About Harvard Buildings

Image
Learn about the town of Harvard, Massachusetts, through its many historic buildings and the people who were involved in their construction.

Local Register of Historic Places

Featured image for “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…
Featured image for “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…

Houses now and then

Featured image for “Houses now and then”
In 2022, Bromfield senior Julian Iverson took current pictures of historical houses in Harvard, framing the pictures as close as…
Featured image for “Houses now and then”
In 2022, Bromfield senior Julian Iverson took current pictures of historical houses in Harvard, framing the pictures as close as…

Unitarian Church Fire December 13, 1964

Once again, the church at the top of the Common was ablaze. Firefighters tried valiantly to save the building. Fires…
Featured image for “Unitarian Church Fire December 13, 1964”
Featured image for “Unitarian Church Fire December 13, 1964”
Once again, the church at the top of the Common was ablaze. Firefighters tried valiantly to save the building. Fires…

Harvard Historical Society Completes Balustrade Restoration

On Monday, August 26, the Harvard Historical Society celebrated the successful completion of a major restoration project with the installation…
Featured image for “Harvard Historical Society Completes Balustrade Restoration”
Featured image for “Harvard Historical Society Completes Balustrade Restoration”
On Monday, August 26, the Harvard Historical Society celebrated the successful completion of a major restoration project with the installation…

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…
Featured image for “The Old Harvard Public Library on the Common now Fivesparks”
Featured image for “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…

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.…
Featured image for “Fire at the Meeting House”
Featured image for “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…
Featured image for “Historic House Renovation”
Featured image for “Historic House Renovation”
Lee McColgan’s house restoration journey expertly examines our relationship to history through the homes we inhabit, beautifully articulating the philosophy…
May 9, 2024

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…
Featured image for “The Harvard Shakers, their barns and the worst agricultural land in Harvard”
Featured image for “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…
April 11, 2024

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.…
Featured image for “The Antique Stove at the former Harvard Public Library building, now Fivesparks”
Featured image for “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.…

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…
Featured image for “The Old Bromfield School”
Featured image for “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…

Oak Ridge Observatory

The establishment of the Harvard University Oak Ridge Observatory placed the town of Harvard in the astronomical world, attracting visitors…
Featured image for “Oak Ridge Observatory”
Featured image for “Oak Ridge Observatory”
The establishment of the Harvard University Oak Ridge Observatory placed the town of Harvard in the astronomical world, attracting visitors…

Five Churches, One Site

A history of five churches on one site, given in 1967 by Miss Elvira Scorgie…
Featured image for “Five Churches, One Site”
Featured image for “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…
Featured image for “The Harvard Historical Society Meeting House”
Featured image for “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…

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,…
Featured image for “Shakers South Family Stone Barn”
Featured image for “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,…

Colonel Henry Bromfield

The Colonel’s “picturesque figure and strong individuality made him a notable feature of the town’s life.”…
Featured image for “Colonel Henry Bromfield”
Featured image for “Colonel Henry Bromfield”
The Colonel’s “picturesque figure and strong individuality made him a notable feature of the town’s life.”…

Warren Hapgood

Warren Hapgood was born in the Old Mill district of Harvard. He was a major benefactor of the Harvard Public…
Featured image for “Warren Hapgood”
Featured image for “Warren Hapgood”
Warren Hapgood was born in the Old Mill district of Harvard. He was a major benefactor of the Harvard Public…