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.

The 2011 honorary-degree recipients. Back row from left: John G.A. Pocock, Provost Steven Hyman, Sir Timothy John Berners-Lee, President Drew Faust, Her Excellency Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, David Satcher, and Plácido Domingo. Front row from left: Dudley Herschbach, Rosalind Krauss, and James R. Houghton. Not pictured: The Honorable Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Harvard's honorary-degree recipients of 2011

The honorary-degree recipients of 2011

Graduate School of Arts and Sciences marshal Knatokie Marie Ford celebrates her Ph.D. in biological and biomedical sciences.

Highlights from Harvard's 360th Commencement

Highlights from Harvard's 360th Commencement

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.