Harvard History

Stories that explore the institution’s rich history, from archival moments to evolving traditions.

Wadsworth House with green shutters and red brick chimneys, surrounded by trees and other buildings.

Wadsworth House Nears 300

The building is a microcosm of Harvard’s history—and the history of the United States.

by Primus VI

Mary and Bernard Berenson in the garden of her mother’s country house near Fernhurst, England, 1898

Brief life of Renaissance scholar Mary Costelloe Berenson

Brief life of a Renaissance scholar: 1864-1945

by Diane E. Booton

College seniors celebrate as their degrees are conferred (here, in June 1998—but the emotions are timeless).

Photographer Jim Harrison's highlights from 30 years of Harvard graduations

A photographer captures three decades of graduation moments and emotions.

Headlines from Harvard history

Headlines from Harvard history

The University plans for an anniversary.

The University plans for an anniversary.

Meet the men who tend Harvard Yard

Meet the men who tend the Yard.

The Law School’s “Northwest Corner”

Updates on Fogg Museum renovation and Law School's Northwest Corner building

In a straitened era, landmark construction projects advance academic goals.

Jacqueline A. O’Neill

Harvard University marshal Jackie O'Neill on Commencement

The Commencement emcee on keeping the ceremonies festive while making the trains run on time

by Nell Porter-Brown

Monty: Check him out.

Granny Talk

Edward Everett aids Mount Vernon; Monty aids law students; Drew Faust eyes the pay of William James.

Headlines from Harvard history

Headlines from Harvard history

Thomas Wolfe and Gertrude Stein

Yale expert Fred Shapiro's pick of choice Harvard quotations

An expert's pick of choice Harvard words

by Fred Shapiro