About

Who Makes Massachusetts? explores the histories of migration, displacement, and community-building that shaped the state, asking why particular communities took root in specific cities, towns, and neighborhoods.

These histories often go untold despite their direct relevance to the places we live. This website and its corresponding videos are an intentional intervention in the historical and popular record, centering the Black, immigrant, & marginalized communities who have transformed Massachusetts.

The interactive map traces these histories through place. Each available entry includes a brief historical overview and a corresponding video posted to @mell.andb on Instagram.

The Tapes page offers extended, fully sourced versions of these stories, providing additional historical context and political analysis beyond what can fit into a short video.

This archive is unfinished on purpose. New communities, cities, towns, and neighborhoods will continue to be added as the project grows.

For collaborations, questions, or to get involved, contact whomakesmass@gmail.com

created by Mell Aguiar