Due to the weather, this event has been postponed one week to Sunday, February 23, 2pm-4pm.
Grace: The History of Black Churches in Cambridge
Exhibit Now on Display in Kendall Square
Feb 10, 2025 – The Grace Exhibit, a powerful tribute to the historical and contemporary contributions of Black churches in Cambridge, is now on display at the Kendall Public Lobby, located between 355 and 325 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02142.
This collaborative effort between the Cambridge Museum of History & Culture and the Office of Mayor E. Denise Simmons honors the spiritual, cultural, and social impact of these institutions on the city.
The mayor will host a launch reception on Sunday, February 23 from 2:00 to 4:00pm at the Kendall Public Lobby, featuring a short speaking program, light refreshments, and musical performances. Community members are invited to attend and celebrate this significant moment in Cambridge’s history.
“This exhibit is a testament to the enduring legacy of Cambridge’s Black churches and the pivotal role they have played in shaping our community,” said Mayor E. Denise Simmons. “From providing spiritual guidance to leading social justice efforts, these churches have been—and continue to be—pillars of resilience, hope, and empowerment. I am deeply honored to support this initiative and encourage everyone to visit and experience this remarkable history.”
Mayor Simmons also emphasized the importance of partnerships in bringing the exhibit to fruition:
“Collaborating with BXP, Cambridge Arts, The Cambridge Historical Commission, The Cambridge Redevelopment Authority, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology has been invaluable in making the Grace Exhibit a reality, just as they’ve been such wonderful partners in bringing a number of our exhibits to fruition. Their support and commitment to preserving and presenting our city’s rich history have been instrumental in showcasing the profound impact of Black churches in Cambridge.”
The exhibit was made possible through the dedicated efforts of community curators, including Chandra Salvi Harrington, Deacon Cheryl Maynard, Dr. Cheryl Townsend Gilkes, Dr. Janie Ward, Dr. Kris Manjapra, Lynette Riley-Belle, Patricia Weems, Reverend Dr. Ellis I. Washington, Reverend Lorraine Thornhill, Sister Danita Callender, and Valerie Beaudrault. Participating churches include, Abundant Life Church, St. Augustine’s African American Orthodox Christian Church, Cambridge Community Outreach Tabernacle, Christian Mission Holiness Church, Kingdom Empowerment Center, Massachusetts Avenue Baptist Church, North Cambridge Community Church, Pentecostal Tabernacle, Rush Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church, St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church, Union Baptist Church, and Western Avenue Baptist Church.
The Grace Exhibit is hosted in partnership with BXP, Cambridge Arts, The Cambridge Historical Commission, The Cambridge Redevelopment Authority, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, whose support has helped provide a platform for connection, sharing, and learning. It is scheduled to be up for display throughout the month of February.
For more information on the exhibit, the launch reception, and visiting hours, please contact the Cambridge Museum of History & Culture or the Office of Mayor E. Denise Simmons at dsimmons@cambridgema.gov.