Harvard History

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

Cover of "Harvard's Best" featuring a woman in a red and black gown holding a sword.

A Forgotten Harvard Anthem

Published the year the Titanic sank, “Harvard’s Best” is a quizzical ode to the University.

Photograph of Harvard economist Martin Feldstein

Wilbur Cross, Martin Feldstein, and Charles William Eliot

Wisdom from the Great Depression—plus an accomplished economist, and rowdiness on the Charles

by Primus VI

Solomon Gate in an open position.

An innovative gate for Harvard Yard

At Houghton and Lamont libraries, a creative new entry into the Yard

by Jacob Sweet

Mark Steele illustration of Lowell House’s bells being rung for the first time by a giant hand stretching from a cloud to swing the detached belfry.

Headlines from Harvard’s history

Headlines from Harvard’s history

A man runs around the perimeter of Harvard Stadium

Harvard’s popular runners’s loop

A legendary route’s disputed distance

by Jacob Sweet

Photograph of architect H.H. Richardson’s house

The College Pump

Classy masks, dapper archaeologist, saving H.H. Richardson’s house

by Primus VI

A drawing showing a large crossbar being hauled into place between two tall smokestacks to make a giant "H" for "Harvard"

Headlines from Harvard’s history

Headlines from Harvard’s history

Formal portrait of the Board of Editors for volume 70 of the “Harvard Law Review” (1956-1957), photographed on the steps of Austin Hall. The author, only the third woman admitted to Review membership, stands in the fourth row, at upper left.

The third woman to make the “Harvard Law Review” looks back

An alumna looks back.

by Nancy Boxley Tepper

Photograph of Rob Gogan, retired recycling director and acute observer of nature on campus

Harvard’s naturalist, acronym guide, distracted professor at work

The campus’s Mr. Green, accessing acronyms, mathematician at work, and a distracted astronomer

by Primus VI

An historic photograph from Radcliffe’s Schlesinger Library archives shows the 1936 exhibition on women scientists—in this case, folders of their published scholarship.

Radcliffe’s 1936 exhibit celebrating women in university life

“Women in Science” on display

by Alona Bach

In Harvard Yard, workers unload gigantic heads of lettuce and other greens from a truck prominently labeled United Farm Workers as students celebrate the University's decision to support the union workers by buying only UFW-certified produce.

Headlines from Harvard’s history

Headlines from Harvard’s history