Fisher Museum

Since 1941, the Fisher Museum has been free and open to the public, offering information on forest ecology, landscape history, and land conservation and management.

PLEASE NOTE: In compliance with Harvard University policy to reduce the risk of COVID-19, Harvard Forest office buildings and the Fisher Museum are closed to the public until further notice.

Recreational trails remain open to the public during this time.

Questions? Email HFoutreach@fas.harvard.edu or call 978-724-3302.

Museum Hours

Monday through Friday

9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday
January to April: Closed
May to October: 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
November and December: Closed

Please note: The Fisher Museum is closed on all Harvard University holidays.

Admission to the Museum is free. 

Guided group tours of the Museum and research trails are available for a fee (learn more).

Exhibits

The primary exhibit is 23 internationally acclaimed models (dioramas) the first seven of which depict 230 years of landscape change in central New England, beginning with European colonization in 1700. The remaining dioramas portray an array of 20th-century forest management techniques, a local landscape called Harvard Pond, and conservation management issues including erosion and fire.

Additional displays now bring the story up to modern times and include a brief overview of current Harvard Forest research. New displays in 2020 include:

• A digital "modern diorama" constructed via high-tech LIDAR scans of Harvard Forest research sites, created by Peter Boucher in the Schaaf Lab at the University of Massachusetts--Boston.
• Footage of the dioramas being built by the Guernsey and Pitman studio in the 1930s.

A family-friendly scavenger hunt is available to encourage viewers to take a closer look at the highly detailed dioramas.

Resources

• Browse a 1936 booklet describing the dioramas' construction.
• Read more about the story in the dioramas.
• Download high-resolution images of the dioramas.
• Watch a video about the history of the Harvard Forest or read the transcript.
• Explore a multimedia project by HF Artist in Residence Roberto Mighty, called First Contact, portraying the 17th-century clash between Nipmuc people and the Europeans who arrived in their homeland.

Trails

Maps in the Museum introduce visitors to the Forest's extensive system of trails - open 365 days a year - that provide additional opportunities for learning.

Accessibility

The Harvard Forest welcomes individuals with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact us at hfvisit@fas.harvard.edu in advance of your visit. Please note that accessible parking and a universal access ramp are available at the rear of the building.

Driving Directions to the Fisher Museum

Please note: No public transportation goes to the Fisher Museum.