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 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

Weld Boat House

University News |

Newell and Weld Boat Houses Scheduled for Major Renovation

Comprehensive modernization to begin this year

by John S. Rosenberg

Drawing of Harvard Dental School giving John Harvard statue a dental check-up

John Harvard's Journal | March-April 2022

Yesterday’s News

Headlines from Harvard’s history

Student photograph of Earl Brown in 1920, and baseball team photo with Brown in 1924

Features | March-April 2022

Earl Brown

Brief life of Harvard’s latest major league baseball player: 1903-1980

John Harvard two-ounce, 56-cent stamp from 1986, honoring University’s 350th anniversary

The College Pump | March-April 2022

Fancy Footwork

Engineering for runners, the John Harvard stamp, tweaking Dr. Oz

by Primus VI

Robert E. Lee in repose at Washington & Lee University

Commentary |

Harvard and the Cult of Robert E. Lee

How alumni shaped the General’s post-war reputation.

by Laura Fairchild...

Illustration of a collegiate hero, per Theodore Roosevelt in 1907

John Harvard's Journal | January-February 2022

Yesterday’s News

Headlines from Harvard’s history

John Harvard's Journal | January-February 2022

Culinary Postcards

Food has always been a contentious topic among undergraduates.

by Swathi Kella

Photo of new book on Harvard and Radcliffe presidents

The College Pump | January-February 2022

Small-Town Roots

Professors’ humble beginnings, concentration choices, and a mini history of Harvard and Radcliffe presidents

by Primus VI