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
"Ten Thousand Men of Harvard”—the logo, and John Harvard’s shoes
"Ten Thousand Men of Harvard”—the logo, and John Harvard’s shoes
The Harvard Museum of Natural History showcases Blaschka glass invertebrates
The Harvard Museum of Natural History showcases Blaschka glass invertebrates.
Touring Yale, trombone sextet, and talking back to John Foster Dulles
Touring Yale, trombone sextet, and talking back to John Foster Dulles
Headlines from Harvard history, July-August 1914-1994
From the pages of the Harvard Alumni Bulletin and Harvard Magazine
Morning Exercises: Harvard’s 363rd Commencement
The student speeches, the awarding of degrees, the honorands—and an Aretha Franklin song
Harvard Commencement week 2012: events for Wednesday, May 28
ROTC commissioning and numerous Class Day celebrations, including speeches by Sandberg, Power, Van Valkenburgh, and Kaling.
Harvard Commencement week 2014: events for Tuesday, May 27
Phi Beta Kappa exercises; Baccalaureate address
Author's query re expository writing at Harvard
For the period between 1979 and 1994
Headlines from Harvard history, May-June 1919-1999
From the pages of the Harvard Alumni Bulletin and Harvard Magazine
What mortarboards hide, and news of centenarian Clarence M. Agress
On the uses of mortarboards, and a centenarian’s update