POR 2026-150 · Agenda item attachment · Aug 3 2026

POR 2026-150 FIRST IN COUNCIL August 3, 2026 City of Cambridge COUNCILLOR SIMMONS COUNCILLOR FLAHERTY WHEREAS: Julia Child was a pioneering chef, author, and television personality whose work helped introduce French cooking to American audiences, and recognizing her long- standing connection to Cambridge would help preserve and share an important part of the city’s cultural history; and WHEREAS: Julia Child lived at 103 Irving Street in Cambridge from 1961 to 2001, making the residence her home for approximately 40 years; and WHEREAS: During her time at 103 Irving Street, Julia Child filmed several nationally televised cooking programs inside the residence, including Cooking with Master Chefs, In Julia’s Kitchen with Master Chefs, Baking with Julia, and Julia and Jacques Cooking at Home; and WHEREAS: Julia Child held free demonstrations for the Cambridge Center for Adult Education, Harvard University, and the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, among other organizations, and raised $17,000 for the Rindge School of Technical Arts Culinary Scholarship Fund; and WHEREAS: Julia Child frequented various local businesses, most notably purchasing the meats for her show The French Chef from Savenor’s Market, which now has her trademark phrase, ‘Bon Appetite,’ inscribed outside the building in her honor; and WHEREAS: Julia Child gave much of herself to the people of Cambridge throughout her life, donating an extensive collection of correspondence, photographs, recipes, professional records, and other materials to the Schlesinger Library at Radcliffe, allowing students, researchers, and members of the public to continue studying her life and work; and WHEREAS: Julia Child’s Cambridge kitchen was acquired and preserved by the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, reflecting the national historical and cultural significance of the work conducted in her home; and WHEREAS: An appropriate historical marker at or near 103 Irving Street would provide permanent public recognition of Julia Child’s life, work, and lasting connection to Cambridge; now therefore be it ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Cambridge Historical Commission, the property owner, and other appropriate parties regarding placing a historical marker on 103 Irving Street in recognition of Julia Child’s life,

work, and connection to Cambridge; and be it further ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on the available options, necessary permissions, anticipated costs, and proposed next steps in a timely manner. A true copy; ATTEST:- Paula M. Crane, Interim City Clerk

City of Cambridge That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Cambridge Historical Commission, the property owner, and other appropriate parties regarding placing a historical marker on 103 Irving Street in recognition of Julia Child’s life, work, and connection to Cambridge.