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

Illustration of Sharon Beckman ’80 swimming the English Channel

John Harvard's Journal | September-October 2022

Yesterday’s News

Headlines from Harvard’s history

Photograph of Milman Parry in Paris, circa 1925-1928

Features | September-October 2022

Milman Parry

Brief life of a Homeric scholar with a big idea: 1902-1935

by Robert Kanigel

Photograph of William Randall playing guitar in his Lowell House room, c. 1970-1971

The College Pump | September-October 2022

Learners, Grizzled and Downy

An affecting reunion, and Houghton Library accessible to all

by Primus VI

Treasure | September-October 2022

Permafrost Fare

Soured Seal Liver, Anyone?

by Jacob Sweet

A red brick sunken pit in a plaza.

University News |

The End of the Harvard Square Pit

Reconstruction of a local landmark begins soon.

by Jacob Sweet

Historic photo of Harvard Commencement 1915

The College Pump | July-August 2022

Moveable Feast

Commencement venues through the ages

by Primus IV

Illustration of football players hanging their laundry out to dry

Harvard History & Traditions |

Yesterday’s News

Headlines from Harvard’s history

Photograph of Richard Evans Schultes at Chiribiquete conservation area

Features | July-August 2022

Richard Evans Schultes

Brief life of a pioneering ethnobotanist and conservationist: 1915-2001

by Mark J. Plotkin

Illustration of 2022 Commencement with movie camera for first time

John Harvard's Journal | May-June 2022

Yesterday’s News

Headlines from Harvard’s history

Portrait of Lorna Myrtle Hodgkinson, ca. 1922

Features | May-June 2022

Lorna Myrtle Hodgkinson

Brief life of a dauntless educator: 1887-1951

by David Haig