Putnam Gallery, Collection Of Historical Scientific Instruments

Tucked in the corner of the Harvard Science Center, on the first floor just past the Oxford Street entrance, you’ll find this gem of a museum. If you’re interested in history, in old clocks, in scientific innovation, in telescopes, in early computers, or even just the lesser known Harvard histories, this is the place for you.
It is free to enter, and the staff inside are always really friendly. If you call in advance, they’ll even arrange a free guided tour with one of the curators.
My favourite items are the old grandfather clocks, who sit ominously along one wall of the gallery, stoically tick-​tocking in time with each other, and accompanied by a fantastic story about how time was originally kept before the advent of telephones and immediate forms of communication (e.g. «What time is it over there?» «Oh, I’ll have to sail my ship across the ocean with a miniature clock and see what they say.»)
I also love the fact that most of these objects are never seen aside from in old history books, but that the CHSI has them out and proud, without glass around some of them, for you to see. SUCH a great opportunity to get kids excited about science AND history!
Beware the old computer set-​up at the back of the gallery — it has a VERY sensitive alarm, which goes off (to the amusement of the gallery staff, I think) every time some over-​excited visitor leans over the keyboard. They really don’t want you to start typing and touching it!
One star removed, on account of how cold it is inside (bring a sweater… brrr!) and their limited opening hours. Aside from these things, it’s an EXCELLENT museum.