Harvard History & Traditions

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

Jack Reardon waves

The College Pump | July-August 2025

Tips of the Hat(s)

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

by Primus VI

Photograph of Rob Gogan, retired recycling director and acute observer of nature on campus

The College Pump | January-February 2021

Crimson’s Mr. Green

The campus’s Mr. Green, accessing acronyms, mathematician at work, and a distracted astronomer

by Primus VI

An historic photograph from Radcliffe’s Schlesinger Library archives shows the 1936 exhibition on women scientists—in this case, folders of their published scholarship.

Treasure | January-February 2021

Conservative Curation

“Women in Science” on display

by Alona Bach

In Harvard Yard, workers unload gigantic heads of lettuce and other greens from a truck prominently labeled United Farm Workers as students celebrate the University's decision to support the union workers by buying only UFW-certified produce.

John Harvard's Journal | November-December 2020

Yesterday’s News

Headlines from Harvard’s history

Master Yon Lee extends his hands in a tai chi pose.

John Harvard's Journal | November-December 2020

A Life in Tai Chi

The healing of Master Yon Lee

by Jacob Sweet

Historic photograph of Charles Follen Cabot, Civil War soldier, standing, in uniform

The College Pump | November-December 2020

Likenesses

A Civil War image and an Empire State Building homage

by Primus VI

An image of a 10-centimeter-wide glass model of Phymactis pustulata, found in intertidal zones in the Western South Atlantic.

Museums & Collections |

“Hands On” with Fragile Glass Sea Creatures

Complementary imaging techniques combine to create 3-D models that virtual visitors can examine from any angle.

by Matteo Wong

Cartoon of a submerged submarine with a cut-out view of the interior, where crew members are taking a Harvard course via video recording.

John Harvard's Journal | September-October 2020

Yesterday’s News

Headlines from Harvard’s history

Photograph of David Evans

John Harvard's Journal | September-October 2020

Changemaker in Admissions

David L. Evans made a difference for 50 years.

by Matteo Wong

Illustration imagining the evolution of computer science at Harvard in a playful way

Features | September-October 2020

A Science Is Born

The “yeasty” times” when computer research grew at Harvard

by Harry R. Lewis

A drawing of students rebelling in a dining hall.

Treasure | September-October 2020

Rebelling and Expelling

The Class of 1823 goes rogue and gets booted.

by Jacob Sweet