History Cambridge focuses on West Cambridge throughout 2026, exploring the neighborhood’s past to better understand its place in the city of today. During July, Cantabrigians will have several opportunities to learn more about West Cambridge through guided tours.
On July 14 and 18, “Monuments and Memorials in Cambridge” visits several of the many monuments in the city, examining not only the subjects they commemorate but also what they can tell us about the society that created them. Cambridge is a city filled with monuments. Statues, plaques and memorials across the city commemorate people and events from its nearly 400 years of settlement. But who decides what is worthy of commemoration, and how does the memorial landscape of the city reinforce certain narratives of Cambridge history and exclude others? This tour focuses on Cambridge Common, exploring the monuments there and how the Common has served as a public space throughout Cambridge history.
On July 23, History Cambridge takes our “History Hang” series in a new direction with a “History Glide.” In this informal tour, we explore the perimeter of Fresh Pond by bike, stopping at several points to discuss the pond’s central role in Cambridge’s environmental, economic and social history. For centuries, Fresh Pond has been used by Cambridge residents for work, relaxation and recreation. The many species of flora and fauna that call the pond and its shores home have provided sustenance and entertainment to Cantabrigians. And the area around the pond has served as open, recreational space for everything from pickup baseball games to biking to company picnics. As the source of Cambridge’s drinking water, Fresh Pond was fought over and protected by the city and its parks and water boards. The area was considered particularly beneficial for those in poor health, and a number of hospitals, community homes and summer camps were located there so patients could take advantage of the fresh, clean air and natural surroundings. This History Glide is a great chance to learn more about the history of the pond while getting to know your neighbors.
On July 25, join authors Karen Weintraub and Michael Kuchta (“Born in Cambridge: 400 Years of Ideas and Innovators”) for “Pioneering Poets of Cambridge,” a tour exploring some of the well-known poets and authors who have been part of Cambridge’s “literary-industrial complex.” Learn about the first printing press in English America; poet Anne Bradstreet, one of Cambridge’s first Colonial-era residents; slave narrative author Harriet Jacobs; and 20th century poets Robert Frost, Elizabeth Bishop, T. S. Eliot, Adrienne Rich and May Sarton. And learn why Cambridge poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow became one of the most famous Americans in the 19th century.
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 2026, we are focusing on the history of West Cambridge. Make history with us at historycambridge.org.
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