History Cambridge

History Cambridge is the city’s historical organization, founded in 1905 as the Cambridge Historical Society and since renamed with a new look and mission. It explores how the past shapes the present in order to build a better future, guided by the idea that history belongs to everyone. The group treats every resident as holding knowledge about Cambridge’s history and gives people the floor, the mic and the platform to share it.

Programs include courses, guided tours and community gatherings. Recent offerings have covered the history of Cambridge’s Black community, including a tour of Lewisville in West Cambridge, along with fundraisers such as a look at built and unbuilt Harvard Square. Its Dialogue Dinners bring people together around a shared theme. Staff, interns, volunteers and community members also publish original research, articles, oral histories and online exhibitions.

What to Know

• Many programs require advance registration, and some are free.
• Self-guided tours are available for exploring Cambridge history.
• Recent research articles have covered topics such as women foundry workers and the city’s response to September 11.
• It belongs to both the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce and the Harvard Square Business Association.