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.
2023 Annual Meeting
Join the Board of History Cambridge to celebrate our past year and learn more about what’s in store for 2023!
Catherine J. Turco at Harvard Book Store presenting Harvard Square: A Love Story
History Cambridge is pleased to partner with Harvard Book Store in welcoming Catherine J. Turco—economic sociologist and the author of The Conversational Firm: Rethinking Bureaucracy in the Age of Social Media—for a discussion of her new book Harvard Square: A Love Story.
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.
Growing up in Cambridgeport was unforgettable for Louis Fenerlis, the child of Greek immigrants
Louis Fenerlis, of Louie’s Haircuts in Boston, considers himself to be a proud product of Cambridgeport. When his family moved during during his first year in high school, he says he never adjusted to the new town.
We’re searching for the Indigenous voices of Cambridge
How did you learn about Native American/American Indian people? Your experiences and memories will be helpful primary source material for our scholars.
Community walk for Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebrates history of city visited by MLK himself
For the second year, Many Helping Hands 365 will join with community partners in leading a community walk to highlight the history and present of Cambridge’s Black and Brown community in The Coast, Riverside and Cambridgeport neighborhoods.
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
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…
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.