The Harvard Museums of Science & Culture (HMSC) is thrilled to share our inaugural annual report, Making Connections: A Year of Discovery and Impact, highlighting achievements, new initiatives, and powerful stories from July 2023 through June 2024. This report captures a vibrant year of exploration, learning, and outreach, demonstrating HMSC’s commitment to making science and culture accessible and engaging for all.
HMSC collaborates with four partner museums: the Harvard Museum of the Ancient Near East, the Peabody Museum of Archaeology & Ethnology, the Collection of Historical Scientific Instruments, and the Harvard Museum of Natural History. Each museum brings unique perspectives and exhibits, helping us to foster curiosity and understanding of science, culture, and history.
Since HMSC’s formation in 2012, our mission has been to bridge Harvard’s remarkable research collections with the public. This year alone, we welcomed over 305,000 visitors from around the globe, with 42% of admissions offered for free. These efforts reinforce HMSC’s dedication to accessibility through initiatives like the Library Partner Program, supported by an anonymous donor, which distributes free and discounted passes to local communities.
HMSC’s annual programming seeks to inspire, educate, and foster a love for learning. Signature events such as I ❤️ Science, National Fossil Day, and Amazing Archaeology Fair brought thousands of people together to celebrate and explore. Our popular bilingual event Celebremos El Salvador introduced over 800 first-time visitors, many of whom were Spanish-speaking, to HMSC’s galleries.
Collaborations with Harvard students and the broader community have deepened our impact. Programs like Teen Saturdays at the Museum! and the Science Education Partners workshop support young people and students in developing skills in research, communication, and science engagement.
Our inaugural report also offers a glimpse into how supporters can join our mission. Whether through membership, volunteering, or joining one of our many events, there are countless ways to get involved and help us continue to inspire discovery.
As we reflect on this impactful year, we invite you to explore our annual report and join us in celebrating the achievements and bright future of HMSC. Download the full report.