Harvard University Archives

Frequently Asked Questions

Basic Questions

What is the Harvard University Archives?
The Harvard University Archive is both a repository for records and papers relating to the history of the institution, and an administrative agency serving the needs of University offices. We are a department of the Harvard University Library.

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Where is the University Archives located?
The Archives is located in Pusey Library in Harvard Yard. Click here for a map. A photo ID will be required to enter the building. Our mailing address and telephone information is on our contact page.

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I am not affiliated with Harvard. Can I use the University Archives?
The Harvard University Archives is a non-circulating collection open both to the Harvard community and to researchers who are not affiliated with the University.

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Are there limits on access to any of the Archives holdings?
Yes. For specic information please refer to the Terms of access page.

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Do your holdings circulate?
The Harvard University Archives is a non-circulating collection open to the Harvard community and the interested public. For more information please refer to the Policies and procedures page.

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I want to donate material relating to the history of Harvard. How should I proceed?
The Harvard University Archives collects the permanent records and related materials that document the history of the University. Please visit the Dontating / Transferring Materials are of our website.

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I want to get a copy of a photograph that is credited to the Harvard University Archives. How do I proceed?
Depending on the physical format and condition of the originals, the University Archives will provide photographic reproductions of holdings. Please follow this link for more detailed information.

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Questions about Off-site use

I'm unable to visit the Archives. Do you offer research services?
Our Reference Staff welcomes your inquiries relating to all aspects of the history of Harvard University. Please be as specific as possible when requesting information, as limited staff time prevents us from answering broad research questions (e.g. "Please send me information about the history of women at Harvard"). Please click here for more details.

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How do I submit a reference inquiry by e-mail?
Please complete and submit the Harvard University Archives E-Mail Request Form to request historical information, copies of or access to materials from the Archives' holdings. If you are planning a research visit, it is important that you let us know when you will arrive as the bulk of our collections are stored off-site. Please note that inquiries submitted via e-mail, fax, and post, are placed in queue with other recent inquiries.

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Questions about Theses and Dissertations

I am completing my Ph.D. dissertation, where do I find detailed information on preparing it?
A GSAS handbook supplement entitled Form of the Doctoral Thesis is available on-line and provides instructions on how to prepare a dissertation.

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How can I get a copy of an undergraduate honors thesis?
On-site researchers may submit photocopy orders of up to thirty pages of undergraduate honors theses that were written before the last five years and PhD theses that were written before 1981. Please click here for details.

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How can I get a copy of a doctoral thesis?
On-site researchers may submit photocopy orders of up to thirty pages of undergraduate honors theses that were written before the last five years and PhD theses that were written before 1981. Please click here for details.

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How can I determine which faculty member advised on a dissertation?
The names and signatures of faculty advisors can be found on the thesis acceptance certificate which is at the beginning of the thesis.

If you live in the Cambridge/Boston area, we recommend a visit to the University Archives. If you are planning a research visit to the University Archives, please contact us five business days before you arrive, as many theses and dissertations are stored off-site and may be subject to restrictions on access.

Our Reference Staff welcomes your inquiry about determining which Harvard faculty members were advisors on a particular doctoral dissertation. We will supply thesis acceptance information for up to three doctoral dissertations per request.

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Last modified on Friday, June 26, 2009.