Harvard University Athletics

The Harvard Athletic Association was formed in 1874, and in 1951 became the Harvard University Department of Athletics. The Harvard University Archives holds significant records series from both the Association and the Department. Notable are the many collections of team photographs which were taken almost as early as teams formed. Please note that University records are closed for 50 years from the date of their creation; records pertaining to individuals, including records pertaining to an individual student’s athletic performance, are closed for a minimum of 80 years.

Administrative records of the Harvard Athletic Association, 1885-1955. (Approximately 95 boxes). [Call number: UAV 170.xx].
 

Miscellaneous administrative records, 1885-1949 (inclusive), 1930-1939 (bulk). (4 containers). [Call number: UAV 170.95.7].
 

Correspondence and other records of Harvard athletic teams, 1891-1949 (inclusive), 1930-1939 (bulk). (14 containers). [Call number: UAV 170.95.5].
 

Records of William J. Bingham, Director of Athletics, 1925-1948. (45 containers). Call number: UAV 170.95.2].

• See also: William J. Bingham diaries and scrapbooks, 1908-1951. (5 flat boxes, 2 document boxes). [Call number: HUM 387] and Papers of William J. Bingham, 1919-1958.  (4 document boxes, 2 folders, 1 pamphlet binder). [Call number: HUGFP 54]

 

Harvard Athletic Association News, 1926-1990 (incomplete). (Vol.1-50, 52, 55:No.1, 56-61, 63). [Call number: HUK 102].
 

Correspondence relating to publicity and advertising, 1929-1942. (11 containers). [Call number: UAV 170.95.3].
 

Correspondence of the Harvard Athletic Association news, 1929-1941. (4 containers). [Call number: UAV 170.95.4].
 

Intercollegiate seasonal reports, 1938-1943. (1 container). [Call number: UAV 170.95.6].
 

Harvard Athletic Association annual ticket booklets, 1946-1948. (1 folder). [Call number: HUY 150].

 

Ivy Group Agreement and minutes,1952-1953. (1 folder). [Call number: UAV 171.453].
 

Records of the Harvard University Department of Athletics, 1953-1982. (2 boxes). [Call number: UAV 171.5 and UAV 171.230.10].

Team photographs are broken up until multiple collections. The earliest photographs can be found in the Records of the Harvard Athletic Association : team photographs, 1868-1947 (Call number: UAV 170.270.2). For later photographs, please see this list in HOLLIS, the Harvard online library catalog. See also the research guide on Harvard University Archives Photograph Collections.