Welcome to the Initiative for the Science of the Human Past

Knowledge of the human past has entered a revolutionary age of discovery as the natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities use new evidence and new techniques to transform our understanding of history. Dramatic initiatives synthesizing archaeology and palaeoanthropology, cognitive sciences, computer science, digital humanities, environmental and climate studies, genetics, GIS, linguistics, and ancient molecules are remaking our understanding of the human past. Numerous Harvard faculty and researchers are involved in these initiatives, and Harvard undergraduates are galvanized by the new ways of discovering the past. This intellectual ferment is redefining and expanding the very idea of history as it leads to the consilience of the natural and the human sciences. 

The moment has come to bring these initiatives together and unite them in an Initiative for the Sciences of the Human Past. SHP is beginning at Harvard in September 2011.  Check here for announcements and updates on this exciting new development.

Steering Committee: 

Chair: Michael McCormick (FAS, History)