Headlines from Harvard history

Headlines from Harvard history

1905

The Supreme Judicial Court puts a major obstacle in the way of a proposed alliance between Harvard and MIT, ruling that land occupied by the Institute cannot be built upon except in accordance with the deed of gift by which the real estate was acquired. Transferring any MIT real estate to a joint holding with Harvard thus becomes impossible.

 

1925

The Crimson publishes its first Confidential Guide, offering frank advice and opinions about courses from an undergraduate perspective.

 

1930

Due to significant thefts of books from the stacks, Widener Library has instituted a new policy: requiring that all books and bags be inspected at the library exits.

 

1940

The Democratic Party offers an all-Harvard ticket: Franklin Delano Roosevelt ’04, LL.D. ’29, and Henry A. Wallace, LL.D. ’35. Although Republican candidate Wendell Willkie declares, “We’ve had enough of Harvard; let’s have a little of Illinois and Indiana common sense,” the editors note that Willkie buttons predominate on undergraduate lapels.

 

1955

George A. Buttrick, Plummer professor of Christian morals and preacher to the University, welcomes female students to join Harvard undergraduates at morning prayer in Appleton Chapel. (Women had been required to sit apart in Memorial Church during chapel services.)

 

1960

Harvard alone wins an A from the American Association of University Professors for meeting its faculty pay minimums: $12,000 for a professor; $8,750 for an associate professor; $6,750 for an assistant professor.

 

1980

The $250-million Harvard Campaign, a five-year effort to buttress undergraduate education, the College faculty,…libraries, labs, and museums, public-policy programs, and “day-to-day upkeep of the College,” ends its first year with almost $86 million in gifts and pledges.

 

1990

To comply with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendment of 1989, requiring colleges and universities to punish students and staff who violate drug and alcohol regulations or risk federal funding, Harvard provides both groups with information on drugs and alcohol compiled by the University Health Services.

You might also like

Highlights from Harvard’s Past

The Medical School goes coed, University poet wins Nobel Prize. 

Free Speech, the Bomb—and Donald Trump

A Harvard cardiologist on the unlikely alliances that shaped a global movement to prevent nuclear war

A Look at Harvard’s Distinctive Doctoral Regalia

On regalia, a Jack-of-all-trades retirement, and a Bok’s office bon mot.

Most popular

At Harvard College Convocation, an Emphasis on Open-Mindedness

Garber, other leaders sidestep politics but welcome international students.

How MAGA Went Mainstream at Harvard

Trump, TikTok, and the pandemic are reshaping Gen Z politics.

In Sermon, Garber Urges Harvard Community to ‘Defend and Protect’ Institutions

Harvard’s president uses traditional Memorial Church address to encourage divergent views.

Explore More From Current Issue

Catherine Zipf smiling, wearing striped shirt and dark sweater outdoors.

Preserving the History of Jim Crow Era Safe Havens

Architectural historian Catherine Zipf is building a database of Green Book sites.  

Man, standing in small group of people outside the courthouse, holding a sign that reads "HANDS OFF HARVARD" in red letters

Harvard’s Summer in Court

What Columbia’s settlement means for the University

Book cover of "Black Moses" by Caleb Gayle with subtitle about ambition and the fight for a Black state.

Civil Rights in the American West

A new book chronicles one man’s quest for a Black state.