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. 22—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?
Sept. 17 — “Ideas, Invention, and Imagination in Cambridge History” Guided Tour of Cambridgeport
September is a great time to get out and explore the city.
Join us for a tour of Cambridgeport and the innovations that began there with authors Karen Weintraub and Michael Kuchta.
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.
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.
Changing Tides in Cambridge Industry
By the early 20th century, Cambridge was an industrial center with a broad array of factories. People from all over the country and the world came to work here. Why?
In identifying ways to improve neighborhoods, one lesson is: Students must get out and explore
Rising seniors in the Cambridge Harvard Summer Academy were hard at work assuming the role of activists this summer in their English class. Students were tasked to identify, investigate, analyze and evaluate a single problem or issue they identify in their neighborhood. From there, they developed a small, feasible solution that they submitted through the Cambridge participatory budget submission portal, which was open through Sunday.
Youth-led social justice movements lead the way in Cambridge around issues of race and climate
The goal for my History Cambridge fellowship, starting in February, was to connect the history of the city with issues affecting its teenage and young-adult residents, raising awareness and promoting action. As my fellowship comes to a close, I’ve learned a lot from teens around Cambridge that has changed my perspective and added to my understanding of various topics and experiences.
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.