Harvard History & Traditions

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

Magna Carta on display in Houghton Library

University News |

An Original Magna Carta, Hidden in Plain Sight

A rare original surfaces at Harvard at an “almost providential” moment. 

by Nina Pasquini

John Harvard's Journal | May-June 2015

Yesterday’s News

From the pages of the Harvard Alumni Bulletin and Harvard Magazine

Nuttall during his time at Harvard (the circa 1828 portrait is attributed to J. Whitfield)

Features | May-June 2015

Vita: Thomas Nuttall

Brief life of a pioneering naturalist: 1786-1859

by John Nelson

Calvert W. Watkins

The College Pump | May-June 2015

The Pump Overflows

Astonishing linguist Calvert Watkins

More than 20 pieces of type dug up in Harvard Yard have been dated to the seventeenth century.

Museums & Collections |

The “Little Object That Speaks Loudly”

Archaeologists examine printing type found deep in Harvard Yard.

by Stephanie Garlock

Marie Heaney, the poet's widow, in the newly dedicated Heaney suite.

Books & Literary Life |

A New Life for Heaney’s Home at Harvard

Adams House members, past and present, dedicate a suite to the Irish poet who lived among them.

by Sophia Nguyen

Treasure | March-April 2015

Early BMOCs

Harvard’s collection of early American paintings are mostly portraits, all men.

by Stephanie Garlock

John Harvard's Journal | March-April 2015

Yesterday’s News

From the pages of the Harvard Alumni Bulletin and Harvard Magazine

Lafayette became a friend of American artist and inventor Samuel F.B. Morse, who depicted him with Revolutionary icons Washington and Franklin in this 1826 portrait.

Features | March-April 2015

Vita: Lafayette

Brief life of an American champion: 1757-1834

by Laura Auricchio

Here lies an eager patriot.

The College Pump | March-April 2015

Youthful Ardors

Love Story locale, and other passionate pursuits

See you. A much-admired pair of legs and shoes disappear into a window above the shops on Haight Street, San Francisco. The Reichardts have seen it all.

The College Pump | January-February 2015

So Long for a Time

Baez, Dylan, and more vignettes from Harvard’s class of 1964