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.

Nuttall during his time at Harvard (the circa 1828 portrait is attributed to J. Whitfield)

Brief life of naturalist Thomas Nuttall, by John Nelson

Brief life of a pioneering naturalist: 1786-1859

by John Nelson

Calvert W. Watkins

The Pump Overflows

Astonishing linguist Calvert Watkins

More than 20 pieces of type dug up in Harvard Yard have been dated to the seventeenth century.

Peabody museum curators discuss archaeology of Harvard Yard project

Archaeologists examine printing type found deep in Harvard Yard.

by Stephanie Garlock

Marie Heaney, the poet's widow, in the newly dedicated Heaney suite.

Adams House dedicates suite to Seamus Heaney

Adams House members, past and present, dedicate a suite to the Irish poet who lived among them.

by Sophia Nguyen

Harvard’s collection of early American paintings

Harvard’s collection of early American paintings are mostly portraits, all men.

by Stephanie Garlock

Headlines from Harvard history, March-April 1920-2000

From the pages of the Harvard Alumni Bulletin and Harvard Magazine

Lafayette became a friend of American artist and inventor Samuel F.B. Morse, who depicted him with Revolutionary icons Washington and Franklin in this 1826 portrait.

Brief life of Lafayette, by Laura Auricchio

Brief life of an American champion: 1757-1834

by Laura Auricchio

Here lies an eager patriot.

“Love Story” locale, and other passionate pursuits

Love Story locale, and other passionate pursuits

See you. A much-admired pair of legs and shoes disappear into a window above the shops on Haight Street, San Francisco. The Reichardts have seen it all.

Baez, Dylan, and more vignettes from Harvard’s class of 1964

Baez, Dylan, and more vignettes from Harvard’s class of 1964

Research Query: LSD Testing in the 1950s

A researcher hopes to contact volunteer participants in “truth sera” experiments.