History Cambridge

09/04/2026

As Labor Day weekend approaches, we often think of final summer beach trips or mountain getaways. But back in the 19th century, everyday Cambridge residents took their "last hurrah" right in their own backyard at Mount Auburn Cemetery.

In our latest blog post, learn how working-class Cantabrigians—who couldn't afford extravagant trips to Bar Harbor or Nahant—turned Mount Auburn into a beloved local staycation spot.

They hopped on streetcars to spend their rare days off strolling shady paths, birdwatching, and enjoying outdoor picnics before the season ended.

Read more on the History Cambridge blog: https://buff.ly/meMNgdA

09/03/2026

As we settle back into our routines, are you looking for a meaningful way to connect with your community? 🍂✨

On Monday, September 28, we are hosting our next Dialogue Dinner at the Citywide Senior Center, and we want you at the table!

This isn't your typical dinner party. Inspired by traditional listening circles, we gather a small group of neighbors of all ages around a single table to share a meal and a single, collective conversation. This month, we’re exploring the theme of "sustaining a sense of place"—reflecting on how our neighborhoods have changed, what stories are being preserved, and whose voices might be left out.

Our Dialogue Dinners are designed to help you "build your Cambridge circle" and turn strangers into neighbors through the simple, powerful act of shared storytelling.

🗓️ Monday, September 28, 2026
⏰ 6:00 PM – 7:45 PM
📍 Citywide Senior Center (806 Massachusetts Ave)
🎟️ FREE | All ages welcome!

These intimate dinners fill up incredibly fast. Don’t wait to reserve your seat!

https://buff.ly/79vkItf

💬 “This builds the ‘community’ that we are all afraid of losing due to change.” – Past Dinner Guest

Thank you to the Cambridge Community Foundation and Cambridge Savings Bank for supporting this initiative!

09/02/2026

Join us for Open Archives 2026: Evolving Landscapes! 🌳📚

We’re excited to participate in this free annual event hosted by the Cambridge Historical Commission. Stop by Joan Lorentz Park on Saturday, September 12, to connect with local archivists and historians, explore engaging exhibits for all ages, and discover the rich history of Cambridge.

Joan Lorentz Park (Outside Main Branch Library, 449 Broadway)
Saturday, September 12, 2026
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Bring the whole family for a fun afternoon of learning and community history. We hope to see you there!

08/25/2026

Only a few spots left!

Join History Cambridge and the Cambridge Center for Adult Education (CCAE) for a 3-week course: "Cambridge’s Black Community: Seizing Freedom and Creating Community."

Explore the rich, powerful history of Black Cantabrigians—from early settlement to the present day—and discover how their lives and achievements shaped our city.

🗓️ Dates: Tuesdays, Oct 6, 13, & 20
⏰ Time: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
📍 Location: CCAE (42 Brattle St)

Reserve your seat before it sells out: https://historycambridge.org/events/ccae-black-community/

08/19/2026

Looking for a different kind of dinner party? 🍽️✨

Join us on Monday, September 28, for a unique and memorable evening designed to foster deeper connections and build a true sense of community. Taking inspiration from listening circles, we will gather face-to-face at a single table to share a collective meal and conversation where every voice is heard by everyone.

We will be exploring the theme of sustaining a "sense of place," using personal history to reflect on the stories that shape our city today—and whose voices might be left out. Whether you’ve lived in Cambridge for five minutes or five generations, your story matters. Come prepared to share, listen actively, and build your Cambridge circle!

🗓️ Monday, September 28, 2026
⏰ 6:00 PM – 7:45 PM
📍 Citywide Senior Center (806 Massachusetts Ave)
🎟️ FREE, but registration is required. All ages welcome!

Space is strictly limited to ensure an intimate table discussion, so don't wait to reserve your seat at the table.

https://buff.ly/79vkItf

As one past guest shared: "It was valuable just to be in dialogue with neighbors. This builds the 'community' that we are all afraid of losing due to change."

Special thanks to Cambridge Savings Bank for making this dinner free to all!

08/13/2026

Check out this upcoming event with our friends at the Community Art The Community Art Center!

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/community-art-center-artist-talk-book-signing-tickets-1994110165184?aff=oddtdtcreator

08/12/2026

History Cambridge had a great time getting to know the people (and dogs) of Granville Road last weekend. Thanks for inviting us to your block party!

Are you looking to bring some hyperlocal history to your upcoming gathering? Get in touch!

https://buff.ly/gidejjW

08/10/2026

"Let the poorer people in Cambridge have a fair chance to be clean." 💧

At the turn of the 20th century, Magazine Beach wasn't just a place to cool off—it was a critical frontline for public hygiene and disease prevention.

Read our latest blog post on the political battles and public outrage that reshaped Cambridge's riverfront bathhouse.

🔗 https://buff.ly/QmeWdc1

By Beth Folsom, 2026 In 1818 the state of Massachusetts built a powder magazine on what was then known as Captain’s Island in Cambridgeport. Over the next half-century, the magazine was used to store gunpowder and am******on, lending its name to the area and the street leading to it (Magazine Stre...

08/05/2026

We are just one week away from diving into the history of "Confectioners' Row"! 🍬

Did you know Cambridge was once home to 66 different candy companies? Next week, we’re hitting the streets to explore the fascinating history of candy-making in our city from the 18th to the 20th centuries. We'll chat about the local factories you know and love, while also looking at the complex global sugar trade and economic ties that shaped this industry.

Whether you have your own local candy stories to share or just want to learn something new with your neighbors, we’d love to have you join the conversation.

Tour Options:
Weekday: Wednesday, August 12 from 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Weekend: Sunday, August 16 from 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM

Details:
Cost: $15
Registration: Required for both dates so we can keep the walking group comfortable for everyone.

Spots are filling up fast for next week—grab yours at the link below!
https://buff.ly/xoZllAV

08/04/2026

Join History Cambridge and the Cambridge Center for Adult Education (CCAE) for a 3-week course: "Cambridge’s Black Community: Seizing Freedom and Creating Community."

Explore the rich, powerful history of Black Cantabrigians—from early settlement to the present day—and discover how their lives and achievements shaped our city.

🗓️ Dates: Tuesdays, Oct 6, 13, & 20
⏰ Time: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
📍 Location: CCAE (42 Brattle St)

Reserve your seat before it sells out: https://historycambridge.org/events/ccae-black-community/