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

Photograph of Nelson Mandela receiving honorary degree and University Marshal Rick Hunt

Dr. Fauci, social distance, and a campus without people

Campus and Commencement without people, social distance, Dr. Fauci, and a meaningful password

by Primus VI

Massachusetts Hall

Massachusetts Hall at 300

Harvard’s oldest building at 300

by John S. Rosenberg

Photograph of Martin Baron

Harvard Commencement 2020

Details of the virtual degree-conferral ceremonies

by John S. Rosenberg

Ceridwen Dovey’s “Life After Truth”

How Harvard reunions are cast in Ceridwen Dovey’s Life After Truth

by Nell Porter-Brown

Illustration showing groups on both sides of the Charles River pushing two halves of a brick bridge together to span the river

Headlines from Harvard’s history

Headlines from Harvard’s history

Architectural plan for Widener Library

Harvard Widener Library Overlooked Designer

Widener Library’s overlooked designer

by John S. Rosenberg

Photograph of Radcliffe Bunting Fellows circa 1964-1972

“The Equivalents,” by Maggie Doherty, reviewed by Susan Ware

From “women’s confinement” to “women’s liberation” at the Radcliffe Institute

by Susan Ware

Image of sign on Adams House faculty dean residence

The College Pump

Houseboating in Boston Harbor, Apthorp North, and clothing counts

by Primus VI

Alumnus Paul Lee ’46 carries the (replica) Little Red Flag at the 2012 Harvard-Yale game. Steve Goodhue ’51 is beside him; Spencer Ervin ’54 and Jeff Lee ’74 stand behind.

Who next will carry the (replica) Little Red Flag?

Are you eligible to carry the (replica) Little Red Flag?

Cartoon shows an audience viewing a 3D rendering of the Holland Tunnel, with a ship floating above it and a car emerging from one end

Headlines from Harvard’s history

Headlines from Harvard’s history