What historical periods are being studied by the Harvard Yard Archaeology Project?

Students in the project are digging for artifacts from the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries, aiming to understand changes in student life during those periods.

What significant event was discovered during the excavation near Harvard Hall and Holden Chapel?

The excavation uncovered evidence of a fire that consumed Harvard Hall 1 between 1677 and 1764, resulting in the loss of many of John Harvard's original book donations.

What happens to the artifacts once they are excavated?

Once excavated, the items become part of the museum collection. Students involved in the project have access to this information, and some artifacts are displayed in exhibits.

How does participating in the Harvard Yard Archaeology Project benefit students?

Students gain a unique understanding of past student life and engage in critical thinking by questioning data and formulating new research questions, feeling like real archaeologists.

Where can one see the results of the Harvard Yard Archaeology Project?

Some of the findings and information about the project are on display in the Peabody Museum, including an exhibit that talks about the early years of the college.

Harvard Yard Archaeology Project celebrates 20th anniversary

Harvard University

Education3 min read3 min video

Dec 22, 2025|6,516 views|182|18

harvard archaeology anthropology harvard archaeology harvard anthropology peabody museum harvard peabody museum harvard research harvard class diana loren patricia capone kelsey culbertson

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Key Moments

TL;DR

Harvard Yard Archaeology excavates 17th-19th C. artifacts, revealing student life and a 1764 fire.

Key Insights

The Harvard Yard Archaeology Project excavates artifacts to uncover untold stories from the past.

The project began in 2005 as a collaboration between the Peabody Museum, Department of Anthropology, and Harvard University Native American Program.

Current excavations focus on the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries, specifically between Harvard Hall and Holden Chapel.

The goal is to understand how student life changed as Harvard shifted from a Puritan to a secular institution.

Excavations revealed evidence of the 1764 fire that destroyed Harvard Hall 1, including burnt brick, nails, and melted glass.

Artifacts are added to the museum collection, providing students with access to historical data and an understanding of past student life.

THE MISSION OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL DISCOVERY

Archaeology serves as a critical tool for unearthing stories that are often buried and overlooked. The Harvard Yard Archaeology Project, established in 2005, embodies this principle by excavating the grounds of Harvard University. This collaborative initiative brings together the Peabody Museum, the Department of Anthropology, and the Harvard University Native American program to shed light on the institution's rich history. Through its ongoing work, the project aims to provide a tangible connection to the past for both students and the wider university community.

EXCAVATING CENTURIES OF STUDENT LIFE

The current phase of excavation in Harvard Yard focuses on artifacts dating from the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries. Situated between Harvard Hall and Holden Chapel, the dig seeks to understand the evolving lives of students during a pivotal period of institutional change. This era witnessed Harvard's transition from a predominantly Puritan institution to a more secular one. By examining the material culture of this time, the project hopes to gain insights into the daily experiences and transformations that shaped the student body.

UNCOVERING THE 1764 HARVARD HALL FIRE

A significant discovery from the excavations has been evidence of the 1764 fire that destroyed Harvard Hall 1. The archaeological record includes layers of burnt brick, nails, and melted glass, all testifying to the destructive event. Fortunately, no lives were lost, but the fire resulted in the loss of nearly all of John Harvard's original book donations, a significant blow to the university's early intellectual resources. This finding connects directly to the physical history of the campus.

INTEGRATING ARTIFACTS INTO MUSEUM COLLECTIONS

Once artifacts are meticulously excavated, they become integral parts of the Peabody Museum's collection. This ensures their preservation and accessibility for future study and display. Students participating in the archaeology class gain the unique opportunity to work with materials unearthed not only in the current dig but also by students in previous years. This continuous cycle of excavation and collection allows for a cumulative understanding of Harvard's past.

A UNIQUE EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE

The Harvard Yard Archaeology Project offers an exceptionally immersive educational experience for undergraduate students. It provides them with a direct understanding of what the lives of past students were like, offering a visceral connection to campus history. Furthermore, the program actively engages students in the critical archaeological process, encouraging them to question data, formulate new research questions, and develop innovative approaches to historical inquiry.

FOSTERING A SENSE OF CONNECTION AND DISCOVERY

Students involved in the project often describe feeling like 'real archaeologists,' deeply immersed in hands-on fieldwork. The experience cultivates a profound sense of learning about the history of their own institution and the very campus grounds they navigate daily. This direct engagement with historical remnants fosters a unique connection to Harvard's legacy, transforming the academic study of history into a lived and discovered experience.

Mentioned in This Episode

●Tools

●Organizations

●People Referenced

Archaeological Excavation Dos and Don'ts

Practical takeaways from this episode

Do This

Help tell the untold stories buried in trash.

Dig for artifacts from the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries.

Understand how student lives changed during different historical periods.

Handle excavated items carefully, as they become part of the museum collection.

Engage in the intellectual process of questioning data and innovating questions.

Learn about the history of your own school and campus through archaeology.

Avoid This

Treat archaeology as insignificant or merely 'trash'.

Ignore the historical context and changing goals of institutions like universities.

Overlook potential discoveries, like the fire at Harvard Hall 1.

Assume all historical records are intact; some may be lost (e.g., John Harvard's books).

Common Questions

The Harvard Yard Archaeology Project, started in 2005, is a collaboration between the Peabody Museum, Department of Anthropology, and the Harvard University Native American program. It focuses on excavating artifacts to uncover historical stories.