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.
Fall Conversation 2022: How Does Cambridge Unionize?
The final program in our year of asking “Who Are Cambridge Workers?” will focus on labor organizing in Cambridge, both past and present. How do Cantabrigians see themselves as workers? How is their identity linked to their work? Do they see themselves as part of a local workers’ community, or do they identify with their profession across geographical boundaries? How has the pandemic and the shift (for some) to remote work affected this sense of community and identity? We will be joined by representatives from the MIT Graduate Students’ Union, the Cambridge Teachers’ Union, and the 1369 Coffeehouse Workers’ Union to hear about their current organizing efforts and the future of unionization in Cambridge and beyond.
Unearthing the Past at Longfellow House – Washington’s Headquarters National Historic Site (Longfellow Fall 2022 Lecture Series)
Before Henry Wadsworth Longfellow moved into the yellow house on Brattle Street in Cambridge, MA, it was already historic, having served as the home and headquarters for General George Washington in 1775-1776. In anticipation of the upcoming 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, the NPS Northeast Archeological Resources Program conducted archeological excavations in front of the home. Excavations in 2022 uncovered elements from an 18th century formal garden and the foundation of an early colonial house. This presentation will discuss the results of the excavations and the unique combination of technology, methodology, and outreach that were used to address research questions, and share the project with the public.
Pies with Petsi: A Fundraiser for History Cambridge with Renee McLeod
What is it about pie that brings people together? Join History Cambridge board member Renee McLeod in a pie baking demonstration to find out!
Oct. 25 The Emerald Tutu: A New Method to Protect Urban Coastlines from Flooding
History Cambridge is pleased to co-sponsor this public lecture, open to all, presented by coastal engineering and hydrodynamics scientist Dr. Julia Hopkins and architect Gabriel Cira about their project for a new type of nature-based coastal infrastructure for flood protection, The Emerald Tutu.
Something about pie just brings people together, and Renee McLeod knows that more than most
As recipes are passed down through generations and shared with friends and neighbors from different cultural traditions, these baked goods become a symbol of continuity, collaboration and comfort.
History Cambridge’s Fall Conversation asks, ‘How Does Cambridge Unionize?’
How do Cantabrigians see themselves as workers? How is their identity linked to their work? Do they see themselves as part of a local workers’ community, or do they identify with their profession across geographical boundaries? History Cambridge will explore these and related issues in a Nov. 14 event.
The Hooper-Lee-Nichols House has a haunted history
The second-oldest house in Cambridge has at least three ghost stories associated with it: the widow in the sheet; the weeping girl; and the five Hessian soldiers.
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
Explore 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 A story of enslavement; a Juneteenth reflection Quiet courage: Groundbreaking Maria Baldwin and the racial politics of education in CambridgePauline Hopkins’ proto-science-fiction took off from…
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…
Who Are Cambridge Women?
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,…
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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.
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