Our humanities classes provide inclusive spaces for lively discussion with a welcoming community. Our experienced instructors provide space to think critically about ourselves and our world while nurturing creativity.
In addition to a wide range of classes, we also host regular reading discussions series to engage our students and the larger community.
If you're interested in acting, writing, directing -- or just how movies are made -- CCAE will be sponsoring a free Meet & Greet with the producer of the 2025 Boston 48 Hour Film Project (Andrew Osborne) from 2:00-4:00 PM on March 22 at the Blacksmith House (56 Brattle Street, Cambridge, MA) and online. Come learn about the fast, furious annual cinematic competition and tips for creating efficient, effective short videos while networking to join a team for the event or form your own...
...then, at 6:00 PM on Friday, May 2, CCAE will host the 2025 Boston 48HFP Kickoff live at the Blacksmith House (and online) as teams randomly draw genres before racing off to complete 4-7 minute movies by the evening of Sunday, May 4 for a chance to premiere at the Somerville Theatre (and possibly even screen at the Cannes Film Festival)! To register for the Meet & Greet, please visit email Boston@48HourFilm.com to register and for further information.
From Film Weekend Kickoff to Screening to Awards… Gather friends, colleagues, and family as teammates! Write, shoot and edit a short film based on the genre you draw at The Kickoff and the required character, prop, and line assigned for your city. Premiere YOUR film! Celebrate with awards, including an Audience Award. The winner of Best Film goes to Filmapalooza in March 2026, and is eligible for a spot in our screening at the Cannes Film Festival Short Film Corner! Try something new, level up your filmmaking, and join our community. Sign up your team today! Make a movie!
Founded in 1973, the award-winning Blacksmith House Poetry Series brings established and emerging writers of poetry and fiction to Harvard Square. The series is sponsored by the Cambridge Center for Adult Education and holds readings at the Blacksmith House, site of the village smithy and spreading chestnut tree of Longfellow’s 1839 poem "The Village Blacksmith."
Readings will take place virtually on Zoom on Mondays at 7:15pm. Admission is $3. Please register in advance.
Learn more about the Blacksmith House Poetry Series and register
“I really enjoyed learning about this topic, which I knew very little about. I also liked Brian [Bixby]’s approach and style - he’s clearly quite knowledgeable but presents in a way that is inclusive and encourages participation and understanding. I looked forward to all my Wednesdays in October because of this class! Thanks to Brian and CCAE for organizing it and making it available virtually.”
Sabrina, History of the Electoral College and Electing a President
"Best writing class I've taken here—the students have the voice. Kendall [Dudley] is a perfect guide, keeps us on track but open to our needs, desires."
Heidi L., Memories, Stories, and Reflections: An Ongoing Project in Life Story Writing
"Josh [Frank] stimulated discussion, graciously received responses from everyone, raised fascinating questions, listened with care, guided us with integrity. The readings were interesting and provocative. Classmates were respectful. Josh was very good about noticing classmates who wanted to speak and making sure that each of us had opportunities to do so. This can be challenging with Zoom, but he accomplished it."
Carolyn P., How to be Anti-Racist
"Packed with information and useful new points of view. Really helped me see the possibility of anti-racist action."
Lindsay, White People Challenging Racism
CCAE has a long history as a place for learning and critical discussions with the community. We continue that tradition through Conversations on the Edge, which addresses timely issues with panelists and members of the community who are experts in their field. All events are open to the public.
Read about what we learned at our anniversary symposium celebrating 20 years of White People Challenging Racism here.
