Joyce Chen’s original restaurant led to a Central Square eatery in 1967. Her work changed cooking and dining in America. (Photo: History Cambridge)

The “Food and Mending in Central Square” guided tour is made possible through grant funding from the Cambridge Heritage Trust.

As a source of physical and emotional sustenance, food is intricately tied to our survival as individuals and as a community. During the 20th century, food also played an important role in how Cambridge visitors and residents could learn about and connect with neighbors across racial, ethnic and class lines.

Now History Cambridge is bringing a guided tour about “Food and Mending in Central Square.” Graduate students from Boston University’s gastronomy program will lead participants to locations and highlight moments in Cambridge history in which the sharing of ethnic cuisines helped raise awareness and understanding of the area’s rich cultural mosaic.

“This tour is a continuation of our 2021 theme, ‘How Does Cambridge Mend?’” said History Cambridge executive director Marieke Van Damme. “We’re always thinking about ways to connect people to history, and what’s more relatable to everyone than food?”

What: Food and Mending in Central Square
When: 2 p.m. Saturday
Where: Central Square (details will be shared with registered participants)
Cost: $10

Space is limited. Register to save a spot.

This event was created in conjunction with History Cambridge’s upcoming Fall Conversation, “How Has Food Mended Cambridge?” It takes place at 7 p.m. on Nov. 15 via Zoom.

About History Cambridge

History Cambridge started in 1905 as the Cambridge Historical Society. Today we have a new name, a new look and a whole new mission.

We engage with our city to explore how the past influences the present to shape a better future. We strive to be the most relevant and responsive historical voice in Cambridge. We do that by recognizing that every person in our city knows something about Cambridge’s history, and their knowledge matters. We support people in sharing history with each other – and weaving their knowledge together – by offering them the floor, the mic, the platform. We shed light where historical perspectives are needed. We listen to our community. We live by the ideal that history belongs to everyone.

Our theme for 2021 is “How Does Cambridge Mend?” Make history with us at cambridgehistory.org.