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

Graduate students pose with the Dudley Lion mascot.

Dudley House, Harvard's graduate student center, celebrates 20 years in style

Candy, photos, and fun were themes at the twentieth anniversary party for Harvard's graduate student center.

Sights and sounds of Harvard's 375th anniversary celebration | Video

Sights and sounds of Harvard's 375th anniversary celebration

Top row from left: Michael A. Cooper, Judith A. Dollenmayer, Philip C, Haughey, Thomas G. McKinley, and Walter H. Morris Jr. Bottom: June Storey

The Harvard Alumni Association Awards, 2011 recipients

The Harvard Alumni Association Awards recognize outstanding service to the University through alumni activities.

Top row from left: Zaid al-Rifa'i, Barbara Fischbein Berenson, Stephen G. Hoffman, John Paul Kennedy, and Paul G. O'Leary. Bottom from left: Claire Stuart Roth and Jody Cukier Siegler

Hunn Memorial Schools and Scholarships 2011 award winners

Seven alumni received Hunn Memorial Schools and Scholarships Awards in 2011.

Marcel Moran and Anne Douglas

Two students named the David and Mimi Aloian Memorial Scholars

Anne Douglas ’12, of Adams House, and Marcel Moran ’11, of Eliot House, are the 2011 David and Mimi Aloian Memorial Scholars.

Top from left: Helen Snively, Tom Southwick, Carol Sternhell, and Deborah Johnson

Harvard-Radcliffe graduates reflect on the 1970-71 coed living experiment

The class of 1971 reflects on the coeducational living experiment.

by Nell Porter-Brown

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