05.09.2024

Today’s Forecast

58º | 20% chance of precipitation | Sunrise 5:29 a.m. | Sunset 7:53 p.m.

History

A quick history of Mount Auburn Cemetery

Mount Auburn Cemetery has natural landscaping and design. | Photo courtesy of Mount Auburn Cemetery

Known for its lush landscaping and plant life, the tranquil Mount Auburn Cemetery is one of the most recognizable burial grounds in Cambridge. Recently, five new, pedestrian-only gates were added on the Cambridge side to increase overall foot traffic. This is just one of countless updates made throughout this historic cemetery’s long and celebrated lifespan.

The cemetery was founded in 1831 by members of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society with the intent of providing a peaceful place “where families could commemorate their loved ones with tasteful works of art in an inviting and natural setting.” In addition, they desired to tackle the issue of urban land use due to an increase in burials in the city.

In the 1830s, planning a graveyard didn’t usually involve incorporating an area’s natural beauty. But, according to Mount Auburn Cemetery, the abundance of trees and other lush flora were used to its advantage. Paths and lanes were named for various plants, and the landscape looked more like a museum or park. When the world provides you with such beautiful details, why not embrace them?

The cemetery expanded over the years from its initial 72 acres to its current 175, bordering both Cambridge and Watertown. More than 5,000 trees thrive in the cemetery, along with local flowers like ladies’ tresses, daffodils, and lilacs.

The artistically crafted monuments throughout the cemetery add to its graceful ambiance. In addition, many notable people are buried here, including:

Art collector and philanthropist Isabella Stewart Gardner
American poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Behavioral psychologist B.F. Skinner
Author Bernard Malamud
Boston-bred Supreme Court Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes

Mount Auburn Cemetery was put on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975 and was designated as a National Historic Monument in 2003.

Though certainly a place to honor loved ones, Mount Auburn Cemetery’s natural beauty is worth a visit.

Asked

In what decade was Mount Auburn Cemetery founded?

A. 1850s
B. 1830s
C. 1810s
D. 1870s

Take the quiz

Events

Thursday, May 9

Stories from the Stage: Pride | Thursday, May 9 | 6:30-9:15 p.m. | GBH Studios, 1 Guest St., Brighton | $50 | “Stories from the Stage” shares inspirational tales from those in the LGBTQ+ community.
“Pulp Fiction” | Thursday, May 9 + Tuesday, May 14 | 8 p.m. | The Brattle Theatre, 40 Brattle St., Cambridge | $13-$15 | Catch a screening of the 1994 Quentin Tarantino film.

Friday, May 10

Cheese Plate Personality | Friday, May 10 | 7-8 p.m. | curds&co, 288 Washington St., Brookline | $65 | Answer some questions about your personality and discover which type of cheese fits it.

Saturday, May 11

Walking Tour of Monument Square | Saturday, May 11 | 11 a.m.-12 p.m. | Loring- Greenough House, 12 South St., Jamaica Plain | Free | Walk through an 18th-century mansion which was once the country’s first military hospital on this historical tour.
Mother’s Day Floral Workshop at View Boston | Saturday, May 11 | 11:30 a.m. | View Boston, 800 Boylston St., Boston | $95 | Craft a floral arrangement with assistance from Market Floral Studio, followed by brunch at The Beacon bistro.
“Encanto” in Concert | Saturday, May 11 + Saturday, May 18 | 2-3:30 p.m. | Symphony Hall, 310 Massachusetts Ave., Boston | $34-$99 | Enjoy the Disney movie “Encanto” with live music performances of the eight original songs.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Development

According to investors, a soon-to-be-built residential building in Cambridge will be the city’s tallest at 37 stories. Construction has begun on the building at 121 Broadway in Kendall Square, which will have 439 rental units. (Boston.com)

State

The Massachusetts Senate has released its budget proposals earlier this week. Totaling ~$58 billion, the key areas for allocation include $325 million towards the state’s emergency shelter system and renewal of Commonwealth Cares for Children grants at $475 million. (Boston Globe)

Active

The Boston Common Frog Pond’s first yoga class for the summer season will take place tonight from 6 to 7 p.m. The classes are offered every Thursday until Aug. 29 and are free and open to the public.

Sports

On Tuesday, Special Olympics Massachusetts and the New England Revolution signed 19 Special Olympics athletes to the 2024 New England Revolution Unified Team. Now in its 10th season, they will face the New York Red Bulls Unified Team on May 11 at Red Bull Arena.

Ranked

Boston landed at No. 2 on WalletHub’s list of the “Best & Worst Cities for Basketball Fans.” The list compared 290 cities, including the price of tickets, stadium accessibility, and the level of performance of its NBA and NCAA Division 1 basketball teams.The top spot was awarded to Los Angeles.

Number

$2,500. That’s how much we’re looking to raise to support our staff and mission here at BOStoday — and our fundraising ends tomorrow. If you love the free community resource you’re reading right now (we sure do), support us today with a one-time donation. See how close we are to our goal.

Retail

Cabanas bring summer style to The Current

A series of pop-up shops with people walking nearby

The Current’s 15th season will have shoppers peruse cabanas. | Photo courtesy of Boston Seaport by WS

The pop-up shopping experience The Current is coming back to 100 Seaport Blvd. next week, this time with a twist — cabanas.

Now in its 15th season, peruse the nine cabanas that feature vendors selling various goods, including custom embroidery, high-end consignment, home goods, beauty products, men’s clothing, and gourmet sweets and confections.

Here are several of the vendors who will be selling their wares at The Current Cabanas:

Love & Flour, selling artisan cakes, cupcakes, and confections.
Culture Pop, a probiotic soda outfit.
Revolve Consignment Boutiques, offering luxury consignment goods from designer brands such as Bottega Veneta and Gucci.

Visitors can shop these and other cabanas from May 16 to Sept. 2.

The Buy

LED signs. Are you looking for a fun way to brighten up your home? Category6 LED has iconic neon signs scaled down to a size perfect for your at-home bar or game room.

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Katy

From the editor

I’m very intrigued by the list of vendors presenting their wares at The Current Cabanas. You may just find me there.

Missed our previous newsletter?

›

Send Us A Scoop, Question, or Feedback

Content marked with an * is paid advertising. Content marked with an ^ is created by our content studio. The company may also generate commission from affiliate links in the newsletter.

Change your preferences or unsubscribe here.

P.O. Box 2505, Greenville, SC 29602

ADVERTISE | CAREERS | ETHICS | PRIVACY | THE BUY