The Walker Lecture Series grew from an 1892 bequest of $30,000 in the will of Abigail B. Walker, widow of Timothy Walker. The first programs were presented in 1896, and more than 1,500 performances and lectures have been given since then.

In accordance with the terms of the trust, the series offers a "free course of lectures upon subjects of history, literature, art or science, and free dramatic, musical, literary, historical and other cultural events to be given in Concord, the native city of Timothy Walker and lifelong residence of Abigail B. Walker."

All Walker performances are free and open to the public; no tickets or reservations are required.  Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis, and doors open 30 minutes prior to programs. With the exception of The Messiah, which is performed at St. Paul’s Church, all shows are held at the Concord City Auditorium, 2 Prince Street, directly behind City Hall.