The Brinkler Research Library's archival holdings include books, maps, newspapers, periodicals, broad sheets, published and unpublished documents, a photo archive and drawings. The library also contains published family and town histories, city directories and published town reports.

The Cambridge Historical Society acts as a living repository for Cambridge's tradition and history. It maintains any property entrusted to it and collects, preserves, and interprets items of historical and antiquarian significance.

The Historical Society encourages research and involvement in these efforts by its members and the community at large. In doing so it promotes a better understanding of history as an important factor in the everyday affairs of the City and its residents.

The Brinkler Library is open to researchers by appointment. Please call 617 547-4252 to schedule your visit. For questions about collections, donations, and requests for reproduction from the collection, send email to archives@cambridgehistory.org

Enjoy three self guided walking tours of Cambridge: Utterly Harvard Square, Revolutionary Cambridge, and Historic Tory Row. The Utterly Harvard Square tour is a light hearted look at some of the Squares iconic locations and quirky treasures. The Revolutionary Cambridge tour explores the city’s role on the cutting edge of American society, both at the end of the 18th century and throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. Finally, the largest tour is of the Historic Tory Row, this includes the seven Tory Row mansions but also has stops for many of the grand homes along Brattle Street and on some of the neighboring streets.

If coming to programs at the Hooper-Lee-Nichols House on Sunday, parking is permitted along Brattle Street. During the week, parking on Brattle and neighboring streets is Cambridge Resident Permit only. If you do not have a Cambridge permit, please contact the CHS office (617-547-4252) to discuss options.