Oct 23: Party at Pemberton: A Fundraiser for History Cambridge

Thank you to all who came out for our Party at Pemberton. We had a wonderful time learning about the history of the store and creating community. The hospitality of Greg Saidnawey and his team are unmatched! Guests left with delicious treats from Spindler Confections and a greater appreciation for this special neighborhood space. Your…

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Wing “Vinnie” Wong

Man in a dark jacket standing outside

Wing, or Vinnie, as he is known by family and friends, is the uncle of Richard Ning and a veteran who served during the Korean War in Allied-Occupied Germany. He is one of 10 siblings and brother to Richard’s mother, Mary Wong. The Wong family moved around Cambridge several times during Vinnie’s childhood, but following his…

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Richard Ning

Man with dark hair and dark shirt

Richard is a third-generation Cantabrigian who grew up in the Oxford Street area during the 1960s and ’70s. He is the grandson of Loy Lee Wong, who owned the Young Lee Restaurant, an establishment the family operated in Harvard Square from the 1920s until the 1950s. Richard’s father, Fong Pun Ning, served during World War…

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Stephen T. Chen

Man in a plaid shirt and jacket standing outside

Stephen Chen was born in Cambridge to Thomas and Joyce Chen in 1952. In his interview, Stephen talks about what it was like growing up in West Cambridge on Alpine Street. He describes how his mother, Joyce Chen, thrived as a restauranteur and entrepreneur through her cooking show, restaurants, and inventions. Audio coming soon!

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May 6: Stories of Cambridge: Chinese American Culinary Pioneers

Stories of Cambridge: Chinese American Culinary Pioneers Monday, May 66 pmCambridge Public Library Lecture Hall, 449 BroadwayFree To celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage (AAPI) Month, History Cambridge, in collaboration with our friends at Chinese Historical Society of New England, One in a Billion Productions, and Chinese American Association of Cambridge, will host an…

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Dec 4: Holiday Party

Graphic reads "Holiday Party" in green with History Cambridge and Paddy's logos

We’ve had a great year learning about North Cambridge, and we’re excited to close out the year with you! We can’t think of a better place to celebrate than Paddy’s, the oldest family-owned pub in Cambridge. Party Details Wednesday, December 4, 20246:00 PM–8:00 PMPaddy’s Lunch260 Walden Street Thanks to the over 75 people who joined…

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Chinese Americans of Cambridge Oral History Project

Oral History Project

In 2022-2024, we interviewed several individuals about their experiences being Chinese or Chinese American in Cambridge. Interviews were conducted by volunteer Justin Murphy and History Cambridge Executive Director Marieke Van Damme. Click on the individuals below to hear their stories.

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Nick’s Beef and Beer House

Years 1971 – 1998 Location 1688 Massachusetts Ave., Harvard/Porter Square History The fact that it was more identifiably called “Nick’s eef and eer Ho”, or “Nick’s Bee and Beer Hose,” depending on which letters were missing from its sign, kind of says it all. Nick’s had a loyal following, despite (or because of) its unabashed,…

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