The Harvard Museum of Natural History

When you imagine a museum, you might picture cases of artifacts. But the objects on display at the Harvard Museum of Natural History are a tiny percentage of the total collections. Behind the scenes, experts care for 26 million specimens. These objects form the basis for studying life on Earth. They are records of the planet from different times and places. Objects span billions of years and come from every continent, ocean, and beyond. They are stone and bone, plant and animal, feather and fossil.
Since the early days of Harvard University, collections have been central to teaching and research. People continue to study these collections and uncover knowledge. Come explore some treasures of the collection!
Explore historic specimens presented to mark the 250th Anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence on June 27.

Local Event: Collecting Wonders: Tomorrow’s Discoveries

Middlesex County

Cambridge

Massachusetts

Collecting Wonders: Tomorrow’s Discoveries

When you imagine a museum, you might picture cases of artifacts. But the objects on display at the Harvard Museum of Natural...

Harvard Museum of the Ancient Near East

In-Person Event
<a href="https://hmsc.harvard.edu/calendar_event/family-activities-at-the-harvard-museum-of-the-ancient-near-east-2026/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Family Activities at the Harvard Museum of the Ancient Near East</a>
Sunday, May 17 and Sunday, July 26, 1:00–3:30 pm
Harvard Museum of the Ancient Near East, 6 Divinity Avenue, Cambridge

Join Harvard Museums of Science &amp; Culture volunteers for hands-on, family-friendly activities at 1:00 pm and a live story reading at 3:00 pm. Recommended for ages 5–12. Admission to the museum is free.

Sponsored by the Harvard Museum of the Ancient Near East and the Harvard Museums of Science &amp; Culture.&nbsp;

Local Event: Family Activities at the Harvard Museum of the Ancient Near East

Family Activities at the Harvard Museum of the...

In-Person Event
Family Activities at the Harvard Museum of the Ancient Near East
Sunday, May 17 and Sunday, July 26, 1:00–3:30...

Family Activities at the Harvard Museum of the Ancient Near East

Faith Sutter

Boston Metropolitan Area

Benjamin Pierce

Somerville

Boston

Suffolk County

Fenway

Back Bay

Charlestown

Beacon Hill

North End

South End

Watertown

Medford

Pauli's

Thirteen years ago, on what should have been just another quiet Fourth of July weekend, a small family-run sandwich shop in Boston’s North End made a decision that would change its future forever. Without a big advertising budget. Without a marketing department. Without knowing whether anyone would even care. The Barker family built a lobster roll so ridiculously oversized that it made people stop, laugh, argue and, most importantly, pay attention. They called it the USS Lobstitution. What happened next became part of Boston food lore.
The first story appeared in the neighborhood newspaper (North End Patch). The idea was celebrated by some and criticized by others. A rival restaurant questioned the audacity of using so much of New England’s most treasured ingredient for what many dismissed as a publicity stunt. But the debate only fueled the story. One television station became several. Food writers took notice. National media soon followed. Before long, the little sandwich shop tucked into Boston’s North End had become one of America’s most recognizable destinations for lobster rolls.
That one outrageous idea transformed Pauli’s.
Over the next thirteen years, the family-owned restaurant became a fixture on national television, including shows like the Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives and Good Morning America, while earning coverage from countless local, national and international news outlets. More importantly, it established an identity that still defines the restaurant today: if customers loved something, Pauli’s wasn’t afraid to dream a little bigger.
As imitators emerged over the years, the family never stopped innovating. The original USS Lobstitution eventually gave way to the six-foot, 15-pound Lobzilla, once again capturing headlines and reminding people where the oversized lobster roll phenomenon began.
Today, thirteen years after the sandwich that changed everything, the Barker family returned to where the story started. Standing proudly in front of the USS Constitution, the historic ship that inspired its name, family members and employees gathered to unveil the USS Lobstitution 2.0. A new 15-foot long lobster roll overflowing with approximately 20 pounds of fresh lobster meat, it is the biggest lobster roll Pauli’s has ever created.
But for the Barker family, the sandwich represents far more than size. It represents the belief that a small family business with a bold idea can compete with anyone. It represents every early morning, every late night, every risk taken and every obstacle overcome over the past thirteen years. And perhaps most importantly, it is a reminder that originality cannot be manufactured.
“As we’ve watched restaurants unveil their own giant lobster rolls over the years, we’ve never been upset,”
said Paul Barker, owner of Pauli’s. “If anything, we’ve been proud. It told us that one crazy idea from a little family business in Boston made people think differently. But every once in a while it’s important to remind people where that idea began.”
He continued, “We didn’t have investors. We didn’t have a giant marketing budget. We just believed that if we were willing to work harder, think bigger and have a little fun, people might notice. Thirteen years later, we’re still here, and we’re still dreaming bigger.”
While the USS Lobstitution 2.0 is available for large private parties, corporate gatherings and special events ($1,999.99 USD) Serves 80-100, the Barker family says the biggest sandwich they’ve ever built isn’t just about making headlines.
Throughout the remainder of 2026, as Boston celebrates its 250th anniversary, Pauli’s will donate several USS Lobstitution 2.0 sandwiches to military service members, veterans and first responders as a way of thanking the people who dedicate their lives to serving others.
“It felt right,” Barker said. “The original USS Lobstitution was inspired by one of America’s greatest symbols, the USS Constitution. As we celebrate this country’s 250th birthday, we wanted this anniversary to stand for something bigger than us.”
Thirteen years ago, the USS Lobstitution introduced America to a family business that refused to think small.
Today, the Barker family isn’t simply unveiling an even bigger lobster roll. They’re celebrating the idea that imagination will always outlast imitation, that passion can still outperform marketing budgets, and that sometimes the biggest stories begin in the smallest kitchens. Pauli’s is the 2026 Best of Boston winner for Best Gigantic Lobster Roll presented by Boston magazine and is ensuring they honor that title. 
For more information please visit: <a href="https://paulisnorthend.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://paulisnorthend.com/</a>

