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…

Read More

Oct 30: Virtual book group discussion of Contending Forces

Details Wed, Oct 30 at 7pmFreeOn Zoom A pioneering figure of her time, Pauline Hopkins was a novelist, journalist, playwright, and activist who fearlessly tackled issues of race, gender, and social justice.  Join us for a virtual discussion of her 1900 novel Contending Forces (available through the Cambridge Public Library). To learn more about Hopkins,…

Read More

Aug 6 & 10: 21st Century Cambridge Kids

Graphic of four teens looking at a historic map of Cambridge

We regret we have to cancel this tour! Join CRLS alums Miranda Santiago and Isabel Macedo for a captivating guided tour through North Cambridge. Discover the neighborhood’s rich history as they weave together historical accounts with personal stories from current and former residents. Learn how the neighborhood has transformed while preserving its unique identity. Longtime…

Read More

July 25: Play with Clay at Danehy Park

Thursday, July 251-3 pmDanehy Park (near Sherman Street)Free; no registration requiredAges 3+ North Cambridge was once home to a thriving brickmaking industry. Join us for a family-friendly drop-in event at Danehy Park to learn more about the history and get your hands dirty with clay. Want to learn more about Cambridge’s brick history? Check out…

Read More

June 11: Play with Clay on Cambridge Common

Tuesday, June 115-7 pmCambridge CommonFree; no registration requiredAges 3+ Cambridge was once home to a thriving brickmaking industry. Join us for a family-friendly drop-in event on Cambridge Common to learn more about the history and get your hands dirty with clay. Want to learn more about Cambridge’s brick history? Check out these resources on our…

Read More

Watershed: An Excursion in Four Parts

Small pond on a grey day surrounded by autumn trees.

by Emily HiestandFirst published by The Georgia Review and Beacon Press in 1998. Updated slightly in 2021 for publication in This Impermanent Earth, and in 2024 for History Cambridge. Part One | Street Like travelers who want to keep some favorite place from being overly discovered, the residents of our neighborhood sometimes confide to one another in a near-whisper, “There’s no…

Read More

May 30: Neighborhood History Center Pop-up Closing party

Graphic of the closing party

Thanks for welcoming us to the neighborhood! Our two-month long pop-up is coming to an end on May 31. Thanks to all for such a warm welcome to the neighborhood this year. We’ve enjoyed hearing from folks about what they know and what they want to learn more about. Join us for more conversation and…

Read More

April 25: 80s Nite at North Cambridge History Center

Flyer for 80s nite event

Party Details Thursday, April 256-8 pm2322 Mass Ave (next to Frank’s Steak House) Free; all are welcomeLight refreshments1880s/1980s themed attire encouraged Nobody Puts History in a Corner Join us at our North Cambridge History Center Pop-Up to share memories of the neighborhood in the 1980s (or 1880s). Bring photos or memorabilia from that time so…

Read More