Tag: Waywiser

Collection of Historical Scientific Instruments, Harvard U.

  • Water Lens in the Science Center
  • Commodore 64 station once used in Harvard’s Cyclotron
  • A 1st floor display
Source: BBHS

Yesterday we visited the Harvard Collection of Historical Scientific Instruments located in Harvard’s Science Center at 1 Oxford Street in Cambridge. Admission to the collection is free and open to the public.

This is a lovely, small, but high-interest collection with lots of objects from Harvard’s long history of scientific research and study. The collection spans 400 years and includes “telescopes, microscopes, sextants, medical tools, and computational instruments.” You could easily connect your history or science studies to objects on view here. Before you go, you could search their collection online using their Waywiser database to see what’s on view that you’d like to see.

The main entrance to Harvard’s Science Center. In the summer, there’s a mist fountain among the boulders, which are a fun obstacle course for kids year-round. Source: BBHS

While you’re visiting the Science Center, you can see some wonderful examples of Mid-Century arts and some fun science objects on display in the hallways. There’s also a Clover cafe on the first floor where you could stop for a snack or coffee. You can also bring your own food and eat in the cafe seating.

Source: BBHS

Have you visited the CHSI? Do you have any favorite scientific instruments that are on display? Would love to hear your comments below!