As part of the Historical Society of Cambridge’s mission to collect and share the stories of every resident about Cambridge’s history, we are embarking on a new way of engaging with the city’s history in 2023. From the Port to Porter Square, Harvard to Strawberry Hill, Cambridge’s neighborhoods have evolved over the centuries but have always had their own special stories to tell. To date, we have focused on two areas of the city with Neighborhood History Centers based in community centers, storefronts and public spaces across the city.
We began this effort in Cambridgeport, recognizing that it is a dynamic, diverse, and interesting region with a rich history. This year, we will explore North Cambridge and its rich immigrant and industrial heritage. Our overarching goal is to engage residents in discussions about the importance of their region’s history and build a more complete and nuanced historical record.
While there’s still much to explore in North Cambridge in the coming months, it’s also time to look ahead to the neighbourhood in 2025. To do this, we need your help. We’ve created a survey for those who live, work, study, play or have any other connection to Cambridge to let us know your thoughts on where we should head next.
The survey has only just been released, but it has already generated some interesting comments. Some respondents voted for specific areas because they feel the area they live or grew up in has a rich history that should be shared more widely. Others chose areas they were less familiar with, but wanted to learn more about the people and stories of that area. A look at some of the comments shows the diversity of opinions.
Baldwin: “Full of interesting people, past and present.” “Interesting homes and sidewalk medallions.” “At least three Hollywood movies were filmed here.” “It was a very integrated neighborhood. It was a fun place for kids!” District 13 (Strawberry Hill): “It was a major agricultural area for growing and shipping.” “Rich in military history.” “My family grew up there.” Mid Cambridge: “The heart of Cambridge and probably its most diverse neighborhood.” “Chicken with interesting history.” Wellington-Harrington: “It would be great to document the history of this neighborhood, which once thrived with arts, music and creative energy, while memories are still fresh.” East Cambridge: “Fascinating history.” “Currently socio-economically diverse, but under pressure from gentrification.” “There’s a lot of change happening there and an interesting history.”
These comments are just a few of the neighborhoods the public believe should be a focus in 2025, for a variety of reasons. What do you think? Please take our brief 2025 Neighborhoods Survey and let us know where you’d like to explore next. Sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date on upcoming events and programs as we continue the Year in North Cambridge and set the course for a new neighborhood in 2025.
History of Cambridge
Cambridge History began as the Cambridge Historical Society in 1905. Today we have a new name and a new mission. We engage with the city to explore how the past influences the present to shape a better future. We recognize that everyone in the city knows something about Cambridge history and that knowledge matters. We listen to our community and live by the ideal that history belongs to everyone. Throughout 2023, we will be focusing on the history of Cambridgeport. Make history with us at historycambridge.org.
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Beth Folsom is Program Manager at History Cambridge.
