In the center of Concord, Massachusetts, stands a building that was built in 1747 and has witnessed significant events in the founding and progress of the United States. Today, we have completed major structural repairs and stabilization project. While there are many more improvements needed for the building, it is now “Open for Visitors.”
The project to repair, restore, renovate and manage the Wright Tavern for the public is being led by the Wright Tavern Legacy Trust. First Parish in Concord currently owns the building. The Trust is an independent, non-profit trust that has leased the building from First Parish and is leading the effort described below. We, the Trust, seek your support to help us realize our vision and aspirations for this building and enable the Wright Tavern to take its rightful place in telling the stories of Concord’s history and the founding of the United States. Our vision and plans are to create the Wright Tavern into an active gathering place and tavern operating within an interactive museum.
The building is open for self-guided tours and for meeting space rentals. Our summer hours are Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, 11AM - 4PM. You may also contact us if you are interested in hosting a meeting, event, celebration or a special tour for your group. See the Contact page to get in touch with us or reach out at [email protected].
When you think of a place to get together with friends, remember what people said in Colonial America:
“Let’s meet at the Wright Tavern.”
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Preserve and sustain the Wright Tavern’s role as an iconic, historic building of Concord.
Open the Wright Tavern to the public for community, visitors and tourists.
Become a community and cultural center in Concord.
Be financially self-sustaining without reliance on First Parish or public funding.
Develop our programs with a high degree of collaboration with other historic sites and community involvement.
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The following describes by year the critical priorities and action plans for the Wright Tavern. These are based on our structural assessment and understanding of what is needed by the market.
2023: Finalize all designs and make critical repairs to the building
2024: Continue implementing improvements to the building as permitted and needed to prepare the building for its ultimate use; begin offering soft public openings, events, and guided visitor tours in the Fall – with exhibits, catered refreshments and programs.
2025: Continue improvements to the building and programming; host events, meetings and “pop-up” activities; implement new exhibits and services tied to the interests of our visitors and the Concord250 celebratory events.
2026: Expand the improvements in services and exhibitions and promote the building as a place for gatherings, meetings, events, and enjoyment by the community. We will also shift the focus from capital improvements to operating the business and serving our guests and customers.
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Our overall strategy will be to transform the Wright Tavern from its current commercial-centric location to a Concord community-centric location. To achieve this vision, our plan includes the following strategies:
We will create multiple sources of revenue that support the preservation and effective utilization of the Wright Tavern. These include year-round income sources from refreshment and concession sales, rentals from building use for events and meetings, annual fundraising with memberships and public promotions, educational programs, professionally guided tours, and office rental space to organizations with similar historical and educational missions. These multiple sources will help support the financial sustainability and make a positive economic impact on the Tavern.
As we receive capital investments, we will implement improvements to the building that build on the previous improvements. We will design and implement improvements as we can afford them from contributions and grants. These capital improvements will be in three phases:
Stabilization – Assuring the preservation of the building
Restoration and Rehabilitation – Building the infrastructure of the building necessary to support visitors and programming planned for the Tavern.
Exhibit and Program Development – As funding and interest permit, we will develop multiple types of exhibits (i.e., displays, artifacts, interactive media, etc.) and programs with other institutions and communities.
We will develop and implement programs, reenactments, pop-up celebrations, and high-visibility meetings that utilize the building when it is safe and available, given our construction and rehabilitation plans.
We will pursue actions that build support in the community and our primary funding sources as we move toward the vision for the Wright Tavern. This includes building trust and confidence in various town and civic committees in our plans and operations and other historic sites in Concord and beyond.
The Wright Tavern will be managed by professionals with particular expertise and experience in supporting the vision, plans, and operations of the organization. Staffing will be shared with other organizations or added to meet the needs as they evolve. We will hire and expand staff as funding to provide secured salaries and benefits to our staff members; until that is possible, we will seek assistance from volunteers and service contracts with individuals and organizations.
Our Mission
Overview of our Vision
Our vision and plans for the Wright Tavern are to make it “an active tavern and gathering place within an interactive museum.” Historically, Taverns are gathering places where people come, learn, and discuss the day's events. The Wright Tavern will be a gathering place for meetings, educational programs, events, celebrations, and reenactments. Refreshments will provide both entertainment value and important sources of income. If we are able to obtain the necessary licenses and funding, then this tavern will provide both non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks including beer, wine and colonial period signature drinks. All this would be within an interactive museum, where people can walk around and learn about the events of historic Concord and the founding of the United States and sit at tables to engage each other and or interpretative staff experts in colonial and American history. This will be a unique and highly attractive place where we hope people say, “Let’s meet at the Wright Tavern.”
