The Property Information Resource Center (PIRC) is the principal archival repository for the records of Harvard University’s buildings and land. The PIRC actively works on behalf of the University to collect, organize, steward, and make accessible documentation from capital construction projects at Harvard University. Additionally, PIRC collections and staff provide critical background research and material for campus planning, new construction projects, renovations, and maintenance to Harvard’s buildings. Learn more about the PIRC Collections.
PIRC Collections
The PIRC collections document the rich and varied history of Harvard’s built environment. While PIRC staff strives to be inclusive of all people who made contributions, traditionally, the architecture and design firm is listed as the lead architect rather than the individual team members involved in the creation of buildings. PIRC catalog entries reflect the information as presented by the firms on their drawings. In some cases, this may exclude significant contributions from underrepresented groups.
Records in the PIRC online collection catalog may contain language reflecting past architectural practices or naming conventions that are no longer acceptable. The PIRC is committed to addressing the problem of offensive and discriminatory language present in its collections database. PIRC staff are continually updating these records, adding and improving content. Please contact the PIRC if you have feedback, questions, or concerns.
Capital Project Close-outs
The Harvard University Corporation has mandated records retention policies which are applicable to all capital construction projects on campus. This page outlines the requirements for capital project close-out deliverables to be deposited with the PIRC.
Digital Exhibitions
The Property Information Resource Center continually seeks to engage our campus colleagues, clients, academic researchers, and public with our collections in a variety of new ways. This goal is achieved by the careful research and curation of information and objects from our collections to tell a meaningful in-depth story. The thematic digital exhibitions on this page highlight the varied history of the Harvard University campus through interactive visual display.
Contact Us
Property Information Resource Center (PIRC)
Richard A. and Susan F. Smith Campus Center
1350 Massachusetts Ave, Rm 585
Cambridge, MA 02138
Phone: 617-496-1862
E-mail: pirc@harvard.edu
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