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

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

Cartoonist KAL (Kevin Patrick Kallaugher '77) draws special Commencement cartoon

A Commencement cartoon by KAL

Left to right: Latin Salutatory orator Michael Velchik; Graduate English orator Jonathan Service; R.J. Tarrant, Pope professor of Latin; Senior English orator Anthony Hernandez; and University Marshal Jackie O'Neill

How Harvard's student Commencement speakers are chosen and coached

The history of student Commencement speakers at Harvard

Wet chairs in Harvard Yard Tuesday morning. Rain is forecast for Tuesday, thunderstorms for Wednesday, and sun on Thursday.

Harvard Commencement week 2012: events for Tuesday, May 22

Phi Beta Kappa exercises; Baccalaureate address

Richard Beaudoin

Richard Beaudoin's choral arrangement of Seamus Heaney's poem for Harvard 350th

Seamus Heaney's 1986 Harvard poem, set to music

by Spencer Lee Lenfield