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.
Sept. 29 — Soap & Bones: A Benefit for History Cambridge
What do you know about “Greasy Village”?
Join us as we explore this unique part of Cambridgeport and show your support for local history.
Oct. 6—Rescheduled History Café—”My Whole Life in Six Blocks”: Creating Workers’ Communities in Cambridge
For most of Cambridge’s history, people who worked here could walk to work.
When did this change, and why?
Celebrate Cambridge’s 400th Anniversary
The year 2030 marks the 400th anniversary of Cambridge, Massachusetts (originally settled as New Towne in 1630 by the Massachusetts Bay Company). This momentous occasion is an opportunity for the people of Cambridge to reflect on our past, celebrate, and establish plans for sustaining our history into the future.
‘Born In Cambridge’ authors plan a walking tour this month of Cambridgeport and its innovations
In their new book, “Born in Cambridge: 400 Years of Ideas and Innovators,” Karen Weintraub and Michael Kuchta argue that “the story of Cambridge reflects the story of America … Major events and trends that affected the nation left fingerprints here, too.” How the city and its residents react to those forces, though, makes for a compelling story of invention, reinvention and adaptation spanning four centuries.
High school foundations date back to 1800s; Parents’ moral panics go back almost as far
This article tackles the history behind Cambridge high schools and how the Cambridge Rindge and Latin School came to be where it is today.
Eliodora ‘Josefina’ Yanguas Perez opened Harvard Square’s first European-style café
Today there are at least 20 cafés in Cambridge where patrons can enjoy espresso drinks. In 1959, there was exactly one. That was the year Spanish immigrant Josefina Yanguas opened Café Pamplona on Bow Street.
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 at historycambridge.org. 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…
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,…
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.