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Have you always wondered what Harvard University must be like with its rich history and prestige? Visiting this ivy league campus absolutely blew me away. Hands down, this was my favorite place to visit in Boston. This post outlines the three reasons you should visit Harvard University. Also included are fun facts I learned on my tour. Enjoy!
1. Experience A Part Of Our Nation’s History
Harvard University is a prestigious ivy league school. What else do you know about this landmark? Did you know that eight of our forty-six presidents have graduated from Harvard? As recent as Barack Obama and as historic as John Adams, some of our most prominent political leaders boast degrees from this historic college. Named after John Adams, the Adams House (pictured below) provides undergraduate housing on campus.
The library at Harvard, pictured below, is the oldest library system in the United States. This library was named after Harry Widener, who died in the Titanic. Wildener loved reading and upon his death, his mother partnered with Harvard University to honor her son. The library is engraved with “The Harry Elkins Widener Memorial Library”.
2. Learn Facts You Never Knew About Harvard University
On my tour at Harvard, I heard many humorous stories about the university. My favorite story included the rivalry between two of the schools’ newspapers: the Harvard Crimson and the Harvard Lampoon. The Crimson, pictured below, had notable editors such as President John F. Kennedy and President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
On the other hand, notable members of the Harvard Lampoon include Conan O’Brien and William Randolph Hearst. The two comedy clubs have had an ongoing rivalry for decades. One of the most recent pranks between the two competitors targeted then-presidential candidate Donald Trump. Editors from the Lampoon stole the Crimson president’s chair (an act that has gone on for decades) and posed as Crimson staff to Trump and his team. The group posted a photo with Trump, with his endorsement from the Harvard Crimson. Little did anyone know, it was all a prank! The amount of time and effort that went into that prank alone shows why this rivalry has withstood decades.
John Harvard’s Statue Lies
The statue, below, is of John Harvard. The statue is historic to the university and has a seal on the side that says “John Harvard, Founder, 1638”. As I learned on my tour, this statue contains three lies.
- For starters, this is a statue of John Harvard, however, the sculptor had no way of knowing what Harvard looked like at the time. At this point, all photos of Harvard had been lost. This statue is based on the sculptor’s vision of what Harvard would have looked like.
- John Harvard was not the founder of the university. John Harvard can be considered a founder because he bequeathed part of his fortune to the university, though he is not the sole founder.
- The third lie is the year 1638, as the university was actually founded in 1636.
3. Experience Breathtaking Architecture
Harvard was one of the most beautiful places I have ever visited. The cobblestone walkways, the granite buildings and blooming trees made this tour one I will never forget.
The above photo shows the Sever Hall building located in Harvard Yard. The below photo shows Lehman Hall, also located in the Harvard Yard. The New England architecture incorporates so much character to this university and its campus.
Harvard University is an open campus so you can tour for free at your leisure. I recommend taking a student lead tour. The students are very passionate about sharing the school’s history as well as tell you quirky stories about the school you may not learn otherwise.
Book Your Trip Now
Located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, this campus is approximately twenty minutes away from Downtown Boston. You can tour the campus for free on your own, or through the school.
Book your tour of Harvard University now.
Whether you are planning a trip to Boston or are just looking for inspiration for your next vacation, I hope you enjoyed reading about my favorite places. The only thing better than visiting these spots and enjoying them is getting to share them with friends and family. Please comment if you have toured Harvard University and tell me how you liked it.
Looking for more? Check out the complete guide to the Freedom Trail in Boston.
I am always open to recommendations. If you have any favorite spots in Boston please share them below!
Cheers!
