Cambridge
Massachusetts
Harvard Square Business Association
"Harvard Square began in 1630 as the Colonial village of Newtowne, which was chosen by the Proprietors of Massachusetts Bay to be the capital of their new colony. The village was the first planned town in English North America, and the streets laid out in 1631 are still in use today. Important structures survive from almost every period since the early 18th century. In few New England cities are the connections to the early years of settlement so apparent to present-day observers, or so threatened by intense pressure for development."
According to Sullivan, Newtowne differed from other communities in the Massachusetts Bay Colony because of its "well-ordered appearance." Streets in the village were laid out in squares and during the early decades, Dunster Street was the principal high street where the first tavern and thirteen of the town's fifty-seven houses stood.
In the early years of the settlement, (today's Harvard Square) lay on the outskirts of the village. After Harvard College was established in 1636, the center of the settlement gradually shifted.
For a century and a half, the village had been the seat of the Commonwealth's largest county and most prestigious college, but there was little else to attract the traveler and only a few stores served the students. Even the name Harvard Square did not become commonplace until the middle of the 19th century.
The structures of this period that still exist, such as the overall layout of the streets, the stone retaining walls on Winthrop, Eliot and South Streets, and the wood frame houses on Winthrop, Dunster and South Streets are rare survivors.
According to the Cambridge Historical Commission, streets of 1635 surviving in the Harvard Square National Register District includes parts of Story Street, Church Street, Farwell Place, Massachusetts Avenue, Mount Auburn Street, Winthrop Street, South Street, Eliot Street, Dewolfe Street and Arrow Street.
We encourage you to click here: www.cambridgema.gov/~Historic/hsqhistory1.html for old photos, maps and a walking route that illustrates the original village.
Upcoming Events at Harvard Square Business Association
Charles Square Outdoor Winter Holiday Market
Recent News
Harvard Square Business Association Newsletter - December 2024
Please join us in welcoming our new member! MA New Listings Events Sparklefest: Your Guide to Holiday Arts in Harvard Square November 30th - December 31st Harvard Square Shopover Weekend December 13th - 15th It’s the…
Read More »Harvard Square Business Association Newsletter - April 2024
Please join us in welcoming our new members! Achilitos Taqueria Boston Sightseeing Mark Goodman Events DEADLINE APPROACHING - Monday April 22nd 39th Annual MayFair Applications Now Available Sunday, May 5th …
Read More »Harvard Square Business Association Newsletter - March 2024
Please join us in welcoming our new members! Mother Juice Van Leeuwen Ice Cream Events Celebrate Easter in Harvard Square March 31st Enjoy special menus, bountiful brunches, sweet treats and more! Additional…
Read More »Harvard Square Business Association Newsletter - February 2024
Harvard Square Business Association February 2024 Newsletter Events/Deals/News Please join us in welcoming our new members! Cambridge Skating Club DX Herbwell Cannabis Market Square Optical The Sea Hag Wilks Productions Consultancy Events…
Read More »A New And Uplifting Partnership For Harvard Square’s Fridge In The Square
The Harvard Square Business Association (HSBA) is pleased to announce the return of “Fridge in the Square”, a community led food program for those in need. This program, hosted by First Parish, will now be joined in partnership with…
Read More »Harvard Square Business Association Newsletter - January 2024
14th Annual Winter Carnival in Harvard Square The Harvard Square Business Association welcomes you to attend Winter Carnival 2024! The temperatures may be dropping but we are gearing up for some of the most highly anticipated events of the year,…
Read More »Harvard Square Business Association News - January 9, 2024
14th Annual Winter Carnival in Harvard Square The Harvard Square Business Association welcomes you to attend Winter Carnival 2024! The temperatures may be dropping but we are gearing up for some of the most highly anticipated events of the year,…
Read More »Come Celebrate New Year's Eve in Harvard Square!
