#  Thom Burns 

Curator of the Harvard Plate Stacks

 

 

 



   ![Man in red blazer stands in front of telescope](/sites/g/files/omnuum2761/files/styles/hwp_4_5__480x600/public/2025-09/Thom%209-30%20Headshots-60.jpg?h=54ff697f&itok=sIJqu1qw) 

 



 





 

Thom Burns is the Curator of the Harvard Plate Stacks, the historical astronomical photographic collection at the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian. His professional and academic career focuses on connecting and creating synergy among interdisciplinary fields and historical collections. Working with astrophysicists, scientists, artists, authors, historians, and conservators, his main role is to facilitate the research, understanding, and inspiration between anyone and the Harvard Plate Stacks collection. Central to the collection’s creation and its history is the legacy of a century of Women Astronomical Computers breaking barriers in science and at Harvard starting in the 1870s. Current initiatives include working with scientists to help identify supernova remnants, facilitating artists’ research in the collection, and multi-spectral imaging of glass plates.

Burns, received a Masters in Technical Art History from the University of Glasgow's Centre for Textile Conservation and Technical Art History. He received a BA in the History of Art from Yale University.



 

 

 





 

 

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