We engage with Cambridge, Massachusetts, to explore how the past influences the present in order to shape a better future.

 

Forgotten Souls of Tory Row: Remembering the Enslaved People of Brattle Street

All are welcome to view the striking art installation on the front lawn of the Hooper-Lee-Nichols House from dawn to dusk. Now extended through April 7, 2023.

How Should Fort Washington Park Evolve?

Above image: Fort Washington Park December 30, 1926. Credit: Cambridge Historical Commission via Digital Commonwealth Saturday, May 2010:00 AM – 12:00 PM EDTFort Washington ParkFree, no registration required How do you use Fort Washington Park, and how do you think it should evolve? We want to hear from you! The park is known for being…

History Café: Indigenous Voices: A Conversation with Sage Carbone and Dr. David Shane Lowry

Join us for a conversation with Indigenous scholars Sage Carbone and Dr. David Shane Lowry about our unfolding Indigenous Voices project. We’ll discuss the history of Indigenous people in the area we now call Cambridge and how Native/American Indian peoples have been represented or erased in our city. Come with your questions about this history, as Sage and David are eager to know your experiences and understandings to inform the next stage of this endeavor.

History Café: What is the History of Fort Washington Park?

Join us as we explore the history of Fort Washington Park in Cambridgeport from pre-colonization, through the Revolutionary War, and up to the present. This park is known for being the only remaining fortification from the Revolutionary War, but we will also discuss the land before being colonized, as well as its various restorations in the 19th and 20th centuries, and the art that it holds today. 

Farmers to You Event with History Cambridge

Join Farmers to You and History Cambridge for apple crafts, recipes, and hands-on exploration of the history of Cambridge, its orchards, and its people.

Cambridgeport History Hub

History Hub for all things Cambridgeport

Culinary History Hub

Culinary History of Cambridge By Rain Robertson, and revised by Deb Mandel, 2022 Cambridge holds a rich and distinctive culinary history. It gave America ice, the Porterhouse steak, Peking ravioli, its first star chef in Julia Child, and a hankering for Indian food. This is a survey of 20th century markets, delis, cafeterias, and local…

Indigenous Peoples History Hub

Curious about the Indigenous history of this place? Start learning here.

Inner Belt Hub

Cambridge had a major role in battling one highway for decades and eventually sparking a process that created a powerful coalition that led officials to remake transportation policy for the Boston area inside Route 128

Black History in Cambridge: Online Resources Hub

Above Image: Saundra Graham speaks into a megaphone during the occupation of 319th Harvard Commencement June 11, 1970 (Courtesy Cambridge Historical Commission) Delve into these online resources that explore Black history in Cambridge. More programs and events about Cambridge’s Black history are being planned. To be notified, sign up for our monthly enewsletter. Articles Self-Guided…

Early Black Cambridge Resource Hub

Are you interested in learning more about the history of race, slavery, and African American life in the Cambridge area? This guide highlights many of the resources available that touch on these topics, including primary, secondary, and public-facing sources (such as self-guided tours and websites). While this hub is focused on material related to the…

Women’s History Hub

Profiles included: Barbara Ackermann | Maria Baldwin | Ann Bookman | Sara Chapman Bull | Joyce Chen | Helen Lee Franklin | Suzanne R. Green | Lois Lilley Howe | Edith Lesley | Eva Neer | Mercy Scollay | Elizabeth Sullivan | Phyllis Wallace Our 2020 theme was Who Are Cambridge Women? But why spend…

Businesses Well Lived

As part of our ongoing work to capture Cambridge history, we partnered with Cambridge Local First to reach out to local small business owners and find out how the pandemic has affected their livelihood.

Lois Lilley Howe Hub

As part of our year asking “Who Are Cambridge Women?” meet Lois Lilley Howe. Learn about her life and work.

History @ Home

There are so many great digital resources for adults, teens, and children to use at home! We have gathered a number of excellent online sites to help you and your family learn about a wide variety of historical topics. Digital History Resources: The Great Courses: One free month of access to over 200 history courses,…

Search Our Site

Find original research by History Cambridge staff, interns, volunteers, and community members, including articles, oral histories, and online exhibitions. Search results also include our finding aids, which describe archival materials you can make an appointment to view in person.

Shed light on untold stories and silenced voices.

Passionate about Cambridge history? Support our mission by volunteering with History Cambridge Corps.