A well-preserved rural community, Harvard was incorporated in 1732. It is known for a series of sociological and religious experiments, including the founding of the Harvard Shaker Village by Mother Ann Lee in 1781, and the establishment of Fruitlands, a utopian agrarian commune, by transcendentalist Bronson Alcott in 1843.

Harvard’s churches, town hall, and library surround a historic town common, and its residential areas are characterized by Colonial and Victorian homes. Harvard’s winding roads are lined with trees, stone walls, historic farmhouses, and apple and peach orchards.

The four centuries-old village of Still River retains its stunning western vistas. Over 2,000 acres of conservation land throughout the town are largely interconnected by walking trails. Sailing and canoeing lessons are offered at the 330-acre Bare Hill Pond and cross-country skiing and skating take place in winter.