Harvard Historical Society
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The Old Harvard Public Library on the Common now Fivesparks
The Harvard Public library had its first permanent home in the building on the Common, 1886
History and Stories from Clinton Shores
A community on the shores of Bare Hill Pond has flourished since the early 20th Century: A program of stories and history told by those who lived there
The Whitney Portraits
These portraits portray Captain Aaron Whitney, his wife Susannah, and their sons, who lived at 165 Littleton County Road. You can view them in our Meetinghouse.
Pea Roast
Although the “meatless diet” only lasted ten years (1837 – 1847), it was observed in most communities, but not strictly enforced.
Frederick Fiske Warren
Fiske Warren is most famous as a staunch advocate of Henry George’s single-tax system, a version of which he attempted to create in Harvard.
The Harvard Historical Society Website Gets a Makeover!
We are excited to announce the opening of the Harvard Historical Society renewed website! After months of dedicated work, we’ve enriched the online experience to provide you with a more engaging and informative journey through the rich history of the town of Harvard.
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Ida Harris
Ida was active in the Harvard Woman’s Club and in the Harvard Historical Society. She chaired a committee to gather material to update the history of Harvard from 1880 to 1940. That manuscript was only recently published.
Fruitlands
The Fruitlands Museum was founded, expanded, and curated by Clara Endicott Sears, a member of a wealthy Boston family and among the best known and most accomplished of Harvard’s summer residents.
Fire at the Meeting House
A September 2008 fire was confined to the attic of Sturdy Hall, causing some structural damage but mostly water damage.
Historic House Renovation
Lee McColgan’s house restoration journey expertly examines our relationship to history through the homes we inhabit, beautifully articulating the philosophy of preserving the past for the future.
Ned Quist
A retired academic librarian, Ned is a researcher specializing in the history of the Harvard Shaker Village.
The Harvard Shakers, their barns and the worst agricultural land in Harvard
Robert C. Anderson in his “Directions of a Town” wrote: “The first task of the Shakers at Harvard in their growing years was the cultivation and improvement of the tracts of land they had acquired, probably the worst agricultural land in Harvard.”
Bellevue Cemetery
In March 1893 the town approved a new cemetery site; Henry Warner named it Bellevue.
Ann Lee
Mother Ann Lee, founder of the Shakers, established a community in Harvard in 1781, the second oldest Shaker settlement in the United States.
Contact
How to contact us.
Local Register of Historic Places
The Harvard Historical Commission’s ‘Local Register of Historic Places‘ includes a detailed architectural description and the history of the property and of its owners.
The Antique Stove at the former Harvard Public Library building, now Fivesparks
The Historical Society’s purchase of an 1894 parlor stove assures its rightful home in Harvard.
Halibut in Heavy Cream
For the Shakers, salt water fish was not considered a luxury as it often is today.
Shaker Cemetery
The Harvard Shaker Cemetery, also known as the “Lollipop Cemetery,” is a unique burial ground located in the Shaker Village of Harvard, Massachusetts.
Mozart and Marteney Program and Annual Meeting
“Mozart and Marteney” features oboes hand crafted in the style of Mozart’s era by former Harvard resident Eugene Marteney and music from the Mozart era.
The Old Bromfield School
Because of Margaret Bromfield Pearson Blanchard’s generosity, Harvard got a high school for the town, to educate girls as well as boys. Now the building is part of the Harvard Public Library.
Fried Fresh Peaches
A recipe from “The Best of Shaker Cooking,” revised and expanded by Amy Bess and Persis Fuller.
Oak Ridge Observatory
The establishment of the Harvard University Oak Ridge Observatory placed the town in the astronomical world, attracting visitors of high professional reputation from all over the world.
Cucumber Salad
“It does not seem generally known that the cucumber is one of the most valuable vegetables we raise. It can be dressed in more palatable and suitable ways than most any other vegetable except tomatoes.”
Back to School Memories
At one time Harvard had nine school districts, each with its own schoolhouse. Districts merged, and in 1905 there was one grammar school.
Corn Relish
Corn relish is a type of condiment made from corn kernels that are typically mixed with various other ingredients. It’s known for its sweet and tangy flavor.
Elvira Scorgie
A woman of many talents, Elvira Scorgie was an authority on the history of the town of Harvard. Her research is archived at the Harvard Historical Society.
250th anniversary of the Boston Tea Party
Elijah Houghton, a Boston Tea Party participant, is buried in the Center Cemetery off the Harvard Common. We are celebrating the Tea Party and Elijah Houghton’s part in the “Destruction of the Tea.”
How the Harvard Historical Society moved into the Baptist Church of Still River
The Harvard Historical Society’s connections to the former Still River Baptist Church.
Five Churches, One Site
A history of five churches on one site, given in 1967 by Miss Elvira Scorgie
The Harvard Historical Society Meeting House
In 1966, the Harvard Historical Society purchased the former Still River Baptist Church. Until then, the Historical Society had been using the Hapgood Room and attic of the public library.
Shakers South Family Stone Barn
The Shaker Stone Barn was built in 1835. Located at 101 South Shaker Road, the barn is now a ruin, but some of its most significant and striking masonry features still remain.
Dried Apple Cake
Dried apple cake is a delicious dessert made with dried apple pieces as one of its main ingredients. It’s a popular treat that combines the sweet and slightly tangy flavor of dried apples with the moist and spiced cake batter.
In Memoriam Doug Cregar
Doug Cregar died on Sept. 26, 2021, at the age of 56 at St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center in Boston. A lifelong resident of Harvard, Doug was knowledgeable and passionate about the town’s history. His contributions to the society as a board member and as president were numerous and significant.
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Othello
Othello, who had been given his freedom, remained a faithful servant to Colonel Henry Bromfield.
Simon Stone
Simon Stone, born c.1686, was a founding father of Harvard and served in town government.
Peter Atherton
Peter Atherton was Harvard’s first town clerk, and in that role, he entered the first records in the town books.
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