Cap off 2023 with an evening out in Harvard Square! We wish you a safe and healthy new year surrounded by those you love! Alden & Harlow New Years Eve Specials FOOD SMOKED EGG YOLK TAGLIATELLE Braised Short Rib, Pistachio & Pecorino Crema,…
Read More »Harvard Square's Public Holiday Art Display! - 'Fanfare of Clouds'
“fanfare of clouds” The Harvard Square Business Association, in partnership with Intercontinental Management, is pleased to announce “fanfare of clouds”, the latest installation at the 25/8 artspace project located at 2…
Read More »Harvard Square Business Association Special Holiday Edition Newsletter - December 2023
Harvard Square Business Association December 2023 Newsletter Events/Deals/News SHOPOVER WEEKEND IN HARVARD SQUARE December 15th - 17th It’s the most wonderful time of the year and there is no better place to spend it than historic Harvard…
Read More »Sparklefest in Harvard Square 2023
Sparklefest in Harvard Square The Harvard Square Business Association is excited to announce the schedule for Sparklefest 2023! Sparklefest is a five-week celebration of the holiday season in Harvard Square that culminates on New Year’s Eve.…
Read More »Harvard Square Business Association Newsletter - November 9, 2023
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Read More »Harvard Square's Illuminated Block Party
Harvard Square's Illuminated Block Party Two Nights! Friday, October 20th and Saturday, October 21st Come Celebrate the Head of the Charles Regatta Weekend! It’s one of the most internationally beloved weekends in Harvard Square and this…
Read More »Harvard Square Business Association Newsletter - September 14, 2023
44th Annual Oktoberfest October 8th (Rain date: October 15th) The 44th Annual Oktoberfest in Harvard Square’s will hit the streets in the heart of the square on Sunday, October 8th! Live music on multiple stages, food vendors, crafts and of…
Read More »Harvard Square Business Association News - Regattabar Reopens Its Doors At The Charles Hotel
The Harvard Square Business Association is delighted to announce the long-awaited reopening of Regattabar, an iconic venue beloved as the heart of New England’s jazz scene, located at the Charles Hotel. On September 15th, the venue will…
Read More »Harvard Square Welcomes Rodney's Bookstore
The Harvard Square Business Association is delighted to welcome Rodney's Bookstore to Harvard Square, opening on September 1st at 23 Church St. Owner, Shaw Taylor, named his bookstores after his dog, Rodney. He is excited to be opening this used…
Read More »Gateway Arts Exhibit In Harvard Square
For the past two years, the Harvard Square Business Association (HSBA), local Cambridge artist Kyoko Ono and Beacon Capital Partners, owners of One Brattle Square, have to coordinated ongoing art exhibits. The displays are curated by Kyoko and…
Read More »Harvard Square Business Association Newsletter - August 2023
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Read More »Harvard Square Business Association Newsletter - July 2023
Harvard Square Business Association July 2023 Newsletter Events/Deals/News Please join us in welcoming our new members The Attic Cambridge OptoGlo Inc. Partybus-Rental.net The Shade Store Western Front Events 9th Annual Salsa…
Read More »Harvard Square Business Association Community News - June 23, 2023
The Harvard Square Business Association is delighted to be partnering with Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Jimmy Fund to bring CowParade New England to Harvard Square. We are thrilled to welcome 3 members of the herd, Flora, Frida Cowlo and…
Read More »Harvard Square Business Association Community News - June 22, 2023
Behind VA Shadows project in Harvard Square - Empowering Museum Workers: ArtSpace Launches with Artist Nat Reed's Transformative Bicycle Sculptures The Harvard Square Business Association, in partnership with Intercontinental Management, is…
Read More »Harvard Square Business Association Newsletter - June 2023
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Read More »Harvard Square Open Market Returns June 4, 2023
Harvard Square Open Market Returns for its Second Season Sundays from June 4th to October 29th, 2023 Church Street 11am – 5pm The Harvard Square Business Association is delighted to announce that the Harvard Square Open Market is back for…
Read More »Harvard Square Business Association Newsletter - May 2023
Please join us in welcoming our new members! Arlekin Players Theatre Madras Dosa Co. Nicholas Lailas - Ameriprise Financial Celebrate Mother's Day in Harvard Square Join us for Mother's Day brunch, lunch, or dinner! Looking for that…
Read More »Harvard Square Business Association Community News - April 20, 2023
Our local newspaper, The Cambridge Chronicle, was founded in May of 1846 and is the oldest weekly newspaper in the United States. Sadly it no longer reports on important issues (politics, business trends, sports, school or community news) affecting…
Read More »Harvard Square Business Association Newsletter - April 2023
Harvard Square Business Association April 2023 Newsletter Please join us in welcoming our new members! The Hasty Pudding Institute of 1770 Hubba Hubba Price 4 Limo Vico Style 38th Annual MayFair Sunday, May 7th Rain Date: Sunday, May 21st We…
Read More »Harvard Square Business Association Newsletter - March 2023
Please join us in welcoming our new members! Effective Ventures Foundation USA The Harvard Crimson 38th Annual MayFair Applications Now Available Sunday, May 7th Rain Date: Sunday, May 21st Interested in being a vendor at…
Read More »Harvard Square Business Association Newsletter - February 2023
Please join us in welcoming our new members! Ginko House Industrious Minimum Wage Art 13th Annual "Some Like it Hot" Chili Cookoff February 11, 2023 2pm – 3:30pm Brattle Plaza It is with great anticipation that the Harvard…
Read More »Harvard Square Business Association News - February 6, 2023
Valentine’s Day in Harvard Square! February 10th - 14th Romantic dinners, intoxicating cocktails, decadent desserts, one of a kind gifts and so much more! There’s love in Harvard Square! Our businesses are offering you sweet and…
Read More »Harvard Square Business Association January Newsletter
13th Annual Winter Carnival January 12th – March 31st The Harvard Square Business Association welcomes you to attend Winter Carnival 2023! The temperatures may be dropping but we are gearing up for some of the most highly anticipated…
Read More »Harvard Square Business Association News - January 11, 2023
13th Annual Winter Carnival in Harvard Square The Harvard Square Business Association welcomes you to attend Winter Carnival 2023! The temperatures may be dropping but we are gearing up for some of the most highly anticipated events of the year,…
Read More »Harvard Square Business Association News - December 15, 2022
Please join us in welcoming our newest members! Adobe Berkshire Bank Taiyaki NYC x The Dough Club Welcome Back Freepoint Hotel Miller-Havens Art Starbucks Shopover Weekend December 16th – 18th It’s the most wonderful time of the…
Read More »Shopover Weekend In Harvard Square
Shopover Weekend in Harvard Square December 16th - 18th It’s the most wonderful time of the year and there is no better place to spend it than historic Harvard Square. With so much to see and do, come for the weekend! Shopping! Dining!…
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