History Cambridge Embarks on an Exciting New Chapter: Expanding Citywide Community Programs
History Cambridge is pleased to announce a bold and transformative step forward. We’re selling our long-time headquarters at 159 Brattle Street, also known as the Hooper-Lee-Nichols House, to significantly expand our innovative programming and enhance our presence across the entire city of Cambridge.
This strategic move marks a new era for History Cambridge, building on a multi-year shift to become a more open, inclusive, and responsive organization. Our goal is to meet the diverse residents of Cambridge where they are, amplifying their unique voices and histories and fostering deeper connections within our vibrant community.
Why This Important Change?
For decades, the Hooper-Lee-Nichols House has been our home. While deeply historic—it’s the second oldest building in Cambridge—the increasing costs of maintaining such a property have limited our ability to invest in new and impactful initiatives. Furthermore, the building simply no longer meets our functional needs as we broaden our reach to serve all of Cambridge.
As Amy Devin, President of our Board of Directors, shared, “After years of careful consideration, the Board determined that reallocating resources away from property upkeep will allow History Cambridge to better serve residents across the city in more innovative and more relevant ways. The building itself is not suited to the flexible, community-focused work we are committed to. Moving on from 159 Brattle enables us to find a new location that truly supports our mission and the needs of Cambridge today.”
Bringing History Directly to You
This transition is a key part of our larger strategic vision: to bring engaging public history programs directly to Cambridge’s diverse neighborhoods and communities. We’ve already seen success in recent years by expanding our neighborhood focus, cultivating new partnerships, and reaching more people than ever before.
We are exploring options for our next office space—one that champions flexibility, collaboration, and even deeper engagement with communities across the city. The sale of 159 Brattle, a property comprehensively protected to ensure its preservation and stewardship, will provide crucial resources to fuel this next chapter.
More History in Your Neighborhood
As we prepare for this transition, History Cambridge remains steadfast in its commitment to connecting residents with the city’s many stories. In 2025, our focus is on East Cambridge, where we’ll be delving into the unique character of this often-overlooked part of the city. We’re partnering with organizations like the East End House, East Cambridge Business Association, Cambridge Public Library, Cambridge Plant & Garden Club, the Multicultural Arts Center, and Cambridge Redevelopment Authority to uncover the neighborhood’s fascinating past.
Thanks to recent funding from the Cambridge Community Foundation and the Cambridge Savings Charitable Foundation, we are opening a temporary pop-up history center in East Cambridge later this fall. Look for guided tours, History Cafés, History Hangs, community exhibitions, and more in the space.
FAQ: History Cambridge’s Sale of 159 Brattle Street
Why is History Cambridge selling 159 Brattle Street, also known as the Hooper-Lee-Nichols House?
History Cambridge is selling its headquarters to better align its physical and financial resources with its evolving mission, which focuses on catalyzing connections and sharing a broader range of stories from Cambridge’s diverse communities. The Board of Directors determined that maintaining the property no longer supports this mission. By reallocating resources away from property upkeep, History Cambridge aims to deepen its impact citywide and strengthen its connections to the larger Cambridge community. This shift will allow the organization to invest more in programming, partnerships, activities, storytelling, and outreach—especially as it prepares to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the city’s founding in 2030.
What is the significance of 159 Brattle Street?
159 Brattle, built in 1685, is the second oldest house in Cambridge. It has served as History Cambridge’s headquarters and archival base since 1957, after being donated by Frances White Emerson.
Will 159 Brattle Street be preserved after the sale?
The property is protected by multiple historic preservation measures. An easement held by the Massachusetts Historical Commission has been in place since 1985, safeguarding significant interior features. Additionally, the house sits within the Old Cambridge Historic District, and any proposed changes to the exterior are subject to careful review by the Cambridge Historical Commission.
Could the property be redeveloped into a larger building?
Any significant redevelopment would be subject to review and approval by the City of Cambridge. Future owners would need to work closely with city officials and comply with all applicable zoning laws and well-established historic preservation regulations.
Who is representing the sale of 159 Brattle Street?
We are in the process of finalizing representation for the sale. Details will be announced soon.
What will History Cambridge do with the proceeds from the sale?
The proceeds from the sale of 159 Brattle Street will be thoughtfully reinvested to ensure the long-term strength and stability of History Cambridge. We also intend to secure a new physical location that better supports our mission and allows us to serve the Cambridge community more effectively without overburdening our budget.
Will History Cambridge have a physical location after the sale?
Yes. While we are moving on from 159 Brattle Street, our commitment to maintaining a physical presence in Cambridge remains unwavering. We are exploring options for a new location that will be more adaptable to our current and future needs—ideally in a more central and accessible area, with convenient access to public transit. Our goal is to create a welcoming space that is accessible, inclusive, and reflective of the vibrant communities we serve throughout Cambridge.
How will this sale affect History Cambridge’s mission and activities?
The sale is part of a strategic shift toward citywide outreach and neighborhood-based programming. By reallocating resources, History Cambridge will invest more fully in initiatives that promote accessibility and storytelling that reflects the full spectrum of Cambridge’s past and present. The organization is committed to creating deeper partnerships with groups across the city to better prepare for Cambridge’s 400th anniversary in 2030, ensuring an inclusive, connected, and thoughtful commemoration.
Will the public have an opportunity to visit 159 Brattle Street before the sale?
Yes. We are planning several open houses later this year, and we invite the community to join us. This will be a wonderful opportunity to tour the property, learn about its history, and connect with our organization.
What does this sale mean for the future of History Cambridge?
For the first 50 years of our existence, History Cambridge operated without a physical headquarters. This transition is an opportunity to revive and reinvent the flexible, community-focused model that marked our early years. We are excited to embrace new ways of engaging with the Cambridge community, both honoring our past and looking forward to the future.
What will happen to the History Cambridge collection?
History Cambridge maintains a small core collection of important objects and ephemera that reflects the city’s rich heritage. One of our priorities is to improve accessibility to this collection for researchers, educators, and the public. As part of our strategic changes, we expect to enhance public access to these materials, ensuring they remain available for generations to come.
How can I stay informed about History Cambridge’s transition and future plans?
Updates will be available on the History Cambridge website and through official communications. Community members are encouraged to reach out with questions or to get involved in upcoming programs and initiatives.
How can the community be involved in finding a new space?
We welcome ideas and suggestions from the community as we search for our next location. If you know of a space that is centrally located, accessible, and flexible, or a creative partnership opportunity that you believe could serve as the next home for History Cambridge, please reach out.
Who can I contact for more information?
For questions about the sale, programming, or History Cambridge’s future, visit our website or contact staff directly at Inquiry@HistoryCambridge.org