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2 Divinity Avenue, Yenching Library
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2 Divinity Avenue, Yenching Library

Address2, Divinity Avenue, Cambridge, MA, United States of America, 02138
Site Number322
Alternate Names Institute of Geographical Exploration, Geography School, Harvard Yenching Library
Building Root Number 04265
Architect (Original) The Office of Horace Trumbauer
Land Acquired 1910
Constructed 1930
Building Acquired 1930
StatusActive
Materials for this building in our collection are not fully processed at this time.
Site Name HistoryThe site is named after its address.Historical Notes2 Divinity Avenue was designed by Philadelphia architect Horace Trumbauer and completed in 1930 as the Institute of Geographical Exploration supported by the charitable contributions of Alexander H. Rice Jr. (A.B. 1898) and his wife Eleanor Elkins Widener. Harvard closed the Institute in 1951. Since the early 1950s the building has been occupied by the Harvard-Yenching Institute which outgrew its original location in Boylston Hall. The building was renovated in 1957 to include a wing for the library. The library wing was designed by architects Shepley Bulfinch Richardson and Abbot of Boston.Additional Information
Harvard University Archives. Construction Management Records, ca. 1953-1986. Harvard University Archives call number UAV 298.8000
Shepley Bulfinch Richardson & Abbott. [Map of Harvard University] Additions and Alterations 2 Divinity Avenue. MS 2380.83 S37. Harvard-Yenching Library.
Shepley Bulfinch Richardson & Abbott. [Map of Harvard University] Additions and Alterations 2 Divinity Avenue. MS 2380.83 S37.1. Harvard-Yenching Library.
Shepley Bulfinch Richardson & Abbott. [Map of Harvard University] Additions and Alterations 2 Divinity Avenue. MS 2380.83 S37.2. Harvard-Yenching Library.
Harvard-Yenching Library. [Harvard Yenching Library History Files]. MS Rare (W), Harvard-Yenching Library.
“New School of Geography to Form Center for Subject.” Cambridge Tribune, 27 Sept. 1930, p. 9.
“Harvard’s School of Geography: Explorers Will Gain Training There and the Technical and Romantic Will Be Combined Integration of Present Courses in Subject a University Planned as Part of Function.” The Sun, 21 Sept. 1930, p. SA7.
This building has been designated by the University Planning Office as having a Notable Interior.
Chinn Ho Reading Room
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