Harvard History & Traditions
Stories that explore the institution’s rich history, from archival moments to evolving traditions.
Tips of the Hat(s)
On regalia, a Jack-of-all-trades retirement, and a Bok’s office bon mot.
by Primus VI
The Long-Lived University
Attendance artifact, women’s work, and “Fair Harvard” redux
by Primus VI
Gymsuits, Pre-Spandex
Lest young ladies’ “tides” be deranged
by Sophia Nguyen
He Has Made the World a Safer Place
A symposium honors a scientist who championed biological and chemical weapons control.
by Jonathan Shaw
Saving Stephen Hawking
A close call on Commencement day
by David H. Abramson
David Davidson
A dining executive on Harvard’s changing food environment
by Marina N. Bolotnikova
Yesterday’s News
Headlines from Harvard’s history
A Chaucer Tale
When teaching was gendered, Porsche populism, and Harvard’s presidential symbolism
by Primus VI
An Imposing Honor for Harvard’s First Black Graduate
The University of South Carolina recognizes its first African-American professor—Richard T. Greener, A.B. 1870.
by Jean Martin
Julian Schwinger, the Singularity
At Jefferson Laboratory, Nobel Prize winners gather to remember one of their own.
by Jonathan Shaw
Brevia
Grad-student unionization, sexual assault, and more