Malden, situated in Middlesex County, Massachusetts, is a vibrant city located approximately 9 miles north of Boston. As of the 2020 census, Malden's population stands at 61,021, showcasing a steady growth from the 2000 census, which reported 56,377 residents.
Malden boasts a diverse population, consisting of various ethnic groups such as Asian, Hispanic or Latino, Black or African American, White, and Other races. Among the 22,811 households in the city, 63% belong to families, and 30% are married couples living together.
To commemorate the 400th anniversary of the first settlement of Europeans in America at Plymouth, Massachusetts, Malden and other nearby communities came together to organize the Greater Malden art exhibit in 2020. Local artists were invited to create works inspired by the historical event, resulting in an exhibition featuring more than 40 pieces of art celebrating Malden's rich history and diversity.
Each year, the Malden community comes together to organize various events and celebrations, including the Annual Malden Street Festival, an event that highlights the city's cultural diversity through cuisine, music, and dance, showcasing a diverse array of local performers and organizations.
Malden enjoys a lively food culture boasting a vast array of international cuisines, including Asian, Spanish, Brazilian, Indian, and Italian, among others. The suburb north of Boston is also famous for its exquisite pizza.
Malden has a storied past, having initially developed as a forestry and agricultural community within ancient Mishawum. In 1649, a group of settlers from Charlestown and Cambridge established a village on the Mystic River, which later evolved into the city of Malden. During the 18th century, the city witnessed the construction of several important buildings and developments, including the Jeremiah Whittier Home (1680), the Benjamin Clark House (1690), and the Old Ship Street Burying Ground.
The population of Malden increased significantly after 1850, driven by the growth of industries such as boot and shoe manufacturing, hats, rubber goods, and machinery. Streetcars were introduced in 1889, providing an efficient means of transportation for commuters. During World War II, Malden experienced a surge in population growth due to the expansion of transportation and war-related industries.
In 1881, the city of Malden became the first community in Massachusetts to provide free public libraries, paving the way for a well-educated population. The city is home to Malden High School, one of the oldest public high schools in the United States that continues to offer education from grades 9-12. Malden High School boasts an impressive record of producing several notable alumni, including Jonathan Fairbanks, a renowned Pilgrim and Waban, who graduated in 1893. Other prominent alumni are Benjamin Thompson (Count Rumford) and Peter Sellers (class of 1911) who were inventors, political scientists, and actors. Overall, the suburb of Boston, Malden, is a city that brims with a multicultural population and a wealth of history and culture.