FAQs
What is the Wright Tavern?
The Wright Tavern is a very historic red building in the center of Concord, Massachusetts. It was built in 1747 by Ephraim Jones on land previously owned by Rev. Peter Bulkeley, a founding citizen of Concord and the first minister of First Parish. It became a tavern soon after it was built and operated as one until around 1790 when the Middlesex Hotel was built across the street from the Tavern. It is the site of several important events in the founding of the United States and the development of Concord.
How did the Wright Tavern get its name?
The Tavern was named after Amos Wright. Although he never owned the building, he was the innkeeper at the beginning of the American Revolution when the Tavern played an important role in several critical events. But it didn’t get this name until Lamuel Shattuck wrote his book, History of Concord, in 1835. Since then, the name stuck. George Tolman wrote a book in 1901 called Wright’s Tavern, and again, the name of the building has remained.
Why is the Wright Tavern important?
It is one of the few remaining models of a colonial tavern in America. Taverns in those days were the center of the community. It was where the Town Select Board met, court sessions were held, and for many citizens, a tavern was like their living room. Locals would meet friends there, share good food and drinks, engage in lively conversations, and hear gossip about the town and news from the broader world from frequent travelers. In 1961 the Wright Tavern was designated a National Historic Landmark, and it is regarded as “a historic site of exceptional value in commemorating and illustrating the history of the United States.” For more information on the significant events that took place at the Wright Tavern please see our History page.
Is it open? And is it still a tavern?
Yes it is, in a limited manner. We are welcoming guided tours of the Tavern; these can be scheduled through the Concord Visitor Center or if you wish a private tour, we can conduct this for you, your family or group. It is also available for rental. We have a large “Tea Room” (will seat up to 49 people) and the “Wright Tavern Room (will seat up to 25 people), and one could rent the entire first floor (about 2,000 sf). Please contact us (or the Visitor’s Center) if you would like to experience the Wright Tavern. Once we have the Refreshment Center installed and operating, we plan on opening the Wright Tavern to anyone during the day as an open gathering place, meeting space, similar to what taverns did in Colonial America.
The Wright Tavern has gone through quite a few “lives” over its long history. It was a Tavern until about 1790, when the Middlesex Hotel (which no longer stands) opened across the street, and customers sought out the new establishment. After a few years, the Tavern was sold to Francis Jarvis, who turned it into a very successful bakery. The Wright Tavern was known for its rolls, pies, and donuts for townspeople and weary travelers. Local children served these goodies to the Concord militia on training days. The Tavern changed hands many times over the years and was eventually acquired by Reuben Rice and Judge Ebenezer Hoar, who soon after gave it to First Parish in Concord. In the late 1890s, the Wright Tavern again returned to being a restaurant and inn under professional management by hotelkeepers. It operated this way until the mid-1940s when business dropped because of the War and competition. It was then turned into shops for several decades and then into private offices in the 1980s. Many people remember the Tri-Con Gift Shop. Over the last several years, the church has used it for meetings, offices, and rental property for professional service firms like Nashawtac Architects. The Concord Museum operated there between 2016-2018. And, how, the Tavern is being operated by the Wright Tavern Legacy Trust. As we have stated in other areas, the Wright Tavern will become a gathering place, a center for learning about democracy and the founding of our country, and an educational center open to all. We have much work to be done to fulfill this mission, but we are steadily making progress.
Who owns the Wright Tavern now?
In 1882, Mr. Reuben Rice and Judge Ebenezer Hoar, both citizens of Concord and members of First Parish, acquired the building. It is believed that during the centennial celebration (1874-76) of the founding of the United States, they realized the historical significance of the Wright Tavern. They witnessed many similar buildings being torn down as the town grew and expanded. In 1885, they gave the building to First Parish to protect and maintain the structure and help the church with its finances.
First Parish in Concord continues to maintain and operate the building. The Tavern remains in good condition, though many repairs are needed. First Parish intends to continue owning the building and decided in 2019 to build a new future, the next chapter in the life of the Wright Tavern.
What is happening with the Wright Tavern now?
The vision for the Wright Tavern, which is likely to take several years to become reality, is to transform the building into a gathering place, a learning center that operates within an interactive museum and tavern. This means it will provide space to host meetings, events, and celebrations, as well as reenactments and programs for schools and other educational institutions. It will be fully active in all historic celebrations in Concord and be open for guided tours or just casual visitors and tourists. Several rooms will be dedicated to telling the stories of colonial taverns, of what happened in Concord on April 19th, 1775, the importance of the Provincial Congress, and the stories the Wright Tavern has witnessed. Finally, if we are able to receive town approval and funding, we will create an active tavern that serves refreshments, including non-alcoholic beverages as well as beer, wine and signature drinks of colonial America. It will be open year-round and be a place where people can come and learn of its history, be with friends, and engage with others. In short, we will return the Wright Tavern to its roots as a center for community life and enjoyment for all who enter.
