Hale was the first science building on campus and for some years after it was completed, it housed all the sciences, a small museum, and the School of Law.
During construction, scientists were researching radio development inside. Part of the building was built without any iron nails so as not to interfere with radio trans-mission experiments. One of the early successes, it is reported, was a signal sent 60 feet from one end of the building to the other.
After years of hard use as a classroom and research building, Hale received an extensive renovation in 1991. In one of the best examples of historic preservation combined with improving functionality, the beautiful quarter-sawn oak woodwork was restored and the building was made fully accessible. It now houses the Department of Anthropology.
The building honors Horace M. Hale (1833–1901), former regent and second president of the university.