Opening Reception
Barcode Journeys Opening Reception
Everyday six billion black and white barcodes are scanned as they parade, barely noticed through our lives, stamped on practically everything. Today, a mind-boggling mass of invisible electronic data records our existence. Barcode Journeys explores the pervasiveness of barcodes in our daily lives—discovering the humor, awe, meaning, and aesthetics in our coexistence with barcodes, algorithms, and now, AI, ultimately asking what it means to stay human.
Participating Artists: Lesley Bannatyne, Lynn Cannici, Greg Duerhr, Nathan Fash, Janine Fay, Kyle Huffman, Barbara Jo, Olga Mesa, Elizabeth Pacini, Cindy Ramírez, Laidy Saenz, Charlie Warren, Sandra Wascher, and Woolsey Cole Chesterman.
Regular Admission charges apply.
Find tickets on Eventbrite
History Un-Locked Drop in Chats
JOIN US TO CELEBRATE SOMERVILLE FROM ROOTS TO REVOLUTION ON THE 250TH ANNIVERSARY!
THE POWDER HOUSE will be open to the public on select dates and times from May through October as part of HISTORY ON THE LINE, a series of exhibitions and programs organized by the Somerville Museum and funded by the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism's MA250 initiative and the City of Somerville.
Escape from the Somerville Museum with Jef Czekaj
Oh no! Children's author and entertainer, Jef Czekaj is locked inside the Somerville Museum! He will only be released if he can answer questions like:
* Did 'Mary' from 'Mary had a Little Lamb' ever walk down this very street?
* What U.S. President lived in Somerville?
* If you were a 19th century pickle factory owner, where would you store your pickles?
Will Jef escape? He'll probably need the help of his puppets, Powcerhouse Pickle Jar and Somerville Sheep. Can you help too?
Stay for a scaventer hunt and discover more!
Free for children under $12. Others $-$12. Find tickets here
Curator Tour
Barbara Jo, curator of Barcode Journeys will give a guided tour of the work on exhibit and talk about her inspiration.
Free with museum admission
Barcode Journeys Zine Workshop with Barbara JO
Zines ("zeenez") are great little booklets you can make super fast. We'll provide paper for an 8-pg version for you to make your own zine that you can print out and share with others. Zines, each with their own personality, capture culture and art, and can highlight something someone feels passionate about or give voice to forgotten histories.
Boston and Barcodes: Six Decades of Engineering and Tracking Devices with Peter Collins, President & CEO, A2B Tracking
Years ago David Collins, "the father of the barcode," developed a linear tracking technology called KarTrak that was first installed on Boston and Maine railcars that led the way to modern barcodes. A fundamental building block of our modern economy, the barcode is still the backbone for retailing and manufacturing. Peter Collins, following in his father's footsteps, is an expert in pioneering barcode and RFID technology to close critical gaps between human and technology resources. Learn about barcode history, protocols, 1D versus 2D codes, and the future of tracking and data management solutions for government contractors, laboratories, universities and commercial organizations.
History Un-Locked Drop in Chats
JOIN US TO CELEBRATE SOMERVILLE FROM ROOTS TO REVOLUTION ON THE 250TH ANNIVERSARY!
Prospect Hill will be open to the public on select dates and times from May through October as part of HISTORY ON THE LINE, a series of exhibitions and programs organized by the Somerville Museum and funded by the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism's MA250 initiative and the City of Somerville.
History Un-Locked Drop in Chats
JOIN US TO CELEBRATE SOMERVILLE FROM ROOTS TO REVOLUTION ON THE 250TH ANNIVERSARY!
Milk Row Cemetery will be open to the public on select dates and times from May through October as part of HISTORY ON THE LINE, a series of exhibitions and programs organized by the Somerville Museum and funded by the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism's MA250 initiative and the City of Somerville.
