Sharing the stories of who we were, who we are, and who we want to be...
For over a decade, community members have called for a museum that meets the needs for:
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A unified space by, for, and about all the people of Cambridge
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An anchor for the network of historical resources in the City
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An easily accessible site designed to welcome residents and visitors in learning about our history
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An inviting center for all people, from our children to our elders, to tell their story
Our Story (So Far)
Our mission is to meet the City’s long-held need for an accessible, public-facing port where we can share the stories of who we were, who we are, and who we want to be.
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In 2011, Cambridge City Councilor E. Denise Simmons sponsored a policy order calling for the establishment of just such a place. While a wealth of local history has been archived by organizations across Cambridge, much of it remains hidden from public view. It is long overdue for Cambridge to join dozens of municipalities throughout Massachusetts – including nearby Somerville and Concord – in having its own local history museum that makes its past accessible, relevant, and engaging.
The Cambridge Museum of History and Culture seeks to anchor the City's network of historical resources. We aspire to be a welcoming, way-finding haven in more ways than one by connecting visitors and residents to archival spaces across Cambridge, and connecting our stories of the past to pathways of hope for the future.
While we continue our efforts to establish a long-term site for the museum, we're also focusing on bringing individual events and exhibits to the Cambridge community. These projects are all about connecting with local organizations and rethinking what it means to help our community engage with the past. Right now, we're working to get people involved with shaping the Cambridge Museum in a "building as we climb" approach.
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Read about upcoming events, view past projects, and learn about our future plans
Map reproduction courtesy of the Norman B. Leventhal Map & Education Center at the Boston Public Library
