Harvard History & Traditions

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

Jack Reardon waves

The College Pump | July-August 2025

Tips of the Hat(s)

On regalia, a Jack-of-all-trades retirement, and a Bok’s office bon mot.

by Primus VI

Top row from left: Zaid al-Rifa'i, Barbara Fischbein Berenson, Stephen G. Hoffman, John Paul Kennedy, and Paul G. O'Leary. Bottom from left: Claire Stuart Roth and Jody Cukier Siegler

Alumni | November-December 2011

Hiram Hunn Award Winners

Seven alumni received Hunn Memorial Schools and Scholarships Awards in 2011.

Marcel Moran and Anne Douglas

Alumni | November-December 2011

Aloian Award 2011 winners Marcel Moran and Annie Douglas

Anne Douglas ’12, of Adams House, and Marcel Moran ’11, of Eliot House, are the 2011 David and Mimi Aloian Memorial Scholars.

Top from left: Helen Snively, Tom Southwick, Carol Sternhell, and Deborah Johnson

Alumni | November-December 2011

“More As People Than Dating Objects”

The class of 1971 reflects on the coeducational living experiment.

by Nell Porter-Brown

John Harvard's Journal | November-December 2011

Yesterday’s News

Headlines from Harvard's history

One of the earliest American football posters, done for <i>Harper’s</i> in 1894 by Edward Penfield. This example, in B+ condition, sold at a Swann Galleries auction August 3 in New York City for $1,320, including buyer’s premium. In 1894 Yale beat Harvard 12-4.

The College Pump | November-December 2011

The Master Leads

Robert J. Kiely on gay rights at Adams House, plus the Harvard M.B.A. Indicator

A miniature portrait of Craigie in his prime, this watercolor on ivory, painted around 1800, is attributed to Archibald Robertson.

Features | November-December 2011

Andrew Craigie

Brief life of a patriot and scoundrel: 1754-1819

by Anthony J. Connors

To get the evening's dancing started, a "flash mob" of dancers performed a choreographed routine they'd rehearsed throughout the previous week. The dancers were on the steps of Widener Library and at other Yard locations. Colorful LED lighting decorated buildings around the Yard.

University News |

Wet and Wonderful

Harvard's 375th anniversary celebration, in words and photographs

Eric Chivian, director of the Center for Health and the Global Environment at Harvard Medical School, supplied heirloom apples from his orchard in central Massachusetts, including the Roxbury Russet, a variety that Chivian believes was once grown in Harvard Yard.

Arts & Culture |

Throwback Cuisine

Heirloom apples, "1636" ale, and a historical dining hall menu provide sustenance for the 375th anniversary gala.

Students from the Harvard Business School (HBS) party on despite the rain. The HBS contingent in the parade carried replicas of the centennial bell from that school's 2008 anniversary.

Commentary |

The Business of Turning 375

A dispatch from the Business School's anniversary celebration

by Kate Dempsey St...

All stacked up and ready to recycle

University News |

Keeping the 375th Green

Harvard’s recycling services aim to keep Friday’s big birthday party “zero-waste.”