Join the Multicultural Arts Center (MAC) and History Cambridge for a special History Café celebrating the many immigrant communities that have shaped East Cambridge across generations. Experience a powerful new exhibition, Pressing Against the Thorns by Portuguese-American artist José L. Santos, whose work honors the daily lives, resilience, and cultural legacy of immigrant families including Portuguese from the Azores and mainland, Brazilians, Cape Verdeans, and beyond. We will explore how these stories are woven into East Cambridge’s vibrant tapestry.

The evening features an artist talk, a neighborhood history, and a diverse storytelling panel spotlighting East Cambridge’s vibrant Portuguese-speaking immigrant community (including Portuguese, Brazilian, Cape Verdean), followed by an audience Q&A and interactive memory activities. Proceeds from this event will raise critical funds for accessibility improvements at the center.

Venue Information:

The Multicultural Arts Center is located at 41 Second Street in Cambridge, MA. Please enter at the ground floor entrance and visit the Box Office on your right as you enter.

Once you check in, you will head upstairs to the theater. There is an elevator and staircase for access to the theater.

Seating is general admission. Box Office will open an hour before the show starts, so you are welcome to arrive early. Feel free to visit our gallery before the show begins.

Getting There:

The Multicultural Arts Center is located just a few blocks from the Green line Lechmere MBTA Station.

The East Cambridge Parking Garage is entered off Spring Street, between First & Second Streets, one block away from us, and open 24/7.