Who is paying for this?
At this point, the Town of Concord has been wonderfully generous and invested a significant financial grant through the Community Preservation Committee (CPC) and the support of the Concord Historical Commission. We have received grants from several leading organizations. The Board and a few key individuals have been generous in supporting the work to renovate and preserve the Wright Tavern. First Parish is providing additional funding. First Parish’s primary investments are the time and involvement of many congregants in leading and guiding this effort and absorbing the loss of income previously received from the building’s tenants. First Parish continues to pay for all the operating costs until the Wright Tavern can generate sufficient revenue to cover these costs.
The work that needs to be done to prepare the building for the uses outlined above will cost significantly more than these contributions. Consequently, the Wright Tavern Legacy Trust Board is currently engaged in a major capital fund-raising campaign, the "Wright Tavern Futures Campaign," to solicit contributions of all sizes. The campaign will seek continued donations from individuals, grants, and support from foundations, corporations, and governmental agencies. This combination of financial contributions should provide the necessary funding for the restoration, rehabilitation, and renovations necessary for the building and provide funding to support staffing and programs to implement our vision for the Wright Tavern. Once we become fully operational, we will receive income from room rentals, concessions from our refreshment and gift center, and ongoing grants and annual fundraising. This Wright Tavern Futures Campaign is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to invest in the renewal of this historic and very special place.
What are your plans for the Wright Tavern?
We plan to have the Wright Tavern open with limited activities in 2024 while work is being done within the building. We are working to be more fully operational in time for the Patriot’s Day Celebrations in 2025 – the 250th anniversary of the War for Independence. Before this event, we will be hosting two important events. On September 2, 2024, we will be hosting the reenactment of Lafayette’s Farewell Tour of America. This will celebrate the 200th anniversary of Marque de’ Lafayette’s tour of America, as he was a critical supporter of the American Revolution. In addition, on October 11, 2024, the Concord250 and REV250 organizations will be hosting a reenactment of the First Massachusetts Provincial Congress. This reenactment is part of a series of celebrations throughout New England and the thirteen colonies for the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. This event in October will be one of the major events for Concord250 and for REV250, along with the Boston Tea Party, Battle of Bunker Hill, and others commemorating the founding of the United States and of democracy. There is much to be done to fully prepare, plan, and enable the Wright Tavern to participate in these and future celebrations. After these milestones, we will create, host, and promote many programs and events consistent with our vision and provide an engaging experience for those who visit the Wright Tavern.
Why the focus on democracy and the Wright Tavern?
Concord is blessed to have many historic buildings and a deep commitment to preserving the meaning of these sites. The Wright Tavern is unique because of its association with the Massachusetts Provincial Congress and as one of the birthplaces for independent representative government rising in the colonies. Here, the leaders of the Provincial Congress determined a new future for Massachusetts and, along with others, the nation. And shortly thereafter, in Concord, they fought for these rights. While their efforts initially sought to return to the life they knew prior to the Intolerable Acts, it soon evolved into a movement to build a new nation founded on the principles of freedom, democracy, and representative government. The Wright Tavern can serve as a living symbol of this vision for America.
In our time, we recognize the importance and fragility of democracy. If we reflect, remember, and examine what guided people during the founding of our country, we realize that we must continue to learn and build a “more perfect union.” We are committed to interpreting Revolutionary Concord through a broad lens honoring the contributions of indigenous people, African-Americans, women, and other disenfranchised groups, as well as the local citizens. As a tavern and a building, the Wright Tavern witnessed history unfolding in Concord. In this way, the Wright Tavern is uniquely linked to the founding of democracy and the historical events shaping Concord and our country.
How Can I Help?
Thank you for asking. We hope you will come to visit, tell your friends, and come back often to experience the stories we share here, and remember why we do this, how far we have come, and how far we need to go to build that union we call the United States. You can become a friend, supporter or a leadership sponsor, or whatever level of support makes you feel proud. There is a DONATE button on our website where you can make an immediate contribution. If you would like to discuss this or other ways you may want to become involved and support our initiatives, please contact us.
We look forward to welcoming you into the Wright Tavern and sharing its history and stories that are meaningful to us all today. It is just that simple and that important.
The Importance of the Wright Tavern
1747
The Wright Tavern was built in 1747 and operated as a place where people gathered, debated and engaged in actions to protect their rights. It is one of the few buildings in Concord that has remained fundamentally unchanged. The Wright Tavern also played host to several notable events.
