CAMBRIDGE MASS 250
Join us in commemorating the 250th anniversary of America's independence by exploring Cambridge’s pivotal role in shaping the nation—not just through battles but through revolutionary ideas that ignited change. From the indigenous Massachusett tribe to the birth of the American Army, the first printing press, the founding of America’s first college, and groundbreaking moments like the first same-sex marriage in the U.S., Cambridge has always been a place of progress and transformation. As home to MIT, a global leader in scientific discovery and technological innovation, Cambridge continues to push boundaries in research, medicine, and engineering, shaping the future just as it has shaped the past. Whether you are a lifelong resident, student, or visitor, we invite you to uncover the stories of innovation, activism, and resilience that define our city.
Event highlights include:
Revolutionary War-Themed Scavenger Hunt
Ongoing
Various Locations
The Cambridge Office for Tourism is thrilled to offer Scavify as an exciting way for visitors to experience the city’s rich heritage in a dynamic and immersive way, through app-based scavenger hunts celebrating Cambridge Mass 250. Visitors are invited to explore Cambridge’s revolutionary and innovative past through a series of challenges, trivia, and location-based tasks. Participants will uncover the City’s rich history of revolution, groundbreaking discoveries, famous scholars, and technological advancements. As visitors navigate iconic landmarks and hidden gems at their leisure, users will gain a deeper appreciation for Cambridge’s role in shaping the past and the future—all while competing, earning points, and enjoying an unforgettable adventure.
April Events
Friday, April 11 from 6-8:00 P.M.
Little Crepe Café, 102 Oxford St., Cambridge
Did you know? One of the first published American poets was here in Massachusetts. As part of a state-wide celebration of the 250th anniversary of America's independence, join us for community poetry readings on the theme of "Cambridge Milestones, Innovations & Firsts."
British Landing Site & Pub Trivia
Monday, April 14 at 6 P.M.
Centanni Park and Lamplighter CX at 110 N. First St
Learn about the landing site of the British regulars on the night of April 18, 1775 and then gather for a fun evening of pub trivia with a focus on the American Revolution.
Friday, April 18 from 6-8:00 P.M.
Little Crepe Café, 102 Oxford St.
As part of a state-wide celebration of the 250th anniversary of America's independence, join us for community poetry readings on the theme of "Cambridge Milestones, Innovations & Firsts."
Monday, April 21 at 10:30 A.M.
Cambridge Common
History is brought to life through reenactments in the City of Cambridge as we celebrate the event, the bravery, and one of the riders that changed the history of the world - William Dawes!!
Innovation Trail Tour - Kendall - kid friendly version
Tuesday, April 22 at 1 P.M.
50 Broadway
Discover the groundbreaking inventions that made Cambridge a global hub for innovation on a free 90-minute walking tour of The Innovation Trail! Led by Julia Clark of Boston History Co., this award-winning tour explores the city’s legacy of scientific discoveries—from woven fire hoses to gene-editing technology. Perfect for families on April school vacation and Kendall Square professionals, the tour begins at the Boston Marriott in Kendall Square. Space is limited—register here.
Friday, April 25 from 6-8:00 P.M.
Little Crepe Café, 102 Oxford St.
As part of a state-wide celebration of the 250th anniversary of America's independence, join us for community poetry readings on the theme of "Cambridge Milestones, Innovations & Firsts."
Born In Cambridge Tours – Cambridgeport
Saturday, April 26 from 2-3:30 P.M.
Join authors Karen Weintraub and Michael Kuchta for a series of free walking tours exploring Cambridge’s legacy of innovation, adaptation, and revolutionary ideas. Based on their book Born in Cambridge: 400 Years of Ideas and Innovators, these tours will uncover the people, places, and events that shaped the city’s unique role in history. Discover Cambridge’s "secret sauce"—the mix of higher learning, diversity, and visionary leadership that has made this small city a powerhouse of creativity. Don’t miss this chance to see history come to life!
Sunday, April 27 from 2-4:00 P.M.
Longfellow House-Washington's Headquarters Historic Site
As part of a state-wide celebration of the 250th anniversary of America's independence, join us for community poetry readings on the theme of "Cambridge Milestones, Innovations & Firsts."
May Events
East Cambridge and the Revolution
Saturday, May 3 from 2-3:30 P.M.
Centanni Park, located next to 41 Second St., Cambridge, MA
Uncover the hidden Revolutionary War history of East Cambridge on this free guided tour! While often overshadowed by other historic sites, East Cambridge played a crucial role in the war, from the landing of British troops at Lechmere Point to the construction of Fort Putnam. Learn about Andrew Craigie’s post-war land transformation and how the neighborhood evolved into a center of industry and government. Discover how East Cambridge’s revolutionary spirit has shaped the city for centuries—join us for a journey through time! Register here.
Innovation Trail Tour – Kendall
Saturday, May 10 at 11:00 A.M.
50 Broadway
Discover the groundbreaking inventions and discoveries that shaped Cambridge on this free 90-minute walking tour of Kendall Square! Led by Michael Kuchta and Karen Weintraub, co-authors of Born in Cambridge: 400 Years of Ideas and Innovators, this tour will highlight local innovations—from the sewing machine and Polaroid instant photography to mRNA vaccines and the Apollo Guidance Computer. Whether you're a history buff, STEM enthusiast, or entrepreneur, you won’t want to miss this deep dive into Cambridge’s legacy of innovation. Register here.
East Cambridge and the Revolution
Saturday, May 10 from 2-3:30 P.M.
