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

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.

Yesterday’s News

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

Claudine Gay at the podium addresses audience

“The Promise of This New Presidency”

Harvard officially installs Claudine Gay, its thirtieth leader.

Claudine Gay at the podium

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

Reading the Tea Leaves

The messages and meanings of Harvard’s presidential installations

Illustration of a football coin toss with coin landing on edge

Yesterday’s News

A coin toss forecasts a surprising football score.

Claudine Gay and her husband, Christopher Afendulis, outside Houghton Library, June 13, 2023

A “Scholar’s Scholar”

A profile of Harvard’s thirtieth president

by John S. Rosenberg

A March 1, 1965, civil rights meeting at Selma’s Brown Chapel A.M.E. Church

Getting Close, in Selma

Acting at a moment of conscience

by Drew Gilpin Faust

Team photo, Boston Tigers in 1940, Arthur Augustus “Fats” Johnson at far right

Arthur Augustus Johnson

Brief life of a Black baseball impresario: 1890-1951

by Kasey Uhlenhuth , Harry R. Lewis

Illustration of Massachusetts Hall, Harvard president’s office

Presidents’ Paths

Life decisions en route to Massachusetts Hall

by Primus VI

Ursula Bailey working in a Harvard geology laboratory, 1945

Trailblazer in Space Science: The Legacy of Harvard's Ursula B. Marvin

Brief life of a pioneering planetary geologist: 1921-2018

by David A. Kring