Harvard History & Traditions
Stories that explore the institution’s rich history, from archival moments to evolving traditions.
In Sermon, Garber Urges Harvard Community to ‘Defend and Protect’ Institutions
Harvard’s president uses traditional Memorial Church address to encourage divergent views.
Harvard remembers Peter Gomes in Memorial Minute
The late Pusey minister in Memorial Church is memorialized by the Faculty of Arts and Sciences.
Freshman convocation for Harvard College class of 2018
Applause and advice at Harvard’s Freshman Convocation
Headlines from Harvard history, September-October 1919-2004
From the pages of the Harvard Alumni Bulletin and Harvard Magazine
"Ten Thousand Men of Harvard”—the logo, and John Harvard’s shoes
"Ten Thousand Men of Harvard”—the logo, and John Harvard’s shoes
The Harvard Museum of Natural History showcases Blaschka glass invertebrates
The Harvard Museum of Natural History showcases Blaschka glass invertebrates.
Touring Yale, trombone sextet, and talking back to John Foster Dulles
Touring Yale, trombone sextet, and talking back to John Foster Dulles
Headlines from Harvard history, July-August 1914-1994
From the pages of the Harvard Alumni Bulletin and Harvard Magazine
Morning Exercises: Harvard’s 363rd Commencement
The student speeches, the awarding of degrees, the honorands—and an Aretha Franklin song
Harvard Commencement week 2012: events for Wednesday, May 28
ROTC commissioning and numerous Class Day celebrations, including speeches by Sandberg, Power, Van Valkenburgh, and Kaling.
Harvard Commencement week 2014: events for Tuesday, May 27
Phi Beta Kappa exercises; Baccalaureate address