A Dream from the Water's Eye/Dance performance by Cindy Ramirez
A Dance Performance | una danza interpretativa, by | por Cindy Ramirez
Peruvian artist Cindy Ramirez's work explores the evolution of Andean weaving through generations, blending traditional embroidery with modern digital tools, creating a dialogue between past and present. In the space of the Somerville Museum's historic staircase, Ramírez will present a 25-minute performance, accompanied by the Technohuayno music of Alan Poma. Donning her unku (Inca tunic) incorporating QR code symbols, the artist will use the staircase's shape to construct an Andean landscape in the shape of a chakana, the stepped motif reflecting Andean cosmology and spirituality. From this ephemeral installation the artist will share fragments of the garment, and acrylic plates and threads with the audience, establishing a tangible link with the performance.
History Un-Locked Drop in Chats
JOIN US TO CELEBRATE SOMERVILLE FROM ROOTS TO REVOLUTION ON THE 250TH ANNIVERSARY!
Milk Row Cemetery will be open to the public on select dates and times from May through October as part of HISTORY ON THE LINE, a series of exhibitions and programs organized by the Somerville Museum and funded by the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism's MA250 initiative and the City of Somerville.
Nepali Music and Dance Concert
Join us for a fun and casual evening with a group of women performers from the local Nepali Community for traditional folk songs and dance demonstrations!
Admission free
This program is supported by a grant from the Somerville Arts Council
RSVP
History in the Park: Spark of the Revolution!
Join the Somerville Museum as we commemorate the Powder Alarm of 1774, a significant event leading up to the American Revolution. Celebrations include history displays, guided tours of the Powder House, activity tables for all ages, and a scavenger hunt throughout the park!
This program is presented by the Somervllle Museum with support from the City of Somervillle
Tavern Talk with Dan Breen The March from Prospect Hill to Quebec: America Invades Canada, 1775
Tavern Talk with Dan Breen
The March from Prospect Hill to Quebec: America Invades Canada, 1775
250 years ago this September, Benedict Arnold led a thousand members of Washington's army to the north, away from the lines around Boston, in an attempt to drive the British out of Quebec. On the way they battled trackless bogs, debilitating hunger, bone-chilling cold and the ravages of disease--and that was the easy part! Join us as we relate the story of this, the first, and in some ways the most remarkable, military expedition in United States history.
Ticket available via Eventbrite.
Tickets $18 (non-members), includes one drink ticket
Members $14 (members), includes one drink ticket
Reflecting the Moment: Artists Respond to Time and Place
Reflecting the Moment: Artists Respond to Time and Place
Kaleidoscope Closing Reception, doors open at 2pm
Panel Discussion 3pm
Before the lights go down, come enjoy the art one more time, connect with the Artist, make your own art, and join us for a panel discussion at 3pm featuring:
Flor Delgadillo
Ravjot Mahek Singh
Pinar Banu Yassar
and moderated by Claudia Fiks
This exhibition has explored shifting ideas of home, family, neighbors, and community in a rapidly changing world. How do artists reflect such changes—the bending of language, the stretching of time, and the reshaping of place? Join the conversation!
Panel is free with regular museum admission. Members free.
RSVP
History Un-Locked Drop in Chats
JOIN US TO CELEBRATE SOMERVILLE FROM ROOTS TO REVOLUTION ON THE 250TH ANNIVERSARY!
Prospect Hill will be open to the public on select dates and times from May through October as part of HISTORY ON THE LINE, a series of exhibitions and programs organized by the Somerville Museum and funded by the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism's MA250 initiative and the City of Somerville.
Tour of the Secret Quarries of Somerville
Join us on a special walking tour to explore the hidden quarries of Somerville!
Join Somerville resident Robin Hazard Ray on a walk through Somerville’s deep past, beginning and ending at the Somerville Museum. The rocks underlying our city date to a time before the dinosaurs. We will explore the forgotten traces of rock quarries and look at how our handsome bedrock – the Cambridge Argillite – was extracted, shaped, and used in the city’s 19th-century fabric. Please wear sturdy walking shoes and bring some water!
Robin Hazard Ray, a 30-year resident of Somerville, studied geology at Brown University before pursuing a career in publishing. She gives tours at Mount Auburn Cemetery, which provides the setting for her crime-fiction novels The Strangers’ Tomb and The Soldiers’ Rest.