Local Event: The Lobster Roll That Changed Everything: Thirteen Years Later, Pauli’s Unveils USS Lobstitution 2.0

The Lobster Roll That Changed Everything:...

 Thirteen years ago, on what should have been just another quiet Fourth of July weekend, a small family-run sandwich shop in...

The Lobster Roll That Changed Everything: Thirteen Years Later, Pauli’s Unveils USS Lobstitution 2.0

Robbins Farm Park

"On the 4th of July, we will again celebrate America’s birthday in style at Robbins Farm Park. Our entertainment includes a Live Band PLUS a BIG SCREEN Presentation!Our Independence Day Celebration starts at 6:00 pm, our favorite Oldies Band, The Reminisants will entertain us once again! Bring a blanket and a picnic dinner for our traditional FREE Concert and be prepared to DANCE! It’s as American as Apple Pie (and Pizza Pie), so of course we’ll have some for sale along with drinks.
Get your seats on the hill. After the music we’ll be showing the BOSTON POPS ESPLANADE CONCERT and BOSTON FIREWORKS broadcast Live on the BIG SCREEN."

Local Event: Arlington Independence Day Concert and Picnic

Arlington

Arlington Independence Day Concert and Picnic

"On the 4th of July, we will again celebrate America’s birthday in style at Robbins Farm Park. Our entertainment includes a...

Charles River Esplanade

The Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular returns to the Hatch Shell on the Charles River Esplanade for its 52nd year on Saturday, July 4, from 7:00 to 9:30 p.m. ET. Led by legendary conductor Keith Lockhart, the Pops concert welcomes three very special guest artists: Grammy-winning country music superstar Lainey Wilson, three-time Grammy winner Chance The Rapper, and Grammy-winning NOLA icon Trombone Shorty, each making their first appearance with the Pops.
As the Signature Event of the Commonwealth’s MA250 (Massachusetts 250) initiative honoring the 250th anniversary of America’s founding, this year’s free July 4 concert anchors a multi-year, statewide commemoration highlighting Massachusetts’ legacy of leadership and innovation in shaping the nation’s founding and future.

Local Event: 2026 Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular

2026 Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular

The Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular returns to the Hatch Shell on the Charles River Esplanade for its 52nd year on Saturday,...

Kadampa Meditation Center Boston

Why We Stay Stuck
Let Go of Attachment
Love Without Clinging
Stop Taking It Personally
These are some of the biggest challenges we face in daily life, and some of the most important skills we can learn.
In this Sunday morning meditation series, our experienced team of teachers will share practical Buddhist wisdom and guided meditations that help us understand and transform the habits of mind that create stress, frustration, and dissatisfaction. 
By changing the way we think, we can develop greater freedom, balance, and happiness in daily life.
Each class includes:
• guided meditation 
• a practical teaching 
• contemplative time to reflect and apply the ideas 
• Prayers for World Peace
Suitable for beginners and experienced meditators alike. Everyone is welcome.
July Series: Let Go of Stressful Habits
July 5 - Why We Stay Stuck 
Understand the hidden habits that keep us stressed, reactive, and unhappy.
July 12 - Let Go of Attachment 
How craving, expectations, and emotional dependency create stress.
July 19 - Love Without Clinging 
How to care deeply without losing your balance.
July 26 - Stop Taking It Personally 
Find more freedom in relationships, work, and daily life.
Location
Kadampa Meditation Center Boston 
2298 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge
Just a few blocks from Davis Square. 
Free street parking on Sundays.

