ArtsThursdays: The Power and Bias of Measurements

How have measuring systems shaped our understanding of people and the world? How can art help us grasp the complex legacies of such systems? The new exhibition Measuring Difference at the Collection of Historical Scientific Instruments explores how seemingly objective measurements have historically functioned as tools of authority and bias, particularly during colonial encounters in the Americas. <ul><li>Nancy Friedemann-Sánchez, Artist</li><li>Pablo F. Gómez, Associate Professor in the Department of Medical History and Bioethics, and the Department of History at the University of Wisconsin, Madison</li><li>Gabriela Soto Laveaga, Professor of the History of Science; Antonio Madero Professor for the Study of Mexico, Harvard University</li></ul>In this interdisciplinary conversation blending history, science, and art, Pablo&nbsp;Gómez, Gabriela Soto Laveaga, and Nancy Friedemann-Sánchez will examine Euroamerican measuring systems and their role in constructing racial hierarchies and power structures that persist in Latin America and the United States today. By tracing the history of measuring human bodies—from its roots in the transatlantic slave trade to its lasting influence on modern perceptions of race and identity—and by exploring art that addresses the complexities of multi-layered identities resulting from colonial legacies, this program invites participants to see, understand, and challenge the biases embedded in the measuring systems that shape our modern world. Visit <a href="https://chsi.harvard.edu/exhibitions/measuring_difference">Measuring Difference</a> at the Collection of Historical Scientific Instruments (1 Oxford Street) for free from 5:00–6:00 pm or after the program from 7:00–8:30 pm. (Please note that the Harvard Museum of Natural History &amp; the Peabody Museum of Archaeology &amp; Ethnology will not be open during this event). Free event parking at the <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/52+Oxford+St,+Cambridge,+MA+02138/@42.3801643,-71.1153065,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x89e37740b4804b09:0x1ca7c4a4324b1694!8m2!3d42.3801643!4d-71.1153065!16s%2Fg%2F11c2133ff1">52 Oxford Street Garage</a>. Presented by the Collection of Historical Scientific Instruments and Harvard Museums of Science &amp; Culture in collaboration with the <a href="https://www.drclas.harvard.edu/">David Rockefeller Center for Latin American Studies</a>.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.harvard.edu/artsthursdays/">ArtsThursdays</a> is a university-wide initiative supported by Harvard University Committee on the Arts. Photos courtesy Nancy Friedemann-Sánchez and Pablo F. Gómez Advance registration recommended for <a href="https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=9CL6b2hFBUGtQy461HJpVwaEfAvKIKRHjDqup5ZqIVNUQkk5NTlVN1RFNkxWNzAyVFM1RUg5QVhQRy4u">in-person</a> and <a href="https://harvard.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_N8c4glgYS7CWul9BuvMcyg">online </a>attendance

Harvard University Science Center Bldg, Hall A

Afia

S22: conversations

Wondering what to do in Boston? Places to eat? Free activities? Good for a group? Date night spot? Girls night out? The best things to do? Ask Joyraft!

Best places to go in Boston? Things to do? Places to eat?

Questions & answers about things to do in Boston

Recs 💬

Community recs 💬

S4: top picks

The most fun, cool and unique things to do in Boston. Can’t miss events, shows and experiences. Concerts, restaurants, bars, free things in Boston and beyond.

The most fun and cool events happening around Boston

Hot and new things to do in Boston

Hot & new

Hot & new 🔥

S11: happening this weekend

What to do in Boston this weekend? From festivals, concerts, performances, free events, screenings and more, Joyraft has the best things to do in Boston.

25+ things to do in Boston/Cambridge/Somerville this weekend

Things to do in Boston this weekend

This wknd

This weekend for you

S21: roundups

Our top picks: outdoor dining, free events, spring festivals, best bars, upcoming concerts, museum parties - the latest in and around Boston.  Slug: joyraft-top-picks-best-things-to-do-boston-ma

Top picks of the best things to do in and around Boston

Joyraft picks: Boston’s best things to do

Roundups ⭐️

Curated by Joyraft ⭐️

S28: calendar experiences

This week in Boston

This week in Boston 📆

This week 📆

S20: c+d experiences

Discover new, unique events and experiences happening in and around Boston. Perfect for date night, good for a group or with a friend. Be the first to know.

The newest events happening in and around Boston

The newest events on Joyraft

Just added

Just added to Joyraft

S16: editor picks

The most unique and can’t miss things coming up in Boston / Cambridge / Somerville and beyond. Festivals, food, drinks, fairs, concerts, art and free activities.

Unique and Can’t Miss Things to Do in Boston

Can’t-miss things to do in Boston 🚨

Can't-miss things to do 🚨

S2 (A): top experiences

The most popular things to do on Joyraft. Concerts, restaurants, bars, events, parties, openings, kid friendly, date ideas, free things in Boston and beyond.

Top 20 things to do in Boston

Top 20: Joyraft’s most popular

Top 20

Top 20 on Joyraft

S3 (A): trending experiences

Discover can’t miss events and things to do in Boston. The most fun, unique and cool events coming to the Boston area this spring and summer.

The hottest events happening in Boston

Trending events on Joyraft

Trending 📈

S17: interest based

Your guide to everything free in and around Boston. From events, to fairs, to festivals, to outdoors. Joyraft has all the free events happening near you.

100+ free things to do in Boston and beyond

Free things to do in Boston

Free things to do

S19: interest based

Discover kid-friendly fun in Boston, Massachusetts, and surrounding areas! Enjoy hands-on exhibits at the Boston Children’s Museum, explore the New England Aquarium, and visit the Franklin Park Zoo. Find parks, playgrounds, and seasonal events perfect for families across Massachusetts.

Top 20 kid-friendly things to do in Boston, MA

Kid-friendly things to do in Boston

Kid-friendly events

S18: interest based

Where to eat and drink in Boston? Joyraft has Boston’s newest bars, restaurants and specials. Drinks and pre fixe dinner menus. Cambridge & Somerville too.

Boston Bars and Restaurants: Events and Openings

Food & drink experiences in Boston

Food & drink experiences 

Where

ArtsThursdays: The Power and Bias of Measurements

Website

Where?