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

Headlines from Harvard history, July-August 1932-1997

Headlines from Harvard history

Jonathan L. Walton

Jonathan Walton named Memorial Church minister, succeeding Peter Gomes

Harvard Divinity School professor succeeds the late Peter Gomes.

Drew Faust, Helen Horowitz, and Radcliffe Institute Dean Lizabeth Cohen

Helen Horowitz lectures on 375 years of women at Harvard

Harvard’s history of educating women

by Madeleine Schwartz

From left: Maya Jasanoff, Parimal Patil, Matthew Nock, Claudine Gay, and Robert Wood

Harvard faculty discuss the future of the academe

Faculty members predict what a Harvard education will look like in 2036.

Headlines from Harvard history, May-June 1917-1982

Headlines from Harvard history

Harvard players near the batting cage.

Harvard baseball's centennial at Fenway Park, Red Sox home

Commemorating a special game on a special field

The Globetrotters warming up before the game.

Harvard Lampoon plays basketball game against Harlem Globetrotters

The Harlem team plays the student humor publication in the streets of Harvard Square.

Richard Greener

Papers of Richard Greener, first black Harvard alumnus, found in Chicago

Papers of Richard Greener, A.B. 1870, have been found in Chicago.

Kay Ryan and Derek Bok

Derek Bok, Kay Ryan at the 2012 Harvard Phi Beta Kappa exercises

Derek Bok and Kay Ryan featured at the 2012 Phi Beta Kappa exercises

The 1946 team: Coach Stahl stands at left in back; Don Swegan wears #14, third from left. [Jack Clark apparently missed the photo.]

Harvard basketballers recall 1946 NCAA tournament game at Madison Square Garden

Reminiscences from the Crimson's last NCAA tournament turn