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

Neckties distinguished athletes in 14 major sports, with a generic tie for all minor sports, says Renny Little, curator (pro bono) of the Lee Family Hall of Athletic History. Here (from left) are those for football, soccer, cross country, track and field, ice hockey, swimming, basketball, wrestling, lacrosse, baseball, lightweight crew, golf, and minor sports. Missing are those for heavyweight crew and squash.

The Adams House spirit house, and Harvard sports teams' ties

A spirit house at Adams House, and how athletes tied one on

Readers submit their favorite Harvard quotations

Readers: submit your favorite quotations about Harvard and by Harvard figures.

Chester M. Pierce, professor of education and psychiatry emeritus, lecturing in the Ether Dome at Massachusetts General Hospital. Apollo stands behind him.

Harvardians promote diversity through art and football

Steven Coit's portraits diversify Harvard's walls, and the 1947 football team defies racism.

Headlines from Harvard history

Headlines from Harvard history

Rommel chef Bruno Fricker and master chef Ferran Adrià at Harvard

Delicacies from Rommel's chef at Stillman Infirmary, plus gastronomical lectures from Ferran Adrià and peers

Song to the Stadium Stair Climber

A former cross-country-man’s sonnet honors fellow runners.

by Philip M. Williams

An 1866 self-portrait, when James was about 24 years old

William James centennial conference and exhibition

A conference and an exhibition at Houghton Library showcase the legacy of the pioneering psychologist and philosopher.

Headlines from Harvard history

Headlines from Harvard history

A new history of Design Research, written by Jane Thompson

A new history of Design Research remembers how the store brought modern design to Harvard Square and the United States.

The undated silhouette above is the only known portrait of Lowell.

Brief life of American textile industry entrepreneur Francis Cabot Lowell

Brief life of an American entrepreneur: 1775-1817

by Dan Yaeger