Harvard History & Traditions
Stories that explore the institution’s rich history, from archival moments to evolving traditions.
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
“Fair Harvard,” Soviet-style liberal arts, campus oases
“Fair Harvard,” liberal arts Soviet-style, campus oases, and more
by Primus VI
Harvard Commencement Regalia New 2017
Updates for the engineers and the honorands: Harvard regalia sightings, for connoisseurs
Marshall Plan Debuts at 1947 Harvard Commencement
When Secretary of State George C. Marshall received a degree—and established the standard for U.S. engagement with the world
A celebration of computer science at Harvard in honor of Harry Lewis
Former students, friends, family, and colleagues gather to celebrate Harry Lewis on the occasion of his seventieth birthday.
We Remember World War I
Firsthand accounts of Harvard men and women who lived through it, 100 years after the United States entered the Great War
Headlines from Harvard history
An elephant race, and more from the Harvard Alumni Bulletin and Harvard Magazine
Harvard and the working class
The chasm between elite academia and working-class Americans—and how to bridge it
The Discovery of a Lost Harvard Museum
Recreating the Philosophy Chamber
Roger Angell golfing, David Halberstam rowing, arachnologist Herbert Walter Levi
Roger Angell tees off, David Halberstam survives the Charles, and more
by Primus VI
Harvard President Drew Faust Vietnam
Drew Faust, in Ho Chi Minh City, on the Civil War and the Vietnam War