Cambridge Mass 250 Campaign Kicks Off With Several Events in April

The City of Cambridge has officially launched its local Massachusetts 250 campaign, a City and statewide initiative to celebrate 250 years of America’s independence and Massachusetts’ revolutionary legacy.

Cambridge played a key role in Massachusetts’ history, from its indigenous Massachusett tribe, to many battles across the City, to milestones like the American Army’s birth, the first printing press, the first college, and the first same-sex marriage in America. 

Throughout 2025 and 2026, the City of Cambridge plans to showcase stories that highlight historic themes of revolution and independence through a series of engaging events. Revolutionary milestones will be featured through walking and bike tours, scavenger hunts, poetry readings, celebrations of veterans and innovators, and an American Army Birthday Commemoration. 2025 festivities will culminate in a Revolution-themed Citywide Dance Party in June, celebrating Cambridge’s rich and diverse heritage.

Residents of the Cambridge community are invited to join in commemorating America’s Independence and embarking on the journey of remembrance and celebration.

Event highlights include:

Revolutionary War-Themed Scavenger Hunt
Ongoing; Starts Friday, April 11
Various Locations
Log into the app to begin the hunt

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.

National Poetry Month
Friday, April 18
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."

Patriot's Day
Monday, April 21
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
1 P.M.
50 Broadway, Cambridge

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—reserve your spot today!

See registration link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bostons-innovation-trail-special-school-vacation-week-tour-on-april-15th-tickets-1287363040509?aff=oddtdtcreator

National Poetry Month
Friday, April 25
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
2-3:30 P.M.

Registration: https://historycambridge.org/events/april-26-tour/

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!

National Poetry Month
Sunday, April 27
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."

East Cambridge and the Revolution
Saturday, May 3
2-3:30 P.M.
Centanni Park, located next to 41 Second St., Cambridge, MA
Registration: https://historycambridge.org/events/may-3-rev-east-cambridge-tour/

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!

Innovation Trail Tour – Kendall
Saturday, May 10
11 a.m.
50 Broadway, Cambridge
Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-innovation-trail-cambridge-firsts-in-kendall-square-walking-tour-510-tickets-1288239040649?aff=oddtdtcreator

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.

East Cambridge and the Revolution
Saturday, May 10
2-3:30 P.M.
Centanni Park, located next to 41 Second St., Cambridge, MA
Registration: https://historycambridge.org/events/may-10-rev-east-cambridge-tour/

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!

Born In Cambridge Tours - North Cambridge
Saturday, May 17
2-3:30 P.M.
Learn More: https://historycambridge.org

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.

Memorial Day Weekend Grave Flag Decoration Day
Saturday, May 24
10:00 A.M
Cambridge Cemetery
76 Coolidge Avenue

Place flags on the graves of Veterans and Observe their service and sacrifice.

Observance for Maritime Military Members
Saturday, May 24
12:30 P.M.
American Legion Marsh Post 442
55 Greenough Blvd, Cambridge

This event will commemorate military members lost due to Maritime battles/ disasters. We will release flowers, have a moment of silence, and reflect while listening to a recording of the Navy Academy Choir.

Memorial Day Observance Event
Monday, May 26
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.

Six Triple Eight Movie Showing
Thursday, June 12
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.

Army's 250th Anniversary
Saturday, June 14
10:30 A.M.-1:30 P.M.
Cambridge Common

Celebrate the birth of the Army in the location General Washington took Command!

Harvard Square's Bookish Ball 
Saturday, June 21
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!

Cambridge Arts River Festival
Saturday, June 21
11 A.M.-6 P.M.
DCR & Cambridge’s Memorial Drive & River Bend Park
Learn More: https://www.cambridgema.gov/arts/Programs/riverfestival

The Cambridge Arts River Festival returns on June 21, 2025, 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!

Born In Cambridge Tours - West Cambridge
Saturday, June 21
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.

Fighting for Freedom: Black Cambridge from the Revolution to the early Nineteenth Century (Lecture)
Wednesday, June 25
6:30 P.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.

Innovation Trail Tour - Kendall - Cambridge's Firsts
Thursday, June 26
5 P.M.
50 Broadway, Cambridge
Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-innovation-trail-cambridge-firsts-in-kendall-square-walking-tour-626-tickets-1288240685569?aff=oddtdtcreator

City Dance Party
Friday, June 27
Cambridge City Hall

The citywide Dance Party presents a Revolutionary Reunion – Celebrating 250 Years of Revolution.

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.


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To learn more about Cambridge Mass 250 campaign, please visit https://www.cambridgema.gov/mass250initiative or email Cambridge250@cambridgema.gov.

To stay up-to-date about what's happening with the Cambridge Mass250 campaign, sign up for emails about programming and events.

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