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
Shaping Richard Henry Dana Jr.
How Richard Henry Dana Jr. came to hate slavery and injustice
A grand chandelier at Harvard’s Sanders Theatre
In Sanders Theatre, a “constellation” of a chandelier
Headlines from Harvard history
From the pages of the Harvard Alumni Bulletin and Harvard Magazine
A long run in The Nutcracker, and the Blackout of '65
Nutcracker notes, and a memorable blackout
Brief life of Harvard astronomer William Cranch Bond, by Alan Hirshfeld
Brief life of Harvard's first astronomer: 1789-1859
Headlines from Harvard history, September-October 1910-1995
From the pages of the Harvard Alumni Bulletin and Harvard Magazine
Harvard's WHRB's unusual and ingenious mix of classical, jazz, country, and rock
For 75 years, WHRB has moved beyond the “warhorses.”
How Jim Connor got to Harvard, and Isadore Zarakov’s home run
How Jim Connor got to Harvard, and Isadore Zarakov’s home run
Headlines from Harvard history, July-August 1930-1970
From the pages of the Harvard Alumni Bulletin and Harvard Magazine
A Harvard Club mystery solved, a student artist’s epiphany
A Harvard Club discovery, a College artist’s epiphany