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Harvard University Archives

At Harvard’s primary repository of University records and personal archives, find centuries of people, discoveries, and change on campus and worldwide.
A 1784 drawing of a plan for Harvard College buildings and adjoining land.

Today's Hours

View all
General
9am - 5pm
Reading Room
By Appointment Only
University Archives Business
9am - 5pm
Records Management
9am - 5pm
Exhibition Gallery
10am - 6pm

Researching with the Archives

Whether you’re embarking on a new research project, or in the middle of an existing one, archivists can help you navigate our collections. We’ll work with you to ensure you're making the most of the materials available in person, or help you access materials available online. 

Archives Pusey exterior

Find and Access Materials at the Archives

Learn how to access our collections that document the academic, social, cultural, and work life of the Harvard community.

A photo of materials held by the Harvard University Archives related to the establishment of the Kennedy School

Get Research Help for Harvard Offices

We offer assistance to University staff using our collections for departmental histories, policy reviews, anniversaries, and more.

Houghton Library's reading room

Make a Reading Room Appointment

Submit requests and book an appointment to view our materials in the Archives & Special Collections Reading Room at Houghton Library.

Ask an Archivist

Have a question about Harvard, past or present? Connect to reference archivists who can help you find the information you need. Answers to many frequently asked questions are available, too.

Browse FAQs or Contact Us

Search Tools

  • Tool

    HOLLIS Catalog

    HOLLIS is Harvard Library’s catalog. Search HOLLIS for books, articles, media and more.

  • Tool

    HOLLIS for Archival Discovery

    Catalog for collection guides, finding aids, and inventories to locate special collection and archival materials.

  • Tool

    HOLLIS Images

    A catalog and search tool for finding images from Harvard Library collections.

Collection Highlights

From 17th-century international trade to 21st-century student protest movements, whatever your interest, the Harvard University Archives has collections that can enhance your scholarship. 

On Exhibit

  • Drawing of Cambridge Common, 1808

    Harvard and the American Revolution

    Through
    Lammot du Pont Copeland Gallery, Pusey Library , Harvard University Archives
  • Decorative poster for exhibition, "Harvard Lives."

    Harvard Lives

    People. Discoveries. Change. History.
    Through
    Lammot du Pont Copeland Gallery, Pusey Library , Harvard University Archives

Digital Exhibits

Cambridge Common illustration during revolutionary times

Harvard and the American Revolution

Explore the many complex and influential ways Harvard participated in the American Revolution.

Cuban teachers and expedition organizers at the Washington Elm in Cambridge Common, photograph, July 4, 1900

The Cuban Teachers’ Expedition

Documenting the journey of nearly 1,300 Cuban teachers from Cuba to Cambridge during the summer of 1900.

I rise every 100 years quote from Pablo Neruda, 1969 student strike poster

Calling for Change: Harvard Student Activism in Action

Explore how student activist movements at Harvard played a significant role in shaping University life.

George Washington Lee, prominent Black writer, activist, and WWI combat officer.

Letters from Black America

This exhibit explores significant events from the 1920s to the 1940s from the Black perspective.

Records Management Services

Records Management Services, part of the Harvard University Archives, provides guidance to University staff, faculty, and administrators on how to understand their responsibilities for stewarding and managing their Harvard materials and records. 

About the Harvard University Archives

As the primary repository for Harvard’s records and personal archives, you will find over five centuries of innovation, exploration, revolution, and introspection — the soul of Harvard — on campus and worldwide.

Learn More About the Archives

Recent News

Access

Harvard University Archives exhibits are open to the public. Our materials are available to all researchers in the Archives and Special Collection Reading Room at Houghton Library. Materials should be requested in advance. Appointments are recommended. 

Make a Reading Room Appointment

Location

HUA Offices
Pusey Library — Harvard Yard
Cambridge, MA 02138
United States

Map Building Accessibility

Connect

General
617-495-4516
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