Unveiling of Native Spaces – Indigenous Street Signs Project this Friday

Event alert! You’re invited to attend a special unveiling and celebration on Friday, November 29 at 2pm at the intersection of Third and Binney Streets in East Cambridge.

Dr. David Shane Lowry and Ms. Sage Carbone hold one of the new street signs installed in East Cambridge, displaying both the Massachusett and English languages

The City of Cambridge and members of the local Massachusett tribe will unveil newly installed street signs in East Cambridge that will be presented in both the Massachusett and English languages.

With the goal of expanding recognition of Indigenous Peoples in Cambridge, the community voted through the City of Cambridge’s Participatory Budgeting (PB) process to fund a series of markers and signs that acknowledge the continuous presence of Native Peoples, both before and after white settlement, and to educate residents and visitors about their lives and traditions. The first phase of this PB project was to translate the numbered street names in East Cambridge into the Massachusett language and install new street signs from First to Eighth streets. A dedicated City of Cambridge website will also introduce the project and serve as a landing page for future project elements and programming. View the new Native Spaces webpage here: https://www.cambridgema.gov/nativespaces

The event will include remarks from local Indigenous advocates and representatives with the City, an unveiling of the street signs, and a group photo opportunity.

All are invited to attend! In the event of poor weather, the alternate location will be held indoors at The Foundry building on Third and Rogers Street.

The event location is accessible via the MBTA’s Red Line and the Kendall Square Station. Interpreters will be available upon advanced request. Please call (617) 349-4396 or email accesshelp@cambridgema.gov to request assistance.

If you are interested in learning more about this project and event, please contact Sarah Burks at the Cambridge Historical Commission: sburks@cambridgema.gov.

Members Sought for Three Cambridge Neighborhood Conservation District Commissions in 2025

Cambridge City Manager, Yi-An Huang, is seeking to fill vacancies for members and alternate members for the following Cambridge Neighborhood Conservation District (NCD) Commissions: Avon Hill, Half Crown-Marsh, and Mid Cambridge. Homeowners and renters alike are welcome! Apply here: https://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Board/Vacant. Read on for more information.

View of 59-65 Foster Street, part of the Half Crown-Marsh NCD

What is a Neighborhood Conservation District?

Neighborhood Conservation Districts were established by city ordinance in 1983. Conservation district designation recognizes a distinctive physical environment that reflects the architectural, cultural, political, economic, or social history of the city. NCDs foster wider public knowledge and appreciation of such neighborhoods. Designation encourages the conservation and maintenance of these areas so that the city may be a more attractive and desirable place in which to live and work.

View of 8 Maple Avenue, part of the Mid Cambridge NCD

Each NCD commission includes five members and three alternates. Most members must reside in the respective district; renters, as well as homeowners, are encouraged to apply.

More information is available through the following links: 

Mid Cambridge NCD: cambridgema.gov/midcambridgencd

Avon Hill NCD: cambridgema.gov/avonhillncd

Half Crown-Marsh NCD: cambridgema.gov/halfcrownmarshncd

What are the Membership/Meeting Expectations?

The volunteer commissions meet monthly and are supported by the professional staff of the Cambridge Historical Commission. Applicants should have knowledge and concern for improvement, conservation, and enhancement of the district. The composition of each Commission shall represent the diversity of the designated neighborhood in terms of age, race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, and property ownership or tenancy.

Who Should Apply?

Individuals interested in being considered should apply through the city’s online application system at Cambridgema.gov/apply and select the respective commission.  A cover letter and resumé or summary of applicable experience can be submitted during the online application process.

Questions?

If you have question about the application process, please contact the City Manager’s Office at 617.349.4300 or boardsandcommissions@cambridgema.gov if you need assistance.

For general questions, please contact our office at histcomm@cambridgema.gov or 617.349.4683

View of Walnut Avenue, part of the Avon Hill NCD