Harvard History & Traditions

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

Alan Garber speaking at a podium in Memorial Church, with wooden panels in the background.

In Sermon, Garber Urges Harvard Community to ‘Defend and Protect’ Institutions

Harvard’s president uses traditional Memorial Church address to encourage divergent views.

by Jonathan Shaw

"Doonesbury" comic nominating Duke for Harvard president

Harvard Degree Honorands Connected through the Wright Brothers

Three honorands connected in time through Wilbur and Orville Wright, the fathers of aviation

by Primus VI

A cartoon of lobster and other foods for Harvard reunions

Headlines from Harvard’s history

Headlines from Harvard’s history

University Hall occupied by student protestors, April 9, 1969

Darker Days

The current disquiets compared to Harvard’s Vietnam-era traumas

by Primus VI

Photograph of Winthrop Bell 1910

Winthrop Bell: Harvard Philosopher, MI6 Spy, and Early Forecaster of the Holocaust

Brief life of a philosopher and spy: 1884-1965

by Jason Bell

Illustration of Carpenter Center

Headlines from Harvard’s history

The Carpenter Center celebrated

The stylish Charlie Davidson

Square Scribes

Harvard Square retailers’ tales—and a changing local scene

by Primus VI

Portrait of Zelia Nuttall, 1880

Zelia Nuttall

Brief life of a remarkable anthropologist (1857-1933)

by Merilee Grindle

Cartoon of John Harvard figure ice skating at Harvard Law School

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

Football: The Tapestry

David C.K. McClelland’s famous Lampoon cover

by Craig Lambert

Charles Brickley, 1914

Harvard’s G.O.A.T.

Remembering Charlie Brickley at the Crimson’s football sesquicentennial

by Dick Friedman