Collage from the Collection - New Program
Dig through images of old Somerville, art magazines, books and programs from our collection and reinvent them in a collage!
Take home a piece of the museum when you create a collage from our collections! Join us for this special Friday add-on event. There will be two limited time slots for you to craft for an hour and a half: 4-5:30pm and 5:30-7pm. Limited seats available, so bring a friend or meet someone new!
Recommended for teens and up, but littles can participate with an adult to use scissors.
Free for members. $10 for non-members. $5 for Student, Senior, EBT/WIC Cardholder.
To purchase tickets visit Eventbrite.
History Un-Locked Drop in Chats
JOIN US TO CELEBRATE SOMERVILLE FROM ROOTS TO REVOLUTION ON THE 250TH ANNIVERSARY!
THE POWDER HOUSE will be open to the public on select dates and times from May through October as part of HISTORY ON THE LINE, a series of exhibitions and programs organized by the Somerville Museum and funded by the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism's MA250 initiative and the City of Somerville.
Glow Within: Meditative Self-Portraits in Watercolor
Flor Delgadillo invites you to explore watercolors as a meditative art form. Using vibrant paints—including a glow-in-the-dark twist—we’ll create gentle self-portraits of mood, memory, and color. Reminding us that stillness can be radiant, and creativity is a form of care. Family friendly event.
Purchase tickets via Eventbrite.
Voice in Motion: Painting & Performance
Voices in Motion that will invite the audience to provide prompts and Flor Delgadillo will use your words to create paintings through dance movements. Join this wonderful community gathering and see words, dance and visual art come together in a collective vision. This gathering is part of the exhibition,Kaleidoscope, that explores the themes of home, community, neighborhood, and nature — celebrating the ways our shared experiences shape our sense of place.
Free for members. $10 for non-members. To purchase tickets visit Eventbrite.
The Kalliope Reed Trio Celebrates Women Composers
The Kalliope Reed Trio performs an eclectic mix of colorful trios for saxophone, clarinet, and bassoon, highlighting the various themes of Kaleidoscope by Flor Delgadillo. The program almost entirely features some of our favorite works by living Mexican and American female composers, alongside a trio by Ann-Marie Simon - a 20th century French composer who composed under the Pseudonym Claude Arrieu. Other works on the program include Frecuencia Cardiaca by Diana Syrse, Danza Mestiza and Brujas by Nubia Melina Jaime Donjuan, and Jenni Brandon's From Sea to Sky: Stories of Amazing Women.
To purchase tickets visit Eventbrite.
History Un-Locked Drop in Chats
JOIN US TO CELEBRATE SOMERVILLE FROM ROOTS TO REVOLUTION ON THE 250TH ANNIVERSARY!
Prospect Hill will be open to the public on select dates and times from May through October as part of HISTORY ON THE LINE, a series of exhibitions and programs organized by the Somerville Museum and funded by the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism's MA250 initiative and the City of Somerville.
History Un-Locked Drop in Chats
JOIN US TO CELEBRATE SOMERVILLE FROM ROOTS TO REVOLUTION ON THE 250TH ANNIVERSARY!
THE POWDER HOUSE will be open to the public on select dates and times from May through October as part of HISTORY ON THE LINE, a series of exhibitions and programs organized by the Somerville Museum and funded by the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism's MA250 initiative and the City of Somerville.
Reading Frederick Douglass Together 2025
Join the Somerville Museum and the Department of Racial and Social Justice as we celebrate the legacy of Frederick Douglass by reading one of his most famous speeches together, "What to the Slave is the Fourth of July." The event will be introduced and accompanied by John Hughes playing live Kora music. This event is free and all are encouraged to attend and participate in the reading and post-performance discussion. Please RSVP through this link to receive updated details and information.
Tour of the Secret Quarries of Somerville
Join us on a special walking tour to explore the hidden quarries of Somerville!
Join Somerville resident Robin Hazard Ray on a walk through Somerville’s deep past, beginning and ending at the Somerville Museum. The rocks underlying our city date to a time before the dinosaurs. We will explore the forgotten traces of rock quarries and look at how our handsome bedrock – the Cambridge Argillite – was extracted, shaped, and used in the city’s 19th-century fabric. Please wear sturdy walking shoes and bring some water!
