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Historical & Special Collections

Open to all, Historical & Special Collections (HSC) connects researchers around the world with legal history, and supports the Harvard Law School’s research, teaching, and learning mission.

Harvard Law School Library
Langdell Hall
1545 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02138

Email: specialc@law.harvard.edu
Phone: 617-495-4550

Manuscript page with full richly painted and illuminated floreate border with a fine large initial miniature of King Edward IV in royal robes enthroned and holding a globe but without a scepter, with the arms of Lord Hastings in border.
Closeup of rare book spines, stamped with Harvard Law Library.
Nine women, among the first female students to graduate from HLS, standing in line facing right in front of Vice Dean Livingston Hall.

Hours

The Root Room, Historical & Special Collections’ reading room, is open by appointment only, Tuesday-Friday, 10-5.
To schedule an appointment or get in touch with a member of the Historical & Special Collections staff, please email specialc@law.harvard.edu.

UPCOMING CLOSURES:

Wednesday, May 28-Thursday May 29

Tuesday, June 17

Thursday, June 19

Friday, July 4

Friday, September 12, 10am-12pm

Friday, October 24, 10am-12:30pm

  • Featured image for Magna Carta Exhibit This Summer article

    Magna Carta Exhibit This Summer

    Harvard Law School Library Historical & Special Collections is pleased to announce a special exhibit opening this June. One Text, Sixteen Manuscripts: Magna Carta at the Harvard Law School Library first debuted in September 2015 to celebrate Magna Carta’s 800th anniversary. In honor of the exciting new scholarship surrounding HLS MS 172, we are pleased

    May 21, 2025

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