1774
In October 1774, the Massachusetts General Council met in Concord and reformed itself into the First Massachusetts Provincial Congress in response to punitive actions taken by the British crown. In this and subsequent meetings, at high risk by its delegates, the Congress:
Established Massachusetts as the first colony to separate from Britain,
Created a government based on the principles of independent representative government and rules based on justice and citizen participation,
Developed a democratic governance process that became a model for other colonies – John Hancock was elected President of Congress.
Their meetings were held in the Meetinghouse (now First Parish in Concord) when they met in Concord. The leaders and committees met in the Wright Tavern to plan the agenda, make decisions and develop processes for guiding the Provincial Congress. When you are in the Wright Tavern, if you are quiet, you can almost hear their voices.
1775
At around 2:00 AM on April 19, 1775, Dr. Samuel Prescott arrived in Concord, having just escaped capture by the British while riding with Paul Revere and William Dawes. He engaged the courthouse caretaker to ring the bell, alerting the citizens of Concord that the British Regulars were coming to Concord. Shortly thereafter, over 150 minutemen and militia met in and around the Wright Tavern as this was the agreed meeting place. They planned and prepared how to respond to the impending military action.
Later that morning, over 700 British Regulars marched into Concord after completing a short battle in Lexington. Their mission was to search the town and seize all munitions and supplies of the growing rebel cause. They established their headquarters in the Wright Tavern. Later that day, having been defeated at the North Bridge and fooled and misled by the Concord citizens, the Regulars left with a failed mission on a long and treacherous march back to Boston.
1864
Even after the Wright Tavern ceased being a tavern, it witnessed many events in the forming of our country. For example, in 1864, Mary Rice and Mary Peabody Mann gathered the signatures of 195 children for a petition to President Abraham Lincoln asking him to free the enslaved children. This is known as the “Little People’s Petition.” This petition was led from her kindergarten classroom in the Wright Tavern. A copy of the petition and pictures of Mary Rice are on display in the Concord Museum.
1961
In 1961, the Department of Interior designated the Wright Tavern as a National Historic Landmark for being a “historic site of exceptional value in commemorating and illustrating the history of the United States.”
Historical Preservation Efforts
In 1885, First Parish in Concord received ownership from Judge Ebenezer Hoar and Mr. Reuben Rice. Many of the historic buildings were being torn down to support a growing township. Scholars often say it takes 100 years before a building or item is viewed as historic. Hoar and Rice realized the historical importance of the building and the risks it faced in the growing Concord of the late 1800s. They desired to preserve the building, and because of their foresight, First Parish has been able to preserve and retain many of the unique qualities of the Wright Tavern.
Over the years, the building has provided First Parish with much-needed income and kept the building in good operating condition. The building has been used as a restaurant and inn, a place of many shops and stores (e.g., Tri-Con Gift Shop), and offices. For most of the past thirty years, the building has been closed to the public because of the professional offices in the building.
In 2014 a study group of Concord historians and First Parish members was commissioned by First Parish to determine the best use of the building. As a result, the Concord Museum leased the building for three years and used it for offices, reenactments, and public tours. The agreement ceased in 2019, and First Parish commissioned another group to study and determine what should be the future of the Wright Tavern.
The Wright Tavern Futures Task Force determined that the building should be restored, renovated, and opened to the public based on its roots in the formation of democracy and historical importance. They established the Wright Tavern Legacy Trust to oversee this project and establish the Wright Tavern as a fully functioning site for the public to learn and experience its history.
Get Involved
Welcome and thanks for your interest in the Wright Tavern!
Please fill out the form below and let us know how you would like to become involved.
Wright Tavern Pub Choir
Sometimes you don’t want to just listen to music—you want to help create it. That’s the magic of the Wright Tavern Pub Choir! Come together to sing familiar songs, harmonize, and learn one favorite song in three part harmony, led by a choir leader. You don’t need to be a great singer or even know the words; it’s all about the joy of singing together. No commitments, no auditions—just show up, grab a hot or cold drink, and be part of a feel-good experience where everyone’s voice counts. We’re in the process of planning additional events throughout the year. Sign up for updates or join the Villagers to help plan.
Wright Tavern Villagers
The Wright Tavern Villagers are all about bringing our community together in a spirit of connection and civic engagement. Members are invited to quarterly gatherings that feature food, speakers, and a chance to share ideas. Members can also join groups supporting programs like pub choirs, beer gardens, and other events that celebrate the town’s history, explore its future, and foster a sense of belonging. By joining, you’re not just becoming part of a group—you’re helping shape a new chapter for Wright Tavern and our community in Concord and beyond.
