Harvard and the American Revolution | Harvard Library
Source: https://library.harvard.edu/exhibits/harvard-and-american-revolution
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:34
Harvard and the American Revolution | Harvard Library
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Exhibit
Harvard and the American Revolution
Comprehending a view of Harvard, 1808-1809. Cambridge Common from the seat of Caleb Gannett, Esq
Credit: HUV 2208
Engraving, Westerly view of the Colledges in Cambridge, New England, 1767 by Paul Revere.
Credit: HUV 2167
Prospect from a study, in the north entry of Hollis Hall,. ca. 1797 by William Jenks (AB 1797, AM 1800, STD 1842)
Credit: HUV 2196.10
A pictorial map of Cambridge 1760-1770 : showing the residences & gardens of the principal citizens of the town by Rupert B. Lillie
Credit: HUV 2160
Through Friday, Dec 18, 2026
Open to the public
Location
Lammot du Pont Copeland Gallery, Pusey Library
Harvard University Archives
Pusey Library — Harvard Yard
Cambridge, MA 02138
See All Hours
Map
The American Revolution (1775-1783) was a war between Great Britain and its 13 American colonies. Colonists who supported independence believed they should have more control over their own laws and taxation, while the British wanted to keep the colonies under Imperial rule. These disagreements grew into open conflict and eventually led to the founding of a new nation.
Harvard played many roles in the American Revolution. It served as headquarters for the colonies’ Continental Army, produced graduates who became key revolutionary leaders, and fostered bold new ideas through active intellectual and academic debate. The stories gathered here reveal how the Harvard community helped shape—and was shaped by—the birth of the American republic.
This exhibition invites you to explore the many complex and influential ways Harvard participated in the American Revolution. Through thoughtfully curated objects, documents, and narratives from the collections of the Harvard University Archives, the exhibition offers a glimpse into the hopes and anxieties that shaped the era and how Harvard both participated in and contributed to the nation’s struggle for independence. We invite you to walk in these historical footsteps around campus, engage with the voices of the past, and reflect upon the lasting importance of education and critical inquiry during times of great change.
Harvard and the American Revolution
was curated by Emily Atkins, Ariana Cook, Hannah Hack, Virginia Hunt, Juliana Kuipers, and Sarah Martin of the Harvard University Archives. Exhibit graphic design by Molly Regan, Logica Design.
Skip to main content
Exhibit
Harvard and the American Revolution
Comprehending a view of Harvard, 1808-1809. Cambridge Common from the seat of Caleb Gannett, Esq
Credit: HUV 2208
Engraving, Westerly view of the Colledges in Cambridge, New England, 1767 by Paul Revere.
Credit: HUV 2167
Prospect from a study, in the north entry of Hollis Hall,. ca. 1797 by William Jenks (AB 1797, AM 1800, STD 1842)
Credit: HUV 2196.10
A pictorial map of Cambridge 1760-1770 : showing the residences & gardens of the principal citizens of the town by Rupert B. Lillie
Credit: HUV 2160
Through Friday, Dec 18, 2026
Open to the public
Location
Lammot du Pont Copeland Gallery, Pusey Library
Harvard University Archives
Pusey Library — Harvard Yard
Cambridge, MA 02138
See All Hours
Map
The American Revolution (1775-1783) was a war between Great Britain and its 13 American colonies. Colonists who supported independence believed they should have more control over their own laws and taxation, while the British wanted to keep the colonies under Imperial rule. These disagreements grew into open conflict and eventually led to the founding of a new nation.
Harvard played many roles in the American Revolution. It served as headquarters for the colonies’ Continental Army, produced graduates who became key revolutionary leaders, and fostered bold new ideas through active intellectual and academic debate. The stories gathered here reveal how the Harvard community helped shape—and was shaped by—the birth of the American republic.
This exhibition invites you to explore the many complex and influential ways Harvard participated in the American Revolution. Through thoughtfully curated objects, documents, and narratives from the collections of the Harvard University Archives, the exhibition offers a glimpse into the hopes and anxieties that shaped the era and how Harvard both participated in and contributed to the nation’s struggle for independence. We invite you to walk in these historical footsteps around campus, engage with the voices of the past, and reflect upon the lasting importance of education and critical inquiry during times of great change.
Harvard and the American Revolution
was curated by Emily Atkins, Ariana Cook, Hannah Hack, Virginia Hunt, Juliana Kuipers, and Sarah Martin of the Harvard University Archives. Exhibit graphic design by Molly Regan, Logica Design.