Harvard History

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

Wadsworth House with green shutters and red brick chimneys, surrounded by trees and other buildings.

Wadsworth House Nears 300

The building is a microcosm of Harvard’s history—and the history of the United States.

by Primus VI

An image of a 10-centimeter-wide glass model of Phymactis pustulata, found in intertidal zones in the Western South Atlantic.

Blaschka Glass Sea Creatures Rendered in 3D

Complementary imaging techniques combine to create 3-D models that virtual visitors can examine from any angle.

by Matteo Wong

Photograph of David Evans

David L. Evans, longtime Harvard admissions officer, retires

David L. Evans made a difference for 50 years.

by Matteo Wong

Illustration imagining the evolution of computer science at Harvard in a playful way

Computer science at Harvard in the 1960s and 1970s

The “yeasty” times” when computer research grew at Harvard

by Harry R. Lewis

A drawing of students rebelling in a dining hall.

The much-shrunken class of 1823

The Class of 1823 goes rogue and gets booted.

by Jacob Sweet

Photograph of Café Pamplona, now out of business

Prognostications on disease defense, China, deficits, and sweat

Prognostications on disease defense, China, deficits, and sweat

by Primus VI

Cartoon of a submerged submarine with a cut-out view of the interior, where crew members are taking a Harvard course via video recording.

Headlines from Harvard’s history

Headlines from Harvard’s history

Re-naming Harvard’s Lowell House?

The faculty deans prompt a discussion.

by John S. Rosenberg

How Harvard Handled the 1918 Flu Pandemic

Fall semester interrupted, a century ago

by Matteo Wong

Cartoon showing student pilots flying airplanes above Harvard's campus

Headlines from Harvard’s history

Headlines from Harvard’s history

Massachusetts Hall

Massachusetts Hall at 300

Harvard’s oldest building at 300

by John S. Rosenberg