A visual history of the Massachusetts Turnpike, this book chronicles the planning, construction, and lasting impact of one of New England’s most significant infrastructure projects. Featuring rare archival photographs and detailed commentary, it explores how the Mass Pike reshaped communities, modernized transportation, and reflected the changing face of mid-20th century America

Formally organized in 1859 with the appointment of John C. Willey as the first chief of police, the Cambridge Police Department was then manned by only 16 officers. The department has grown dramatically from its humble beginnings and today employs 277 sworn officers and a civilian staff of 37. Cambridge Police Department, the first comprehensive photographic history of the department, contains over 100 years of historical photographs, including images of specialized traffic and K-9 units, auxiliary police officers, uniforms, and equipment. Many of the vintage photographs in the collection have come from the department archives or were donated by family members of Cambridge officers.

From the founding of its first fire department in Provincetown in 1836, Cape Cod has had an exciting and unique firefighting history-as told in Cape Cod Firefighting. Rare and recently discovered photographs depict some of the area's largest fires, as well as its many innovations, from Provincetown's first Hunneman hand pumper, known as the "George Washington," to the brush breakers uniquely designed to respond to the Cape's devastating forest fires. Cape Cod fire departments also developed rescue squads that eventually evolved into the first emergency medical service system in Massachusetts to use paramedics. The images in Cape Cod Firefighting offer a tribute to the people and events that have shaped Cape Cod's fire rescue service.

Located thirty miles west of Boston, the town of Harvard was incorporated in 1732. With vintage photographs, some of which date from the 1860s, Harvard reflects on eighteenth- and nineteenth-century life, as well as the numerous political and spiritual philosophies that shaped the town. Shown are the Harvard Shaker community, the Alcotts' transcendentalist commune called Fruitlands, and Clara Endicott Sears, founder of Fruitlands Museums. Nostalgic scenes from the collection of local photographer William Wright capture an era of parades and picnics and community spirit.

In the 1640s, Robert Barker and two companions canoed up the North River and turned onto one of the herring brooks, bringing Barker to the area where he eventually settled his family. Settlers from the coast soon began moving inland and small settlements sprang up. To incorporate the town of Pembroke in 1712, the First Church of Pembroke was established and a minister was settled. In the 18th and 19th centuries, Pembroke was defined by neighborhoods centering around eight district one-room schoolhouses. Each neighborhood had a distinct character, from the bustle of commerce in Bryantville, to the rural charm of Crookertown and Fosterville, to the shipbuilders, shoemakers, and iron founders in North Pembroke. The Bay Path, a main route from Boston to Plymouth, ran through the West Elm and High Street neighborhoods. Over the generations, these diverse and vibrant communities have helped to shape Pembroke into the town it is today.

Edwin Land and Polaroid, the company he created in the 1930s, have spawned many bold scientific innovations over the years. Most of them led quickly to unique commercial products. Best known for revolutionary instant photography systems, Land and Polaroid also achieved miracles in light-polarizing technology that is embedded in many of today's consumer products. During World War II, Polaroid manufactured and created a large array of products for the U.S. military; later, Land's top-secret cold war initiatives led to crucial intelligence breakthroughs. Polaroid features images of signature innovations, scientists, and photographers who pioneered the use of Polaroid film.