A preservation program or Orchard House in Concord, MA (Con.-HA-17), the historic home of the Alcott family including Louisa May, author of Little Women (1868), called for extensive structural repairs and construction of a new foundation under the rear portion of the house as well as interior and exterior utility work. Archaeological testing was conducted to identify cultural resources that would be impacted by the proposed project and to propose alternatives to avoid, minimize or mitigate potential adverse effects.

The site examination finds represent an important contribution to the overall understanding of landscape use and alteration and therefore aid in the interpretation of 19th century life at Orchard House.