Harvard Square is famous for its rich intellectual atmosphere, cool shops, book stores, restaurants, bars, and street performers. It also played a significant role in counter culture movements. Over the years, it has been a gathering place for some of the coolest people including academics, artists, musicians, and writers. It has also been a hotspot for social and political activism.

Here are some key examples

The Beat Generation and The Grolier Poetry Book Shop

Harvard Square played a big role in the Beat Generation movement, which emerged in the 1950s and championed anti-conformity, spontaneous creativity, and a rejection of traditional societal norms. At the heart of this literary movement was The Grolier Poetry Book Shop, founded in 1927. Located on Plympton Street, the Grolier became a focal point for Beat poets like Allen Ginsberg, Jack Kerouac, and Lawrence Ferlinghetti, among others.

The shop's owner, Adrian Gambet, was a charismatic figure who fostered an environment of free expression and encouraged young poets to share their work during open mic events. The Grolier Poetry Book Shop remains operational to this day and continues to be a pilgrimage site for poetry lovers seeking to connect with the past.

The Harvard Square Riots of 1970

In the 1960s and early 1970s, Harvard Square witnessed a turbulent period of social and political unrest due to the Vietnam War. On May 6, 1970, following President Nixon's announcement of the invasion of Cambodia, a massive protest erupted in Harvard Square. What initially began as a peaceful demonstration quickly escalated into violence and chaos.

Protesters clashed with the police, leading to widespread property damage, injuries, and dozens of arrests. This incident, known as the Harvard Square Riots, stands as a stark reminder of the intensity of anti-war sentiment during that era and serves as a testament to the significant role Harvard Square played in the anti-war movement.

The Founding of The Real Paper

In 1966, The Real Paper, an alternative weekly newspaper, was founded by two Harvard students, John S. Johnson, and Harvey Silverglate. The paper quickly gained popularity for its unorthodox journalism style and its focus on covering countercultural topics, such as anti-war protests, civil rights movements, and the emerging feminist movement.

The Real Paper provided a platform for young writers and artists to express themselves freely, making it an essential part of the Harvard Square scene during the late 1960s and 1970s. The newspaper closed in 1981, but its legacy as a symbol of alternative media and independent journalism remains deeply ingrained in Harvard Square's history.

Harvard Square, thanks largely to Harvard University, remains a dtransformative space that continues to attract intellectuals, artists, and dreamers from all walks of life. Its rich history, and the pivotal role it played in counter culture movements have solidified its place as an enduring symbol of artistic expression and free thought.