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

Photograph of Richard Evans Schultes at Chiribiquete conservation area

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

Headlines From Harvard’S History

Headlines from Harvard’s history

Portrait of Lorna Myrtle Hodgkinson, ca. 1922

Lorna Myrtle Hodgkinson

Brief life of a dauntless educator: 1887-1951

by David Haig

Historic portrait of Ralph Waldo Emerson

On Commencements

Emerson’s oratory backstory, somber reunion notes, and happier days

by Primus VI

Blanche Calloway spreading her arms during a performance

Blanche Calloway, Cab’S Enterprising Older Sister

The success and struggles of a pioneering musician

by Jacob Sweet

Weld Boat House

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

Headlines From Harvard’S History

Headlines from Harvard’s history

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

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

Fancy Footwork

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

by Primus VI

Robert E. Lee in repose at Washington & Lee University

Harvard and the Cult of Robert E. Lee

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

by Laura Fairchild...