To continue where we left off last year, 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 called “The Port” and now part of Area 4. The city’s political center in the early 19th century, The Port evolved into a neighborhood of immigrants from many nations. Come see a street of Greek Revival houses listed on the National Register, the site of our first Town Hall, and a wide array of places of worship including Cambridge’s first Roman Catholic parochial complex (with a predecessor of Boston College), African-American Baptist and West Indian Episcopalian churches, and Cambridge’s only mosque. 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.
 

Support Rodney’s – a wonderful local independent bookstore – and learn more about the remarkable woman whom these hundreds of walks celebrate. In the weeks prior to the walk, Rodney’s – located at 698 Massachusetts Ave, Central Square, Cambridge – will be selling Genius of Common Sense: Jane Jacobs and the Story of “The Death and Life of Great American Cities.” The Boston Globe’s Robert Campbell called it “the best short introduction yet to the life and work” of Jane Jacobs. Written for ALL ages, Genius of Common Sense is now available in paperback with Jane and her commuter-bicycle on the cover.

Time: 10:30am-12:00pm

Date: Saturday, May 4, 2013

Event Start/End: 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.

Host: Glenna Lang

Registration: No need to sign up, just show up at the posted meeting location.

Accessibility: This event is welcoming and accessible to Wheelchairs, Bicycles, Seniors, Children,  and Dogs

Join us for a leisurely stroll through the neighborhood to find about some of the housing and industrial buildings constructed within the mid 1800s to early 1900s that forged the fabric of Union Square and established it as a place to both live and work. The walk is led by community leaders involved with the rebirth of the Square. All are welcome to come and share their own memories and visions for the future.

• View architectural features that typify workers’ housing in Somerville, as well as the industries where these former residents once worked;
• Explore representative streets: Emerson and Newton, Lake and Olive Square, Quincy, and Summer;
• Find out about what has changed and why, as seen through the eyes of the people who live or work there;
• Brief “Walk Boston Award” presentation to both Union Square Main Streets and The Neighborhood Restaurant at the start;
• Linger in Union Square for lunch and visits to various Somerville Open Art Studios, an annual City-wide event from noon to 6pm.

Time: 10am – noon

Date: Saturday, May 4, 2013

Event Start/End: 

The walk will start at the Union Square Plaza, and end at Bloc 11 Cafe for continuing discussion if interested.

Host: Brandon Wilson, Somerville Historic Preservation Commission

Theme: Walking

Registration: No need to sign up, just show up.

Accessibility: This event is accessible and open to Wheelchairs, Bicycles, Seniors, Children