Orchard House Director Turnquist: Community Leader

CONCORD, MA — Without community leaders, Concord wouldn’t hum along nearly as smoothly as it does. We’d miss their contributions in big and small ways.

Patch has partnered with T-Mobile to recognize these often unsung community leaders and celebrate their contributions.

This submission comes from Maria Powers, a Concord reader who nominated Jan Turnquist.

How do you know this community leader?

She is the Executive Director of the non-profit historic site I work for, Louisa May Alcott's Orchard House, in Concord, MA.

What does this community leader do?

Since 1999, Jan has been Executive Director of Louisa May Alcott's Orchard House internationally known as "The Home of Little Women," where the beloved classic novel was written and set by Louisa May Alcott in 1868. Jan has tirelessly led by example, taking our organization through challenging and triumphant times — from a site visit by First Lady Laura Bush in 2002, a special event with acclaimed photographer Annie Leibovitz and Pulitzer Prize-winning historian/author (and former Concord, MA resident) Doris Kearns Goodwin in 2012, through a 17-month COVID closure (2020-21). In addition, Jan wrote, directed, and narrated the 2018 Emmy-winning Documentary, "Orchard House - Home of Little Women." Aside from these notable achievements, Jan is always at the ready to give guided tours, engage in discussions with our visitors (who derive from all 50 states and more than 30 countries), lead educational programs, and serve on numerous Town committees to help Concord be and do better by residents and visitors alike. Jan is also a sought-after Living History portrayer of "Louisa May Alcott," sharing the Alcott legacy with learners young and elder, libraries and book groups, Scout troops, birthday parties, and bridal/baby showers. She has even taken "Miss Alcott" abroad, and on radio and television as well. As the late, great Alcott scholar Madeleine Stern said of her, "Jan Turnquist IS Louisa May Alcott!" Through it all, Jan has maintained a sense of awe and deep respect for the history and significance of Orchard House and its residents — whose impact stretches as far back as the 1650s, when the House was first built — along with Louisa May Alcott's inspirational writing career, and the brave social activism of the entire Alcott family as they sought to make the world a better place. Jan is the epitome of grace under pressure, thoughtful decision-making, inclusivity, and compassion, carrying on the spirit of unconditional love for humanity for which the Alcotts themselves were praised. By being ever true to who she is, sharing her intelligence and accumulated knowledge and experience, maintaining the strength of her character through the most challenging of times, and being able to pivot in a heartbeat to do whatever is necessary, Jan is a powerful yet humble person and professional who would be an incredible choice for Outstanding Community Leader.

Why do you believe the community leader should be recognized or honored?

I believe I might have answered this in large part with my response to Questions #5, but will add that Jan has also been a Concord resident for decades, having raised her children here and been actively involved in the Concord Public Schools as well as Trinity Episcopal Church. Jan is a rare individual who can, for instance, in one moment invite us to travel back in time to re create the ambiance of life in the Alcott household while in the next moment make vital, forward-thinking suggestions during Tourism Huddles.

Jan has also shared Orchard House — and by association, Concord — with millions all over the world by way of the work she has done as historical consultant for not one, but two, Little Women productions: the 2018 PBS/BBC mini-series (during which she spent a month on location in Ireland), and the 2019 Little Women motion picture directed by Greta Gerwig, during which Jan was also an "extra" in several scenes, and then hosted Greta Gerwig and the cast at Orchard House for their press junket. No matter the situation or location, Jan selflessly serves as an ambassador for Orchard House and Concord everywhere she goes, and always brings home touching examples of how impacted people of diverse cultures, languages, geographies are by Little Women and/or their visit to Concord.

What's one thing you want everyone to know about the community hero?

Jan Turnquist completely embodies the Alcott motto, "Hope, and keep busy." This phrase literally kept our organization going, both emotionally and physically, through our 17-month COVID closure, during which Jan practically single-handedly made 62 weeks of Facebook Live videos — affectionately known as "Hope, and Keep Busy Broadcasts" — to maintain engagement with the visitors we could no longer see in person, and continue to share intimate insights about the history and importance of the Alcott family and the town they called home (Concord) for over 20 years. Viewers across the country and around the world said they considered these broadcasts the highlight of their week during the pandemic lockdown, and greatly admired Jan's amazing ability to provide fresh content episode after episode in such an easygoing, accessible manner. Jan is a true treasure -- for Orchard House, and for Concord!

This content is brought to our community in partnership with T-Mobile. Know a community leader who deserves a shout-out? Nominate them here.