Transcendentalism Council
The Transcendentalism Council is dedicated to coordinating activities related to the Transcendentalists and in examining the religious, spiritual and philosophic connections to Unitarian Universalism. Our mission includes outreach to the community and to other organizations so that we can work together to share information and understanding about the Transcendentalists, and the influence they have had in the world.
The Council meets on the last Thursday of the month at 7:30pm at First Parish. Co-chairs are Lillian Anderson and Steph Chiha.
Our events are listed below:
- Tuesday, February 2nd from 7:00 to 8:30 pm: Lecture by Jenny Rankin entitled “Margaret Fuller and the Transcendentalists”
o Co-sponsored by the Jamaica Plan Historical Society and the Jamaica Plain Tuesday Club
o For carpooling or other information, contact Lillian at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
o Location: Loring-Greenough House, 12 South Street, Jamaica Plain
- Monday, February 22nd at 7:00 pm: Emerson Forum
o Discussion topic will be Emerson’s Essay “Friendship”
o For more information, contact Mel at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
o Location: Wright Tavern
- Saturday, March 20th at 5:30 pm: Black Walden, Part 1
o Anti-slavery themed tour of the Old Manse
o Reservations suggested – Call 978.369.3909
o Tour admission is $10
o Location: The Old Manse
- Saturday, March 20th at 7:00 pm: Black Walden, Part 2
o Presentation by Elise Lemire, author of Black Walden
o Reception and book signing to follow the presentation
o Co-sponsored by the Old Manse & the First Parish Transcendentalism Council
o For more information, contact Steph at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
o Location: Parish Hall, First Parish in Concord
- Thursday April 8th to Sat April 10th : Conference “Margaret Fuller and Her Circles”
o Discussion by and among scholars, including Philip Gura and Megan Marshall
o Papers will be available on-line, in advance
o Sponsored by the Massachusetts Historical Society
o Location: Mass Historical Society, 1154 Boylston Street, Boston
- Monday, May 10th at 7:00 pm: Emerson Forum
o Discussion topic to be announced
o Location: Wright Tavern
- Friday, May 21st through Sunday, May 23rd: Bicentennial Celebration of Margaret Fuller’s birth
o Guided tours, speakers, and period entertainment
o Birthday celebration at both Sunday services at First Parish in Concord
o Sponsored by the First Parish Transcendentalism Council
o Location: Both at First Parish and at sites associated with Margaret Fuller and the Transcendentalist community in Concord
- June, 2010: Celebration of Margaret Fuller at GA in Minneapolis
o Presentations, Children’s Book, Hymn Contest
o Location: General Assembly
- July 8th though 11th: The Thoreau Society Annual Gathering
o Keynote Address by Megan Marshall, author of The Peabody Sisters
o Details to follow at http://www.thoreausociety.org/_news_upcomingevents.htm