“If this house could talk . . .”

Hand-written signs are sprouting up in front of houses in Cambridgeport, south of Massachusetts Avenue between Central Square and the Charles River. Each sign gives clues to a story about something that happened inside, according to resident Cathie Zusy.

“It’s a way to get people to discover stories that have taken place in their own back yards,” she says. "I think sharing our stories helps to give us a sense of community."

A former museum curator, Zusy is organizing a house walk project as part of the Cambridgeport History Day Celebration. History Day is Saturday, October 3, rain or shine.

The sign at Zusy's house on Hamilton Street says author Jill Bloom once lived there. Bloom wrote Harlequin Romances and books to help parents advocate for children with special needs.

History Day Celebration activities will involve residents and visitors in happenings that go back several hundred years in time. For a schedule click on the attachment at the bottom of the page. For details about activities, and for information about making and putting up signs for the house tour, see http://www.cambridgehistory.org/Cambridgeport/cambridgeport.html.

Celebration events will include an appearance by Gardner’s Regiment, a Revolutionary War re-enactment group, at Fort Washington. A walking tour from Fort Washington to Dana Park will be led by Charles Sullivan, Executive Director of the Cambridge Historical Commission.

Afternoon activities are planned for kids and adults at Dana Park, followed by a potluck supper in the evening (potluck rain date October 4) with live music by the Revolutionary Snake Ensemble. The house walks will continue through Sunday.

The Cambridgeport History Project is co-chaired by Henrietta Davis and Michael Kenney. Partners include the Cambridge Historical Society, Cambridge Historical Commission, Cambridge Arts Council, Cambridgeport Neighborhood Association (cportneighbors@yahoogroups.com), and Gallery 263.