Centanni Park, located next to 41 Second St., Cambridge, MA
Uncover the hidden Revolutionary War history of East Cambridge on this free guided tour! While often overshadowed by other historic sites, East Cambridge played a crucial role in the war, from the landing of British troops at Lechmere Point to the construction of Fort Putnam. Learn about Andrew Craigie’s post-war land transformation and how the neighborhood evolved into a center of industry and government. Discover how East Cambridge’s revolutionary spirit has shaped the city for centuries—join us for a journey through time! Register here.
Born In Cambridge Tours - North Cambridge
Saturday, May 17 from 2-3:30 P.M.
In Born in Cambridge: 400 Years of Ideas and Innovators, authors Karen Weintraub and Michael Kuchta explore how Cambridge has shaped the story of America through invention, reinvention, and adaptation. From its revolutionary history to its role as a hub for science, technology, and social change, Cambridge’s unique blend of higher learning, diversity, and visionary leadership has driven its continued innovation. Join Weintraub and Kuchta on a walking tour to explore the people, places, and events that made Cambridge a center for creativity and progress. Discover how this small city has had a lasting impact on the world and continues to be a leader in innovation.
Saturday, May 24
DD 9-10:30 A.M./ WM 12:15-1:30 P.M.
Cambridge Cemetery /American Legion Post #442
Place flags on the graves of Veterans and Observe their service and sacrifice. Place flowers in the Charles River to remember military members lost at sea.
Monday, May 26 from 10:30 A.M.-12:00 P.M.
Cambridge Common
Observe the Sacrifices and Service of Service Members and celebrate the freedoms afforded by their service and sacrifices.
June Events
Six Triple Eight Movie Showing
Thursday, June 12 at 5:30 P.M.
American Legion Post #442, 5 Greenough Blvd Cambridge
Join the Cambridge Women Veterans and Mayor Simmons as we enjoy food, conversation and watching the history making women of the 6888.
Saturday, June 14 from 10:30 A.M.-1:30 P.M.
Cambridge Common
Celebrate the birth of the Army in the location General Washington took Command!
Born In Cambridge Tours - West Cambridge
Saturday, June 21 from 2-3:30 P.M.
In Born in Cambridge: 400 Years of Ideas and Innovators, authors Karen Weintraub and Michael Kuchta explore how Cambridge’s history mirrors the larger story of America. The city has long been a center of invention, reinvention, and adaptation, playing a key role in shaping both the nation and the world. Its rich history of innovation before and after the Revolutionary War offers a powerful lens for understanding how the city continues to embody revolutionary ideals. In this series of neighborhood tours, Weintraub and Kuchta will delve into the people, places, and events that have made Cambridge a hub for creativity and progress. From its foundation as a center of higher learning to its ongoing commitment to the common good, Cambridge’s “secret sauce” lies in its combination of visionary leadership, diverse population, and a spirit of innovation that has kept it at the forefront of new ideas for centuries.
Saturday, June 21 from 11 A.M.-6 P.M.
DCR & Cambridge’s Memorial Drive & River Bend Park
The Cambridge Arts River Festival returns on June 21, bringing its vibrant celebration of art, culture, and community back to the banks of the Charles River. This free, family-friendly event will feature multiple stages of live music, theater, dance, and poetry, along with interactive art-making activities, the Mermaid Promenade, buskers, delicious international foods, and an arts and crafts market. After a few years of adapting to the pandemic, the River Festival is back in full swing, ready to unite residents and visitors in a day of creativity and cultural expression. Mark your calendars and join us for an unforgettable celebration!
Saturday, June 21 from 11 A.M.-4 P.M.
Harvard Square
Join a free guided bookstore tour through Harvard Square led by historian Daniel Berger Jones, exploring the Revolutionary History of Harvard Square. Stop by five local bookstores, collect stamps on your Dance Card, and enter to win a Harvard Square Grand Prize Gift Basket! Start at the Bookish Ball at Smith Campus Center for live music, treats, and special guest Elizabeth Glover, the first colonial printer. Tours run at 11 AM, 1 PM, and 3 PM—sign up in advance and enjoy a bookish adventure!
Fighting for Freedom: Black Cambridge from the Revolution to the early Nineteenth Century (Lecture)
Wednesday, June 25 at 6:30 A.M.
First Church Cambridge, Congregational 11 Garden Street, Cambridge, MA 02138 (tentative)
Hear about the Black Patriots of the Revolution and the lives of free Black community in Cambridge in the early part of the Nineteenth Century. Featuring Leslie Brunetta of the Cambridge Black History Project.
City Dance Party
Friday, June 27 Cambridge City Hall
The citywide Dance Party presents a Revolutionary Reunion – Celebrating 250 Years of Revolution.
Innovation Trail Tour - Kendall - Cambridge's Firsts
Thursday, June 26 at 5 P.M.
50 Broadway, Cambridge
Discover the innovative history of Kendall Square in Cambridge on a fascinating walking tour led by Michael Kuchta and Karen Weintraub, the co-authors of Born in Cambridge: 400 Years of Ideas and Innovators. This 90-minute tour explores the birthplace of groundbreaking inventions like the sewing machine, the yellow highlighter, and Polaroid’s instant photography, as well as more recent achievements like the Human Genome Project and mRNA vaccines. Walk through the history of innovation in this dynamic neighborhood, where STEM and entrepreneurship have shaped the world. Join us for this free event, made possible by the City of Cambridge and MA 250.
To learn more about the Cambridge Mass 250 campaign, please visit https://www.cambridgema.gov/ mass250initiative.
