The Past is Now: An Intertribal Panel on King Philip's War, Past and Present (Main/Virtual)
Is King Philip’s War really part of the past? Four Indigenous speakers tell us that it’s still deeply present.
People who are not Indigenous often think of Metacom’s Resistance – more commonly known as King Philip’s War – if they know of it - as part of a distant past. If we have read children’s stories of an idealized colonial life, or educated with traditional textbooks, we might think of the war as a single violent chapter in an otherwise quaint, albeit colorful, history, with colonial heroes bravely conquering their enemies.
Historical markers dotting the New England countryside, especially in Massachusetts, reinforce this idea: it was brutal, but the colonists emerged victorious, and in any event it was long ago – nothing to do with life today. For Indigenous communities, the past is not so easily left behind – and nor should it be for non-Indigenous people. We all live today with its aftermath. King Philip’s War continues to shape daily life, experience, and memory.
Panelists include:
Hartman Deetz, Mashpee Wampanoag
Brad Lopes, Aquinnah Wampanoag
Brittney Walley, Hassanamisco Nipmuc
Elizabeth Solomon, Massachusett at Ponkapoag, moderator
On the eve of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, this panel invites audiences to grapple with a foundational war of Indigenous resistance on its 350th anniversary - and to see that it is not past, but deeply present, for us all.
Starting a Small Business workshop series (Central Square)
Ready to Level Up Your Business? Join Our 4-Week Workshop!
Whether you're just starting out or already running a business, this workshop is for you! Over four weeks, we'll give you the practical skills to make your business run even better. We'll focus on what you need to learn to succeed. This isn't just theory – it's the stuff you need to know to build a strong business. Think of this as your essential business toolkit. If you're new to the business world, we'll give you the confidence and know-how to get started and grow.
Workshop 1: Foundation and Idea Validation - Tuesday, January 20, 2026
Key Principles of Entrepreneurship: Discussing business ownership, risk, and mindset
Developing and Validating Your Idea: Identifying problems, solutions, and testing the market
Understanding the Fundamentals of Customer Service: Core concepts for enhancing customer experiences
Introductory Ideas in Marketing and E-commerce: Brief overview of digital presence and sales channels.
Please register here.
If you have any questions or issues with registration, contact Tyrone Fells at 617-349-7223 or tfells@cambridgema.gov.
Family STEAM Night: Drawing Animals with Lindsey Leigh (O'Neill)
It's creepy crawly week at the Library!
Families with elementary school-age children join us for hands-on activities focused on Science, Technology, Arts, Engineering and Math. Adults and children will learn and play together!
In March we will be joined by author and illustrator Lindsey Leigh to learn about drawing and cartooning animals!
Dads Workshop
A two-part workshop for Dads on supporting positive behaviors in the home.
CPL Nature Club: Fresh Pond Nature Walk (Collins)
Join us for a relaxing walk of Fresh Pond with Park Ranger Tim Puopolo! No two weeks are the same in nature, and Tim will share his insights about what's growing, changing, and blooming in the neighborhood. This walk is not on a paved path. We will walk on uneven terrain, down hills, and over roots.
The meeting location for this walk will be in the courtyard of the Collins Branch Library at 64 Aberdeen Ave. We will walk to Fresh Pond together from there.
Registration is required. This event can only accommodate a certain number of participants. One registration is good for one person. If you do not register, you cannot participate. Those on the waitlist will be contacted if a space becomes available.
CPL Nature Club: Fresh Pond Nature Walk (Collins)
Join us for a relaxing walk of Fresh Pond with Park Ranger Tim Puopolo! No two weeks are the same in nature, and Tim will share his insights about what's growing, changing, and blooming in the neighborhood. This walk is not on a paved path. We will walk on uneven terrain, down hills, and over roots.
The meeting location for this walk will be in the courtyard of the Collins Branch Library at 64 Aberdeen Ave. We will walk to Fresh Pond together from there.
Registration is required. This event can only accommodate a certain number of participants. One registration is good for one person. If you do not register, you cannot participate. Those on the waitlist will be contacted if a space becomes available.