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

The stylish Charlie Davidson

The College Pump | January-February 2024

Square Scribes

Harvard Square retailers’ tales—and a changing local scene

by Primus VI

Portrait of Zelia Nuttall, 1880

Features | January-February 2024

Zelia Nuttall

Brief life of a remarkable anthropologist (1857-1933)

by Merilee Grindle

Cartoon of John Harvard figure ice skating at Harvard Law School

John Harvard's Journal | January-February 2024

Yesterday’s News

Harvard Law School: the skating rink

Illustration for Harvard Lampoon cover showing a Harvard-Yale football game rendered in the style of the famous Bayeux Tapestry

The College Pump | November-December 2023

Football: The Tapestry

David C.K. McClelland’s famous Lampoon cover

by Craig Lambert

Charles Brickley, 1914

Features | November-December 2023

Harvard’s G.O.A.T.

Remembering Charlie Brickley at the Crimson’s football sesquicentennial

by Dick Friedman

Humorous illustration of Harvard Yard with Widener Library and University Hall; between the two buildings there is a swimming pool and people enjoying the pool.

John Harvard's Journal | November-December 2023

Yesterday’s News

Courses in swimming pool management and table-waiting—with an eye toward summer employment

Claudine Gay at the podium addresses audience

University News |

“The Promise of This New Presidency”

Harvard officially installs Claudine Gay, its thirtieth leader.

Claudine Gay at the podium

University News |

A “Romper Room” Diploma

President Claudine Gay’s first semester-opening Morning Prayers

by John S. Rosenberg

Installation photos of Harvard presidents Lawrence Summers, Drew Gilpin Faust, and Lawrence Bacow

Letters | September-October 2023

Reading the Tea Leaves

The messages and meanings of Harvard’s presidential installations

Illustration of a football coin toss with coin landing on edge

John Harvard's Journal | September-October 2023

Yesterday’s News

A coin toss forecasts a surprising football score.