Harvard History & Traditions

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

Alan Garber speaking at a podium in Memorial Church, with wooden panels in the background.

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

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

by Jonathan Shaw

Portrait of Walter E. Fernald c. 1910

Harvard Pioneer in Care for the Intellectually Disabled

From enlightened care for the intellectually disabled, to eugenics, and back

by Alex Green

Student protestor and Harvard police officer during the Mass Hall living-wage protest, April 25, 2001

A Contentious Era for U.S. Higher Education

President emeritus Neil L. Rudenstine on changes in the academy and society that made universities more contentious—and diminished support for humane learning

by Neil L. Rudenstine

North wall of the Faculty Room

Harvard's Faculty Room Is Remodeled

Reimagining an iconic space to reflect the Harvard community more comprehensively

by John S. Rosenberg

Illustration of Lewis and Clark Expedition artifacts at Peabody Museum

Short Headlines from Harvard History Spring 2025

From the pages of the Harvard Alumni Bulletin and Harvard Magazine

Jimmy Carter and James Agee ’32

Why this “sovereign prince of the English language” touched the president’s heart

by Lincoln Caplan

Bronze weight shaped as a bust of an empress, featuring intricate details and a hook for hanging.

David Gordon Mitten, Harvard Classicist, Professor, and Curator

An archaeologist/curator/hands-on humanist, and an artifact from the era of typewritten term papers

by Primus VI

Barbara Lawrence seated, wearing a textured blouse, in a portrait from the late 1930s.

Harvard Pioneering Mammalogist Barbara Lawrence

Brief life of an intrepid mammalogist: 1909-1997

by Jonathan Shaw

Illustration of a career consultant reading from a paper while seated on a statue pedestal, with a long line of students waiting nearby.

Short Headlines from Harvard History

From the pages of the Harvard Alumni Bulletin and Harvard Magazine

President Alan M. Garber sitting in historic Holyoke Chair during his installation

President Garber installed as president of Harvard

A private ceremony celebrated Garber’s appointment as president.

by Jonathan Shaw

Harvard President Alan Garber at a podium in Memorial Church

Harvard President Alan Garber Speaks at Morning Prayers

President Garber’s Morning Prayers

by John S. Rosenberg