Join the Concord Museum to celebrate the 27th Annual Family Trees: A Celebration of Children’s Literature opening to the public on Wednesday, Nov. 23 through Monday, January 2, 2023. Admire 34 fancifully decorated holiday trees and wreaths inspired by acclaimed works of children’s literature.
Family Trees has been a tradition for visitors and families to the Concord Museum for over 27 years. Each year a group of dedicated volunteer decorators take inspiration from a carefully selected list of children’s books to create whimsical trees and wreaths. Over the years, more than 850 books have been used to bring children’s book characters and stories to life all while encouraging a love of books and reading in young visitors.
“This exhibition is such a special time of year at the museum,” said Director of Education, Susan Foster Jones. “Family Trees brings so many people together – we see grandparents connecting with grandchildren to read favorite books, friends enjoying a holiday outing, and students and teachers sharing in the joy of learning to read
“We are so grateful to our volunteers and community partners who make this incredible event happen,” she added. “Decorators, librarians, authors, schools, local bookstores, and more all help to make this month a memorable holiday tradition.
Many local and nationally known authors participate in family trees each year. The books are carefully selected by a team of volunteers, museum staff, librarians, and local authors to create a rich variety of classic stories and brand-new books. Honorary Chairs of Family Trees have included Tomie dePaola, Gregory Maguire, Peter Reynolds, Grace Lin, Jane Yolen and her daughter Heidi Stemple, Cokie Roberts, Jerry Pinkney, D.B. Johnson, Melissa Sweet, Pamela Zagarenski, Nicole Tadgell, and Grace Lin.
This year award-winning author and naturalist, Sy Montgomery, is serving as the Honorary Chair of the 27th Annual Family Trees: A Celebration of Children’s Literature. Sy has been described by the New York Times as “equal parts poet and scientist” and by the Boston Globe as “Part Indiana Jones and part Emily Dickinson”. Her recently published children’s book Becoming a Good Creature is featured in this year’s celebration. One of the most celebrated writers of our time, Sy has been awarded the Children’s Book Guild Nonfiction Award for her contributions to children’s literature and has been a finalist for the National Book Award and an international bestseller for her work in adult nonfiction.
Admission: During this benefit event, Concord Museum admission is $18 adults, $15 seniors & students; $10 Youth (6-17); Children $8 (3 to 5); Children (2 and under) free. Members Free. The Museum is open Tuesday through Sunday, 10:00am to 4:00pm. (Closed November 24, December 24 and December 25). Walk-ins welcome. Go to www.concordmuseum.org for more information and this year’s Family Tree’s Booklist. For questions 978-369-9763 x222
