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

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

Photograph by Kris Snibbe/Harvard News Office

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

Headlines from Harvard history

Headlines from Harvard history

A signpost outside a gray wall at Pavlodar State University, in northern Kazakhstan, points the way to the red brick of Harvard and the gleaming spires of Oxford and Cambridge. Daniel Gutterman, LL.B. ’55, of New York City, took the photograph this spring when he taught business transactions and law at Innovative University of Eurasia, also in Pavlodar.

David Halberstam commemorated, Harry Levin as actor

Recollections of David Halberstam and Harry Levin