Henry Thoreau was a lifelong observer of the colorful leaves that surrounded his native Concord every autumn, and he kept copious notes on the yearly change of colors. In the final years of his life he put these observations into a lecture that he called “Autumnal Tints.” It was one of the last essays that he worked on before his death in 1862.
Join Concord historian and Thoreau scholar Richard Smith as he tells the story of Thoreau and “Autumnal Tints.” How and why did Thoreau come to write the essay? How was it received? And how did Thoreau’s interest in Darwin affect this and his later essays? Afterward, Richard and Walden Pond Park staff will lead a short walk into the woods and read selections from “Autumnal Tints.”
All are welcome. Reasonable accommodations upon request. For more information call: (978) 405-2082. On sunny days, holidays and weekends, Walden Pond often closes due to capacity. Check DCR Park Alerts for closures at mass.gov/parkalerts.
Sponsored by Friends of Walden Pond.
