As part of History Cambridge’s mission to collect and share the stories of all Cantabrigians, we embarked in 2023 on a new way of engaging with the city’s history. From The Port to Porter Square, from Harvard to Strawberry Hill, Cambridge’s neighborhoods have evolved through the centuries but always have their own special stories to tell. So far we have highlighted two areas of the city in our Neighborhood History Centers, based in community centers, storefronts and public spaces around town.
We began this initiative with Cambridgeport, recognizing that it is a dynamic and diverse neighborhood with a fascinating history. This year we are exploring North Cambridge and its rich legacy of immigration and industry. Our overarching goal is to engage residents in discussions about the relevance of the neighborhood’s history as well as building a more complete and nuanced historical record.
We have much more to explore in North Cambridge in the coming months, but it is also time to look ahead to the 2025 neighborhood – and for that we need your help. We have created a survey for those who live, work, study, play or have any other connections to Cambridge to share your opinion on where we should go next.
While our survey has just been released, it has already generated some interesting commentary. Some respondents voted for a particular neighborhood because they live there or grew up there and feel it has a rich history that should be more widely shared. Others chose a neighborhood with which they are not familiar, hoping to learn more about its people and stories. A sampling of comments illustrates the diversity of opinion:
- Baldwin: “Full of interesting people, past and present,” “Interesting houses and sidewalk medallions,” “At least three Hollywood movies filmed here,” “This was such an integrated neighborhood! A fun place to be a child!”
- Neighborhood 13 (Strawberry Hill): “It was a major agricultural area for growing and transportation,” “It is rich with military history,” “My family grew up in that area.”
- Mid-Cambridge: “It is the center of Cambridge and perhaps its most diverse area,” “Chock full of interesting history.”
- Wellington-Harrington: “It would be great to capture the history of this neighborhood that once thrived with art, music and creative energy while the memories are still fresh.”
- East Cambridge: “Fascinating history,” “Currently socioeconomically diverse, although under pressure of gentrification,” “Lots of change going on there, plus an interesting history.”
These comments represent just a portion of the neighborhoods the public thinks we should focus on for 2025, with a wide array of reasons. What do you think? We welcome you to take our short 2025 Neighborhood Survey and let us know where you want to explore next. Sign up for our newsletter to stay up-to-date on upcoming events and programs as we continue our Year of North Cambridge and set our course for a new neighborhood in 2025.
About History Cambridge
History Cambridge started in 1905 as the Cambridge Historical Society. Today we have a new name and a new mission. We engage with our city to explore how the past influences the present to shape a better future. We recognize that every person in our city knows something about Cambridge’s history, and their knowledge matters. We listen to our community and we live by the ideal that history belongs to everyone. Throughout 2023, we are focusing on the history of Cambridgeport. Make history with us at historycambridge.org.
History Cambridge is a nonprofit organization. Our activities rely on your financial support. If you value articles like this one, give today.
Beth Folsom is programs manager for History Cambridge.
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