In July 1846, Henry David Thoreau was arrested in Concord, Massachusetts for non-payment of the poll tax, his deliberate protest against the immorality of slavery and the Mexican-American War. Because of his arrest Thoreau would write "Civil Disobedience," an essay that would become one of the most influential political works in American literature.

Thoreau was not alone; men and women in Concord shared his passion for human rights by organizing against slavery, promoting women's rights, advocating for Native American welfare, and pushing for educational reform. This commitment to human rights persists to this day as Concordians speak out against war and stand up for Black Lives and the LGBTQ community.

Join Concord public historian Richard Smith as he tells the story of Thoreau's civil disobedience and the Reform movements of the 19th Century that made Concord a hotbed for human rights activism. Are Thoreau's words and actions more powerful and influential now than they were in 1849? What is Concord's legacy of protest? And can civil disobedience effect true social change?

Tea and light refreshments will be served.

This event is free and open to the public.