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

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

Drawing of Harvard Dental School giving John Harvard statue a dental check-up

Headlines from Harvard’s history

Headlines from Harvard’s history

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...

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

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

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