Local Event: Sunday morning meditation - Let Go of Stressful Habits

Sunday morning meditation - Let Go of Stressful...

Why We Stay Stuck
Let Go of Attachment
Love Without Clinging
Stop Taking It Personally
These are some of the biggest challenges...

Sunday morning meditation - Let Go of Stressful Habits

The Farm at Gore Place

Get outside and embrace the SUMMER by learning how to shoot a bow and arrow at the historic Gore Place Estate! 
Join us Sunday from 12:00 - 1:30 PM for a fun and entertaining introduction to archery and reconnect with your inner Katniss or Robin Hood.&nbsp;
All coaching and equipment is provided by our team of instructors who will have you laughing, smiling and maybe even weeping with tears of joy as you strike the bull's eye and relive all those childhood memories of archery - or create new ones for the first time.<figure><img src="https://cdn20.patchcdn.com/users/22552416/20260701/041814/untitled-design-4___01161812888.jpg" id="Untitled design (4).png" data-image="Untitled design (4).png"></figure>

Tickets available online only at <a target="_blank" href="https://onthemarkarchery.com/waltham" rel="nofollow noopener">otma.us/waltham</a>
*Please check website in advance BEFORE coming!*
**Rainouts will be credited towards a future Open Range Sunday**
The FARM at Gore Place: 249 Waltham Street, Watertown, MA 02472
#weekendplans #archery #openrange

Local Event: Archery Sunday!

Newton

Archery Sunday!

Get outside and embrace  the SUMMER by learning how to shoot a bow and arrow at the historic Gore Place Estate! 
Join us Sunday...

Join poet Wendy Drexler and Dr. Rashmi Kaura of Hebrew SeniorLife’s Wolk Center for Memory Health for a virtual poetry reading and conversation about Drexler’s fourth collection, Harvest of What Remains. Through poetry and personal reflection, Harvest of What Remains shares Drexler’s experience caring for her husband as Alzheimer’s disease gradually changed their lives and relationship.
The program will explore how writing became a powerful tool for processing grief, stress, anger, fear, and moments of uncertainty throughout her caregiving journey. Together, Drexler and Dr. Kaura will discuss how poetry and reflective writing can offer comfort, insight, and emotional support to caregivers throughout the different stages of the caregiving journey.
Wendy Drexler is a recipient of a 2022 artist fellowship from the Massachusetts Cultural Council. Her fourth collection, Harvest of What Remains, received honorable mention for the Paul Nemser Prize and was published in February 2026 by Lily Poetry Review Books. Her work has appeared in The Hudson Review, The Sun, and The Threepenny Review, among others. She was awarded the 2025 E.E. Cummings Prize from the New England Poetry Club, where she currently serves on the advisory board.
Rashmi Kaura, MD is a palliative care and geriatric specialist at the Deanna and Sidney Wolk Center for Memory Health. She is board certified in hospice and palliative care, geriatric medicine, and internal medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. She completed her Bachelor of Science in pharmacology and basic medical sciences from King’s College in London, England. She received her Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery from King’s College School of Medicine and Dentistry. She completed her residency in internal medicine at Overlook Medical Center and her fellowship in geriatrics and palliative care at Mount Sinai Medical Center.

Local Event: Processing Alzheimer's Caregiving through Poetry: Author Wendy Drexler with Dr. Rashmi Kaura

Roslindale

Processing Alzheimer's Caregiving through...

Join poet Wendy Drexler and Dr. Rashmi Kaura of Hebrew SeniorLife’s Wolk Center for Memory Health for a virtual poetry reading...

Processing Alzheimer's Caregiving through Poetry: Author Wendy Drexler with Dr. Rashmi Kaura

Central Square Public Library: Lewis Room

Join contenders for the 26th Middlesex house seat, challenger Neil Miller and incumbent Mike Connolly, for a vital discussion on transparency and accountability in the state legislature. Hosted by Cambridge Committee for Transparency and Accountability, Coalition to Reform Our Legislature, and ACT&nbsp;on Mass, this public forum offers a unique opportunity to engage directly with our candidates for local representation of Cambridge and Somerville in the 26th Middlesex district.

Local Event: 26th Middlesex House District Candidate Forum

26th Middlesex House District Candidate Forum

Join contenders for the 26th Middlesex house seat, challenger Neil Miller and incumbent Mike Connolly, for a vital discussion...

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Faith Sutter, Local Business

Posting Activity

Collecting Wonders: Tomorrow’s Discoveries

JUL

6

9:00 AM

The Harvard Museum of Natural History, 26 Oxford St, Cambridge, MA