History Cambridge introduced a model of informal programming in 2025 called “History Hangs.” Held at a local restaurant, library or other community space, these events provided a casual way for Cantabrigians to gather and chat about local history, focusing on conversation among attendees rather than formal presentations. We have enjoyed gathering for History Hangs at Paddy’s Lunch, the Cambridge Public Library and The Sea Hag, among other locales, and now we’re trying something new again as we launch our moving History Hangs this spring.
On April 23, a group of history enthusiasts explores the Brattle Street area with a West Cambridge Walk. Meeting at the Hooper-Lee-Nichols House at 159 Brattle St., we will proceed down Brattle to the Longfellow House and neighboring Longfellow Park, where we’ll stop to hear about the park’s history and about upcoming events. We’ll loop over to Mount Auburn Street, returning to Brattle Street by way of Lowell Street, where we’ll visit the New School of Music to hear about the long and storied history of its home at the Lowell School, as well as the NSM’s current mission and programming. We’ll end the walk where we began, taking the chance to reflect on the “Forgotten Souls of Tory Row” art installation on the lawn of 159 Brattle St.
On May 7, another mobile History Hang will again gather at the Hooper-Lee-Nichols House and venture down Brattle Street to Lowell Park, where we’ll talk about the area’s development and the broader history of green spaces in the city. From there, we’ll head to Mount Auburn Cemetery to learn about its legacy as a place for mourners, history buffs and nature enthusiasts. How does Cambridge balance the need for development with the preservation of open space, and how have thoughts about this balance changed over time? We’ll end this program too back at our starting place at 159 Brattle St.
Registration for these West Cambridge Walks is available here, and we will add more dates and routes soon. We hope you will join with us and your fellow history enthusiasts to walk, talk and learn more about this year’s focus neighborhood of West 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 2025, we are focusing on the history of East Cambridge. Make history with us at historycambridge.org.
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