Attraction of the Week: Harvard University in Cambridge, MA

Harvard University, established in 1636, is the oldest institution of higher learning in the United States. This private Ivy League school is located in Cambridge, just a few miles north of Boston.

When I learned tours were available, I just knew this had to be on my bucket list. There was no way I was missing out while living in such close proximity. This has been one of my favorite activities since moving to the New England region. Tours are open to the public during the academic year. Advance registration required. There are 2 options: self-guided tours and student led tours. I recommend the student led tour for a more personal experience.

The school is named after the first benefactor, John Harvard. In front of University Hall, you will find a bronze statue dedicated to John. On our tour, we learned that tourists rub his left foot to bring good luck. Due to the constant rubbing, the shoe remains shiny compared to the rest of the statue.

The Statue of 3 Lies

During our tour, we learned the statue’s nickname: “The Statue of 3 lies.” The inscription on the statue reads: John Harvard – Founder – 1638. However, everything inscribed on the statue is false for the following reasons: #1. The statue does not represent John. Pictures of Mr. Harvard could not be found during the construction. Thus, the sculptor used a random model. #2. John was not the founder of the school, but rather the benefactor.  #3. The founding date of Harvard is 1636, not 1638!

A bit of Titanic history

The 1 hour tour strolls through Harvard Yard, a 209 acre area home to most of the University offices, academic buildings and dorms. One of the most notable features in the area is Widener Library, which is the 3rd largest in the country.

This part of the tour left me the most intrigued. Most uniquely, 4 of the library’s 10 floors are underground. We learned that Harry Elkins Widener, whom the library is named after, was a graduate who died aboard the Titanic in the early 1900’s.

His mother donated several million dollars, however, with a stipulation that the library was never to be altered. Thus, why it was expanded underground). This was the most interesting thing we learned on the tour for sure!

The beautiful stained glass of Memorial Hall

Memorial Hall, built in 1878, is another notable building in this section of campus. There are 3 divisions in this building: Annenberg Hall, Sanders Theater, and Memorial Transept. Below is a picture (although a bit dark) of the stained glass windows of the Memorial Transept.

The white plaques on the side acknowledge students who died fighting for the Union. Annenberg Hall is closed to the public – our guide did let us peek through the windows. This grand room is now a freshman dining area. It looks similar to Hogwarts dining hall from Harry Potter!).

A few more historic sites

The Harvard Memorial Church opened in 1932 as a dedication to students and alumni who lost their lives in World War I.

Schlesinger Library is a research library at the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study. Established in 1943, the library still exists today to document women’s lives. This building was named after History Professor, Arthur M. Schlesinger and his feminist wife, Elizabeth Schlesinger.

The Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study (In October of 1999 Radcliffe College (a former women’s liberal arts college) and Harvard University officially merged) is where individuals pursue advanced education. Elizabeth Cary Agassiz was President of Radcliffe College from 1882-1903.

The most beautiful college campus in the country

I can’t imagine any campus being more gorgeous and historical. The Yard is the oldest part of the campus and it is sto stunning. Walking around looking at the historic architecture is an incredible experience. I can imagine leaving after 4 years would be difficult!

Did you know?

Harvard University is one of the nation’s most prestigious colleges.  According to the Harvard University admission statistics, only 2047 students were admitted out of 35,023, yielding an acceptance rate under 5%. (Class of 2017 data).

Additional Info

Free guided tours are available for tourists, locals, and prospective students. Note that they are only available during the academic year. During your tour, your guide will give you a brief history of the important landmarks. Tours last an hour.

Tours meet at the Information Center (1350 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02138), in the Smith Campus Center. Advance registration required. View the Tour Calendar to plan an appropriate time. Also self-guided maps are available for a small fee.

Fun Facts

A few interesting facts we learned via our tour guide:

• Harvard does not allow any filming on its’ campus. Most movies taking place at the University actually film elsewhere (i.e. Legally Blonde and The Social Network).
• *Movies filmed here (allowed), include: Good Will Hunting, The Town, and Just Cause.
• President Obama was the 8th President to graduate from the University (he is a 1991 graduate of Harvard Law School).
• Plenty of celebrities are graduates, including Natalie Portman, Conan O’Brien, and Tommy Lee Jones.

You will learn these unique facts, plus much historical information on this fantastic tour! It’s a must for any history buffs!