Recap: Cambridge Open Archives 2019

In late June, the Cambridge Historical Society participated in the eleventh annual Cambridge Open Archives, a free event organized by the Cambridge Historical Commission where archival repositories around Cambridge open their doors to visitors and highlight thematic collections. This year’s theme was “Politics and Activism in Cambridge (and Beyond).” Visitors to the Society learned about…

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CHS Executive Director Marieke Van Damme Invites Your Stories of Engagement

Click here to share your story! The question posed by this year’s theme at the Cambridge Historical Society, “How Does Cambridge Engage?” has brought to mind the many ways that we have taken part in political and cultural movements, starting with the American Revolution. Ever since our founding as Newe Towne in 1636, the citizens…

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“Sweet Souls” Oral History Project Underway

The Cambridge Historical Society has launched an oral history project, in partnership with the Margaret Fuller Neighborhood House and The Loop Lab. This summer, “Sweet Souls, Voices from the Margaret Fuller Neighborhood House in Cambridge” will be documenting the life stories of twelve people, or “narrators,” closely affiliated with the 117-year-old settlement house in the…

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Recap of 6/25/19 History Cafe 2: Engaging with “Difficult Histories” Workshop

Thank you to all who joined us at the First Church of Cambridge for the June 25th History Café: Engaging with “Difficult Histories” Workshop. The Café was led by two historians, Dr. Stephen Berrey, University of Michigan, and Dr. Tatiana Cruz, Lesley University, who guided us through a facilitated conversation based on their research and…

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Self-Guided Bike Tour: Pedaling the People’s Republic, A History of Political Activism in Cambridge

The city played a central role in the American Revolution and the abolitionist movement before being named “The People’s Republic” for its role in the anti-war, civil rights, tenant’s rights, gay rights, sustainable development, and environmental movements. Pedaling the People’s Republic will take participants on a tour of past political activity from the Revolution to the grass roots movements of the 20th century.

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Boston Women’s Community Radio, 1972-1993

Amelia Zurcher, Summer 2019 Programs Intern While the 1971 takeover of an underutilized Harvard University building and the establishment of the Cambridge Women’s Center is well-known, fewer people know the history of how Cambridge-based women claimed space on the radio waves. Boston Women’s Community Radio (BWCR), based at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), aired…

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Recap of 2019 Opening Conversation & Annual Meeting

Thank you to everyone who attended the Cambridge Historical Society’s “Opening Conversation” & Annual Meeting! We also want to thank our captivating speakers, Dr. Karilyn Crockett and Diana Lempel. To kick off the year-long series of events, CHS hosted Dr. Crockett and Diana Lempel in exploring the year’s thematic question, “How Does Cambridge Engage?” Dr. Crockett…

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