Harvard History & Traditions

Stories that explore the institution’s rich history, from archival moments to evolving traditions.

Tips of the Hat(s)

On regalia, a Jack-of-all-trades retirement, and a Bok’s office bon mot.

by Primus VI

Memorable Mentors

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

by Primus VI

The Paintings Behind the Books in the Harvard Botanical Museum

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

by Edward Tabor

Speaking Pheromone

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

by Richard Rhodes

The Poco of Pocos

Brief life of a Harvard “character”

by Hanna Rose Shell

Origin Stories

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

by Primus VI

How Harvard Profited On Keeping Time

Harvard’s clocks and the standardization of time

by Jacob Sweet

Yesterday’s News: Headlines from Harvard’s History

From the pages of the Harvard Alumni Bulletin and Harvard Magazine

Sidney Verba, and a Classy Class Reporter

Harvard’s mensch, and a record-setting recorder of Crimson lives

by Primus VI