If you have a budding author in your family, then there are several places that you may consider taking him or her to help your kids learn about famous authors. These educational stops are a great way to encourage children to pursue their dreams. Even if your child is struggling, learning about famous people’s struggles at the place that they occurred may encourage them.
Massachusetts
When you visit Concord, Massachusetts, you can see homes where four famous authors lived. At the Orchard House, you can see where Louisa May Alcott penned Little Women. Next door, you can see the school founded by her father, who inspired much of Alcott’s thinking. Louisa May Alcott, Margaret Sidney, and Nathaniel Hawthorne all lived in the Wayside home, which is located nearby.
This property, located inside Minute Man National Historical Park, is open seasonally for tours. Before moving to the Wayside home, Nathaniel Hawthorne lived at the Old Manse. When your family visits here, you can see the garden created by Henry David Thoreau. Ralph Waldo Emerson also lived in this home for a little bit. You can also visit the Ralph Waldo Emerson House and see Walden Pond, where your kids can go swimming.
Connecticut
According to this source, if you’re traveling near Hartford, a popular attraction to help your kids learn about famous authors is Mark Twain’s family home as well as the home of Harriet Beecher Stowe, who wrote over 30 novels, including Uncle Tom’s Cabin. The young married Mark Twain lived in his house in Hartford from 1874 to 1891.
You can see where he wrote many of his novels in the billiards room along with many other rooms in this house that has been restored. Meanwhile, at the Victorian Gothic Harriet Beecher Stowe cottage just a few blocks away, you and your children will be inspired by how Stowe fought for social justice and leave inspired to continue her fight.
Missouri
Many authors have spent time living in Missouri. You can visit Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Rocky Ridge Farm, located near Mansfield, Missouri. Almanzo built this home for Laura, where she wrote her famous Little House on the Prairie books and it has been preserved with many little treasures that readers will recognize from the books.
You can also see where Mark Twain, aka Samuel Clement, was born in Hannibal. And of course, you can also visit the house where T.S. Elliot was born on Locust Street in St. Louis.
TL;DR
There have been many great American authors. Most were influenced by their environments to create their masterpieces, and you and your family can see those locations today to help your kids learn about famous authors. Use these experiences to spark an interest in reading with your children.
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