The City Formerly Known as Cambridge

What?

Members of the public are invited to RENAME places in Cambridge, MA, for the publication of a new map of The City Formerly Known as Cambridge.

Check out the photos to see how this works:

To rename a street, park, square or other part of Cambridge, MA, simply attend a renaming expedition (see schedule to the right) and fill out a form to justify your reasons for renaming.

Is It Free?

Initially, yes. But for popular names such as Charles River, Harvard University, and Massachusetts Ave, those residents who pay more money can guarantee the longevity (and ultimate publication on the map) of the new name they choose.

For example, if you want to rename "Inman Sq" but it has already been renamed, then you must pay the Institute a sum of money to make your name "stick". The money need only be a small sum that exceeds the amount the previous person paid by at least $0.01.

But if someone comes along and pays more money than you paid, then their name "sticks".

So you are auctioning off city names?

Yes.

What will you do with the money?

Publish and distribute the new map of The City Formerly Known as Cambridge. All Cambridge residents that contribute to the project receive a free copy of the map.

Why do this?

There are a rich set of economic, political and cultural interests at work in the production of names.

The Institute for Infinitely Small Things is interested in researching these interests in Cambridge, MA, by inviting the public to circumvent them.

The Institute is also interested in the social uses and perceived economic value of existing places in Cambridge. Our questions are simple:

  • What will people rename?
  • What kinds of relationships will prompt people to rename certain places (antagonistic, personal, habitual, historical)?
  • What will not be renamed?
  • Which places will be renamed the most (i.e. acquire the most economic value)?

When & Where?

THURSDAY, JUNE 1st, 4PM-5PM

Porter Square.
Opening and Dedication Ceremony for the opening and dedication of the newly redesigned Porter Square plaza. As soon as they name it, we will rename it.

SUNDAY, JUNE 4th, 2PM-5PM

Outside Brattle Theater, Harvard Sq.
In conjunction with performances by The Guerrilla Girls to benefit the Boston Women's Fund.

SATURDAY, JUNE 10th, 12PM-3PM

Winthrop Park, Harvard Square
Commencement weekend for Harvard and MIT students.

SATURDAY, JUNE 17, 12-6 PM

Memorial Drive. Riverside.
The Cambridge Arts Council presents the Cambridge River Festival.

Rain or Shine! The 27th annual celebration of the arts on a mile-long stretch of Memorial Drive between JFK Street (three blocks from the Harvard Square subway station) and Western Avenue.

THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 6PM

YMCA, 820 Mass Ave, Central Square
The Central Square Business Association and Squarefour present the Central Square Four Square Tourney. Play four square or watch others try to remember the rules.

MONDAY, JULY 10th, 12PM - 3PM

Farmer's Market, Behind Harvest Co-op, Central Square
Rename something while buying fresh vegetables and fruits from your local farmers.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 1ST, 5:30-8:30PM

Rindge Field behind the Peabody School, 70 Rindge Ave
The North Cambridge Task Force presents the National Night Out Against Crime. Safety Demonstrations, Amusements, Pony Rides, Information Tables,
Community Cookout, Raffle and Special Guests.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 17TH (rain date August 24th),

Vellucci Plaza at the intersection of Hampshire St. and Cambridge St.
"Shakespeare in Vellucci Park - Inman Square goes Elizabethan!". Sponsored by the Cambridge Arts Council, Inman Square Business Association, ImprovBoston, The Weekly Dig.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 20th, 2PM - 4PM

MIT Museum , 265 Massachusetts Avenue
Rename and see the exhibit on Artificial Intelligence, cutting edge Emerging Technologies Gallery and more.

TBA

AGASSIZ, NEIGHBORHOOD 9, WEST CAMBRIDGE, CAMBRIDGE HIGHLANDS, STRAWBERRY HILL, EAST CAMBRIDGE, MIT/AREA 2, CAMBRIDGEPORT