Update:

Winter Recess: Harvard Library and the University are closed from noon on Wednesday, December 24, 2025 through Thursday, January 1, 2026. Check library hours and view our services schedule.

Exhibit

Connecting the Dots

The History of Film Technology and the History of Film at Harvard
a view of the HFA film timeline poster next to the glass door of the offices
The Connecting the Dots exhibit is located next to the HFA administrative offices.
Credit: Harvard Film Archive
A holder with postcards featuring a frame from the film To Catch a Thief
One of the four different postcards in the exhibit features a frame from the HFA's print of To Catch a Thief (1955)
Credit: Harvard Film Archive
a black and white image of a man filming a low angle shot with a 16mm camera through mesh
As featured on the timeline, HFA Co-founder Robert Gardner teaching one of the first film production classes at Harvard
Credit: Harvard Film Archive
a view of the HFA film timeline poster next to the glass door of the offices A holder with postcards featuring a frame from the film To Catch a Thief a black and white image of a man filming a low angle shot with a 16mm camera through mesh

Through Monday, Aug 31, 2026

Open to the public

Location

Carpenter Center for the Visual Arts
Harvard Film Archive
24 Quincy Street
Cambridge, MA 02138
See All Hours
Directions

Located next to the Harvard Film Archive's administrative offices, this exhibit presents a summary timeline of the milestones of inventions and innovations in film technology alongside important markers in film study, production and exhibition at Harvard. Also included are postcards with images from films in the HFA collection and QR codes for deeper dives into specific films and collections at the Archive.

This exhibit was created by summer 2025 intern Maesa Ogas in collaboration with HFA staff.