Harvard History & Traditions

Stories that explore the institution’s rich history, from archival moments to evolving traditions.

Jack Reardon waves

A Look at Harvard’s Distinctive Doctoral Regalia

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

by Primus VI

Princeton preps Harvard deans, prophetic Richard Pipes, and more

Harvard’s Tiger deans, the prophetic Richard Pipes, and a high-tech egg

by Primus VI

Calderwood Courtyard centers Harvard Art Museums

A tribute to the art museums’ Calderwood Courtyard

by John S. Rosenberg

A composite of Radclife College classes through the years: 1896, 1912, 1931, and 1935 on the cover of the November-December 1999 issue of Harvard Magazine.

Harvard’s Womanless History

Completing the University’s self-portrait 

Headlines from Harvard’s history

When the Law School made thin ice…and other headlines from Harvard’s history

A re-landscaped Massachusetts Hall

Re-landscaping Massachusetts Hall, making the entrance to Harvard Yard more welcoming

by Primus VI

29-29: Reliving The Game

The immediate post-Game coverage, and an update on that famous headline

Khalil Abdur-Rashid, Muslim chaplain at Harvard

The University’s Muslim chaplain

by Sophia Nguyen

Headlines from Harvard’s history

Headlines from Harvard’s history

Happy campers: For their team photo, a day or two after The Game, the Crimson wore practice jerseys, giving them rather a raffish look.

A melting pot: Harvard’s 1968 football team

How the Crimson squad from the immortal ’68 Game revealed a transforming Harvard

by George Howe Colt

Robert Coles and Atul Gawande on William Carlos Williams

Two Harvard doctors on William Carlos Williams