Harvard History

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

A man sitting at a wooden table in a formal setting with portraits on the wall.

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

William Stoughton, c. 1700. Oil on Canvas. Harvard University Portrait Collection, Gift of John Cooper to the Harvard College, 1810, H37.

Harvard’s collection of early American paintings

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

by Stephanie Garlock

Illustration by Mark Steele

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.

Illustration by Mark Steele

Headlines from Harvard history, January-February 1915-1985

From the pages of the Harvard Alumni Bulletin and Harvard Magazine

Illustration by Mark Steele

Headlines from Harvard history, November-December 1924-1989

From the pages of the Harvard Alumni Bulletin and Harvard Magazine

"Harvard Volunteers in World War I: One Hundred Years After" appears in tribute

Harvard’s World War I participants are honored in an updated volume edited by Douglass M. Carver ’59.

Robert Norton Ganz Jr. and his wife, Anne, give pride of place to his 1925 Lincoln convertible.

A World War I Harvard aviator, plus a Game-worthy car buff and his wheels

A World War I Harvard aviator, plus a Game-worthy car buff and his wheels