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's history

Headlines from Harvard's history

One of the earliest American football posters, done for <i>Harper’s</i> in 1894 by Edward Penfield. This example, in B+ condition, sold at a Swann Galleries auction August 3 in New York City for $1,320, including buyer’s premium. In 1894 Yale beat Harvard 12-4.

Robert Kiely on gay rights at Adams House, plus the Harvard M.B.A. Indicator

Robert J. Kiely on gay rights at Adams House, plus the Harvard M.B.A. Indicator

A miniature portrait of Craigie in his prime, this watercolor on ivory, painted around 1800, is attributed to Archibald Robertson.

Profile of Revolutionary patriot and scoundrel Andrew Craigie

Brief life of a patriot and scoundrel: 1754-1819

by Anthony J. Connors

To get the evening's dancing started, a "flash mob" of dancers performed a choreographed routine they'd rehearsed throughout the previous week. The dancers were on the steps of Widener Library and at other Yard locations. Colorful LED lighting decorated buildings around the Yard.

Harvard's 375th anniversary celebration, in words and photographs

Harvard's 375th anniversary celebration, in words and photographs

Eric Chivian, director of the Center for Health and the Global Environment at Harvard Medical School, supplied heirloom apples from his orchard in central Massachusetts, including the Roxbury Russet, a variety that Chivian believes was once grown in Harvard Yard.

Food from Harvard's 375th anniversary celebration

Heirloom apples, "1636" ale, and a historical dining hall menu provide sustenance for the 375th anniversary gala.

Students from the Harvard Business School (HBS) party on despite the rain. The HBS contingent in the parade carried replicas of the centennial bell from that school's 2008 anniversary.

Harvard Business School perspective on the 375th anniversary gala

A dispatch from the Business School's anniversary celebration

by Kate Dempsey St...

All stacked up and ready to recycle

Harvard recycling services aim to keep Friday’s 375th party “zero-waste”

Harvard’s recycling services aim to keep Friday’s big birthday party “zero-waste.”

Preparations were under way Wednesday for Friday's celebration in Harvard Yard. Here, the view from Widener toward Memorial Church: the stand for Joanne Chang’s Harvard birthday cake, the platform where Yo-Yo Ma will perform, and the dance stage and band tent immediately in front of the church.

Harvard 375th anniversary preparations

Preparations in full swing for Harvard's community celebration Friday night

March 27, 1999—The Harvard women's ice-hockey team win the national championship.

Faster, Higher, Stronger—25 years of athletic change

Athletic accomplishments, highlighted

Harvard students and leaders commemorate September 11

The University community bears witness with music, words, and fellowship.

by Spencer Lee Lenfield