Harvard History & Traditions

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

Free Speech, the Bomb—and Donald Trump

A Harvard cardiologist on the unlikely alliances that shaped a global movement to prevent nuclear war

Harvard Magazine mourns Laura Levis

The untimely death of a former colleague

John Singleton Copley and Harvard, by Jane Kamensky

When the College commissioned Copley

by Jane Kamensky

McNamara on campus, the “Cambridge conceit,” and Bob Dylan

McNamara on campus, the “Cambridge conceit,” and a lyric puzzle

by Primus VI

Harvard fall semester schedule

Harvard bestirs itself for the fall term.

by John S. Rosenberg

Remembering a distinctive Harvard Magazine voice

A distinctive Harvard Magazine voice remembered

Headlines from Harvard history

From the pages of the Harvard Alumni Bulletin and Harvard Magazine

Harvard alumnus recalls World War II

A member of the class of 1946 on the horrors, and humor, of World War II.

by Primus VI

Drew Faust before Harvard presidency

When The Chronicle of Higher Education highlighted Drew Faust in her pre-Harvard days

Headlines from Harvard history

From the pages of the Harvard Alumni Bulletin and Harvard Magazine