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. 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.
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 Traven is uniquely linked to the founding of democracy and the historical events shaping Concord and our country.
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 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.
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.
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.