Harvard History

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

Caricature of a young man in front of red doors, wearing a green striped sweater.

The Year a Beat Poet Squatted at Harvard

In 1954, Gregory Corso moved into Eliot House. How he stayed there is a literary legend.

by Constantine Archimedes Valhouli

A red brick sunken pit in a plaza.

The End of the Harvard Square Pit

Reconstruction of a local landmark begins soon.

by Jacob Sweet

Illustration of football players hanging their laundry out to dry

Headlines from Harvard’s history

Headlines from Harvard’s history

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

Historic photo of Harvard Commencement 1915

Moveable Feast

Commencement venues through the ages

by Primus IV

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

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