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

Photo of new book on Harvard and Radcliffe presidents

Small-Town Roots

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

by Primus VI

Illustration of a collegiate hero, per Theodore Roosevelt in 1907

Headlines From Harvard’S History

Headlines from Harvard’s history

Culinary Postcards

Food has always been a contentious topic among undergraduates.

by Swathi Kella

Photograph of a pet hamster, dyed Yale blue, for a humor piece about Yale admissions

Memorable Mentors

Richard Lewontin, Richard Zeckhauser, diplomatic security, diverse inclusion, and admissions agita lampooned

by Primus VI

Painting: Carnations, Gillyvors, Willow

The Paintings Found Behind a Shelf of Books in the Harvard Botanical Museum

The discovery of Rosa M. Towne’s paintings in the Harvard Botanical Museum

by Edward Tabor

A humorous illustration of women trying to buy football tickets in 1921

Yesterday’S News

Headlines from Harvard’s history

Photograph of E.O. Wilson observing ants

Speaking Pheromone

How science is done, in the lab of E.O. Wilson

by Richard Rhodes

Illustration showing how Harvard Business School settled on its new name in 1961

Headlines From Harvard’S History

Headlines from Harvard’s history

Drawing of Poco from Harvard Celebrities: A Book of Caricatures and Decorative Drawings, 1901

The Poco of Pocos

Brief life of a Harvard “character”

by Hanna Rose Shell

Photographic portrait of James Agee

Origin Stories

Bow and Arrow’s mechanic, James Agee’s creative turbulence

by Primus VI