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.

Headlines from Harvard history, January-February 1918-1973

From the pages of the Harvard Alumni Bulletin and Harvard Magazine

An enlarged version of the famous bronze bust of Roosevelt created by American sculptor Jo Davidson appears at the threshold of a square, white-granite, open-air plaza.

Four Freedoms Park dedicated in New York City to Franklin Delano Roosevelt

The New York City site is the first memorial to the president in his home state.

The Pennoyer schoolhouse bell, from Pulham St. Mary in England, now at Leverett House

Harvard’s Pennoyer bell, Allan R. Robinson, and "Illegitimum non carborundum"

Of the Pennoyer bell, and Harvard Bandsman Allan R. Robinson, Latin librettist

Headlines from Harvard history, November-December 1912-1992

Headlines from Harvard history

Holding their blue-trimmed class banner, sophomore class Undergraduate Council representatives Chris Smiles (at left) and Ryley Reynolds flank Catherine Katz ’13 and associate dean of Harvard College Joan Rouse. Katz first proposed a sophomore class event to administrators. Smiles and Reynolds are also members of the Harvard Alumni Association’s Building Community Committee.

Passing of color to sophomore class revived as a Harvard tradition

A Harvard tradition of passing colors down from graduating seniors to rising sophomores is revived.

Marden in New Zealand on his way from the farm to Wellington to try to leave for America, 1942

How Bill Marden got into Harvard and fulfilled the language requirement

How Bill Marden got into Harvard and fulfilled the language requirement.

<i>Industrial Problems, Welfare Work: United States. Pennsylvania. Pittsburgh.H.J. Heinz Company: Bottling Department, </i> c. 1903. Gelatin silver print.

Harvard’s long-closed Social Museum promoted progressive values

Harvard’s long-closed Social Museum promoted progressive values.

by Christopher Reed

Headlines from Harvard history, September-October 1922-1982

Headlines from Harvard history

Mark Saltveit displays for the first (and last?) time the World Palindrome Championship trophy.

Palindromist Mark Saltveit, Yo-Yo Ma on Leon Kirchner, and a sleuthing architect

A World Palindrome Champion, a sleuthing architect, and Yo-Yo Ma on Leon Kirchner

Seamus Heaney

The choral version of Seamus Heaney's anniversary poem debuts at Commencement

Seamus Heaney's 1986 Harvard poem, set to music