Waltham, Massachusetts was founded in 1634 along the Charles River, north-west of Boston. The city is now part of Middlesex County, a western suburb of Boston. Waltham is home to two acclaimed universities: Brandeis University and Bentley University.
Waltham is considered to be the instigator of the labor movement during the American Industrial Revolution. Nicknamed the Watch City, Waltham Watch Company opened in 1854 and has produced over 40 million clocks and watches. The first brass era motorcycle was also built in Waltham by the Metz Company. The Charles River Museum of Industry exhibits the machinery used by both of these companies.
Those interested in learning about the history of New England will find much to do in Waltham. The city is home to the Gore Place, previous home of Massachusetts Governor Christopher Gore. Historians consider this mansion to be a most significant piece of Federal period architecture.
Perhaps the most interesting building in Waltham is the Walter E. Fernald Developmental Center, serving people with developmental disabilities. The school is the country's oldest publicly funded institution. Throughout the 20th century the school has been covered highly in the media regarding rumors of potential eugenics and medical experiments. It has since been closed, but remains the topic of much speculation, so much so that it was covered in the film "Front Wards Back Wards."
Waltham residents are proud of their rich culture, and museums, concert halls, and art galleries are in abundance. Brandeis University's Rose Art Museum exhibits New England's biggest collection of modern and contemporary art. Due to Waltham's numerous parks, outdoor concerts are widely popular.
Massachusetts weather is famous for its chilly winters, and Waltham is no exception. Due to the city's close proximity to the Charles River, high winds are not uncommon. Summer months are warmer with high humidity. Waltham has a high population density, and most residents utilize public transit. The city is also home to one of the largest Ugandan communities in America, the North American Ugandan Association is headquartered here.
Written by Lyndsey Morgan
