Harvard History

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

Cambridge Once Fought Harvard’s DNA Research. Now There’s a Play About It.

A theatrical reenactment explores a 1976 clash between science and democracy.

by Laurel M. Shugart

Headlines from Harvard’s history

Headlines from Harvard’s history

Churchill at Harvard: September 6, 1943

The seventy-fifth anniversary of Winston Churchill’s honorary-degree speech

Headlines from Harvard’s history

Headlines from Harvard’s history

Attendance artifact, women’s work, and “Fair Harvard” redux

Attendance artifact, women’s work, and “Fair Harvard” redux

by Primus VI

Radcliffe gymsuits, pre-spandex

Lest young ladies’ “tides” be deranged

by Sophia Nguyen

A celebration of Matthew Meselson

A symposium honors a scientist who championed biological and chemical weapons control.

by Jonathan Shaw

Stephen Hawking survives Commencement day at Harvard

A close call on Commencement day

by David H. Abramson

Profile of Harvard Dining Services managing director David Davidson

A dining executive on Harvard’s changing food environment

by Marina N. Bolotnikova

Headlines from Harvard’s history

Headlines from Harvard’s history

Chaucer for young ladies, Philip Kuhn, TR, and more

When teaching was gendered, Porsche populism, and Harvard’s presidential symbolism

by Primus VI