Robin Hazard Ray, a 30-year resident of Somerville, studied geology at Brown University before pursuing a career in publishing. She gives tours at Mount Auburn Cemetery, which provides the setting for her crime-fiction novels The Strangers’ Tomb and The Soldiers’ Rest.
History Un-Locked Drop in Chats
JOIN US TO CELEBRATE SOMERVILLE FROM ROOTS TO REVOLUTION ON THE 250TH ANNIVERSARY!
Milk Row Cemetery will be open to the public on select dates and times from May through October as part of HISTORY ON THE LINE, a series of exhibitions and programs organized by the Somerville Museum and funded by the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism's MA250 initiative and the City of Somerville.
Kaleidoscope: Reflecting the Moment Opening Reception
Kaleidoscope: Reflecting the Moment is an immersive,
multi-sensory exhibition by multidisciplinary artist Flor
Delgadillo that invites us to reflect on shifting ideas of home,
family, neighbors, and community in a rapidly changing
world. Blending opportunities for pause and reflection with
moments of interaction and creation, Kaleidoscope explores
how light transforms space, how sound carries memory, and
how collective experience deepens our sense of belonging,
connection, and resilience.
Tickets available via Eventbrite..
Jane's Walk Somerville: Lost Histories of Central Street
Jane's Walk Somerville: Lost Histories of Central Street
Discover nearly all of Somerville's history within a five-block radius! Once a dividing line between farmland to the west and growing industry to the east, Central Street tells the story of a city in transformation. As development reshaped the landscape, much of Somerville's natural environment and historic architecture were lost. Uncover the city's rich, layered history through the stories of the families, historic homes, and pivotal moments that happened along and around Central Street.
The tour will leave from the Museum at 2 pm. Leaves from the Somerville Museum, ends on Somerville Ave (must be able to walk up and down hills)
Come early and take in the museum’s exhibitions: "The World As Supermarket," a Pop-up Exhibition and Art sale by Cuban Artist Janette Brossard Duarte, and The History On the Line Exhibit, a semi-permanent exhibit. Museum admission is free with a Jane's Walk ticket.
Jane's Walk is a series of walking conversations that promote civic dialogue, neighborhood pride, and the stories of people often excluded from discussions. Inspired by activist Jane Jacobs, these walks allow participants to share experiences, discover hidden aspects of their communities, and connect with their neighbors. Jane’s Walks can take place any day of the year, with special celebrations in May, Jane Jacobs' birth month.
Purchase tickets via link.
History Un-Locked Drop in Chats
JOIN US TO CELEBRATE SOMERVILLE FROM ROOTS TO REVOLUTION ON THE 250TH ANNIVERSARY!
Milk Row Cemetery will be open to the public on select dates and times from May through October as part of HISTORY ON THE LINE, a series of exhibitions and programs organized by the Somerville Museum and funded by the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism's MA250 initiative and the City of Somerville.
Pop-up, Cuban artist Janette Brossard Duhart, Reception
THE WORLD AS A SUPERMARKET, ARTIST JANETTE BROSSARD DUHARTE
RECEPTION, FRIDAY MAY 30TH | 4PM - 8PM* ON VIEW, SATURDAY, MAY 31ST | 12PM - 5PM
Information session on the museum’s past and upcoming trip to Cuba with LatinArtsSpace |
6-6:30PM
The World as a Supermarket is a two-day pop-up exhibition by Artist Janette Brossard Duharte, an award-winning printmaker from Havana. Join the reception on Friday, May 30th any time between 4 and 8pm. Learn about the Museum’s next trip to Cuba with LatinArts Space with Astrid
The Sloane gallery will be transformed with an installation resembling a supermarket. Through grouped independent pieces, it critiques a world dominated by financial capital and consumer culture. With references to advertising, globalization, and virtuality, the exhibition stages society as a marketplace where desire and desirability are constantly manufactured.
Free and open to all. RSVP on Eventbrite.
