From the massive Thornes awning to graffiti on the sidewalk, type surrounds us as we move through town. On this walk we will explore how the typography of our town effects our experience of it, from old painted letters on brick buildings, to font choices of new businesses, to wayfinding signs. We’ll have a casual discussion about public typography, peppered with trivia and facts about fonts we spot along the way.

What makes the signage of Northampton unique? What signs do you love? What signs do you hate? How do signs impact your daily decisions about how to interact with the town? Why do hand-painted signs feel charming and Helvetica signs feel sterile? We’ll talk about all of this and more!

Date: Saturday May 5, 2012

Time: TBA

Event Start: Market St & Main St.

Event End: State St. & Main St.

Host: Molly McLeod

Registration: 15 person cap on this event. Email molly.ampersand@gmail.com to RSVP.

Accessibility: This event is accessible and welcoming to children & seniors. 

Please join us for a free walking tour to explore, observe, and share stories about Central Square, Cambridge’s traditional commercial center, and the historic neighborhood just to the north, once commonly called “The Port” and now part of Area 4. Come see where the first Civil War unit drilled and learn about Lafayette Square, Margaret Fuller’s house, Greek revival architecture, and old and new churches. Freelance writer Michael Kenney and Cambridge Historical Commission’s Charles Sullivan will offer historic background. Participants and chance encounters with residents will provide observations and information.

Time: 10:30pm-12:00pm

Date: Saturday, May 5th

Event Start: Holmes Plaza, the park-like area on the southeast corner of Mass. Ave. and Prospect St., near the Central Square T station and #1 Bus.

Event End: End at the Tavern in the Square, where those who wish may continue conversation and purchase lunch.

Registration: RSVP appreciated but not required to: glennalang@earthlink.net.

Accessibility: This event is accessible and welcoming to wheelchairs, bicycles, seniors, children, and dogs.