is important to be reminded that things are NEVER as black and white as they sound.
The next day was a lovely gathering for Saving Thoreau's Birthplace, and it had author Lucille Stott reading from her book about how a concerned group of citizens was able to fight and preserve Thoreau's birthplace. It is not always possible for the creators of history to gather together in one room, but that day it happened. Almost everyone had a memory of how difficult and absurd it all seemed 20 years ago-and was astonished and proud to be standing in the vibrant arts center that it is today!
Apparently, it was the year that a few like minded people decided to get together and preserve Henry David Thoreau's Birthplace. The house itself was moved down the road from its original address, but I don't think Henry would mind the new setting. If he were to visit now (and who knows, maybe he has?), he'd find a farm adjacent to the property (Gaining Ground); one that is operated by volunteers who raise fruits and vegetables for food pantries.
He'd also find a replica of his cabin behind the building. There are MANY replicas now, not counting copycats from the Tiny House movement. I wonder if he'd think this one was as oddly placed as the one near the Walden Pond Parking lot. Cynics might see the Parking Lot Replica as an accommodation to tourists who can't be bothered to walk to the original site. But frankly, any opportunity to place yourself inside the cabin changes your perception of what a human needs.
The Thoreau Farm itself is only slightly more expansive, but with a full family, it probably felt very crowded. You can feel the years of history standing on the old wood planks of the floor.
If you can't come to the events, I'd recommend visiting the House (and cabin). Time travel is easier than we think.
You can view the full events page here: https://thoreaufarm.org/2018/11/5839/
===
UPDATE OF THE EVENTS:
Jack Beatty led an excellent panel discussion about Thoreau's Moral Sense of Purpose, and how important it was to be true to oneself. A spirited audience member got up and reiterated questions about staying true to one's beliefs-especially as an outsider. However, under the circumstance, he was discussing the current political climate. He was a supporter of the president, and felt seriously outnumbered and defensive. So much so that his words became forceful and angry-which also felt unnatural to the discussion.
It was the PERFECT setup for the movie about Ramsey Clark, https://alifeofprinciple.com/, a controversial lawyer who always fought for the little guy-even when it wasn't a popular choice. It is important to be reminded that things are NEVER as black and white as they sound.
The next day was a lovely gathering for Saving Thoreau's Birthplace, and it had author Lucille Stott reading from her book about how a concerned group of citizens was able to fight and preserve Thoreau's birthplace. It is not always possible for the creators of history to gather together in one room, but that day it happened. Almost everyone had a memory of how difficult and absurd it all seemed 20 years ago-and was astonished and proud to be standing in the vibrant arts center that it is today!