History Un-Locked Drop in Chats
JOIN US TO CELEBRATE SOMERVILLE FROM ROOTS TO REVOLUTION ON THE 250TH ANNIVERSARY!
Prospect Hill will be open to the public on select dates and times from May through October as part of HISTORY ON THE LINE, a series of exhibitions and programs organized by the Somerville Museum and funded by the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism's MA250 initiative and the City of Somerville.
Trolley Tour: Industrial Line
Hop on board our trolley tour and explore the history of the Industrial Line!
Experience Somerville like never before! Join us for an engaging one-hour trolley tour that begins and ends at the vibrant Assembly Row. Dive into Somerville's rich industrial history, full of groundbreaking "firsts." Discover the city's industrious past as you visit charming brick alleys, historic workers' cottages, and bustling railroad-side factories that played a pivotal role in shaping the community. Celebrate the diverse contributions of workers from all genders, ages, and countries of origin who crafted the products that symbolize our heritage. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to explore and appreciate the heart of Somerville!
Discounted tickets are available for low-income families.
The Trolley Tour will run rain or shine. Please be mindful of uneven ground.
TAVERN TALK: First Flag - Somerville and the Siege of Boston
Come for beer, stay for history! Join Professor Dan Breen and the Somerville Museum for another discussion of Somerville's history.
Early Music Afternoons: Duo Maresienne
Affetti Musicali: Virtuoso Music of the Italian Baroque
Countertenor and cornettist Michael Collver joins Duo Maresienne (Carol Lewis, viola da gamba; Olav Chris Henriksen, archlute & Baroque guitar) for a Mother’s Day concert of songs, dances, toccatas and sonatas by Monteverdi, Frescobaldi, Castello, Saracini, d’India and Bassani.
History Un-Locked - CANCELLED
TODAY’S EVENT IS CANCELLED DUE TO THUNDERSTORM!
THE POWDER HOUSE, MILK ROW CEMETERY, and PROSPECT HILL TOWER will be open to the public on select dates and times from May through October as part of HISTORY ON THE LINE, a series of exhibitions and programs organized by the Somerville Museum and funded by the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism's MA250 initiative and the City of Somerville.
JOIN US TO CELEBRATE SOMERVILLE FROM ROOTS TO REVOLUTION ON THE 250TH ANNIVERSARY!
SOS First Look Show
Somerville Open Studios: First Look Show
April 25 – May 17, 2025
Get a sneak peek at the incredible work of local artists before the main event!
Visit the Museum during our regular hours:
Thursdays: 2pm – 7pm
Fridays: 2pm – 5pm
Saturdays: 12pm – 5pm
Special Hours for Open Studios Weekend:
Saturday & Sunday, May 3–4: 11am – 6pm
Join us for Somerville Open Studios 2025, where nearly 400 artists across the city will open their doors to the public. Don’t miss this chance to preview their work in one convenient location before exploring studios throughout Somerville!
Trolley Tour: Revolutionary Line
Jump on one or both of the spring trolley tours of Somerville history. In April, tours will feature Revolutionary History (alongside modern life) and, in May, Industrial History. These ticketed tours will bring historians of all ages on a loop through town, guided by experts in Somerville history, narrating the stories of what you can see and what is gone but not forgotten.
Each tour is under 90 minutes, with a short stop to get off and see the history for yourselves.
Non-members: $35
Members: $25
Senior and Students (65+ and student 17+):$25
Child and Youth (2-16): $15
EBT, WIC, and ConnectorCare cardholders：$15
Discounted tickets are available for low-income families.
The Trolley Tour will run rain or shine. Please be mindful of uneven ground.
Check tour times and get your tickets here.
2025 Somerville Patriots' Day Colonial Fair
History In The Park
Somerville Patriots' Day Colonial Fair 2025
Join us for the 250th Patriots’ Day Commemoration at Foss Park! Enjoy
colonial games and activities, delicious refreshments, and a chance to
greet Paul Revere.
Admission is free.
Date: Monday, April 21, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Location: Foss Park, 49 Fellsway West, Somerville, MA 02145
If you have any questions, please contact Anna-Celestrya Carr,
Historic Events Manager, at anna@somervillemuseum.org