Harvard History

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

A graphic depiction of a stone wall, reimagining the stone wall set in Harvard Square near Winthrop Street

One of Harvard’s Oldest Structures Is Hiding Behind a Beer Garden

A crumbling wall in Harvard Square holds centuries of the city’s story, if you know how to read it.

by Olivia Farrar

Monuments Men map

See the routes four Harvard-affiliated Monuments Men followed as they traveled through Europe rescuing looted art from the Nazis.

Samuel Beer

Sam Beer and Charles Townsend Copeland

What made Sam Beer and Charles Townsend Copeland great

Headlines from Harvard history

Headlines from Harvard history

Congratulations to the winners of our Harvard Square history quiz

Congratulations to winner Javier Bastos, M.Ed. ’98, and honorable mention Carol Horne.

Harvard Square History Quiz

Think you know Harvard Square? Take our quiz—and submit your answers to be enrolled in a contest to win a copy of Harvard Square: An Illustrated History Since 1950 by Mo Lotman.

Cruising the Square: The Window Shop restaurant in the 1950s

Photo history of Harvard Square

A new book of photographs tells Harvard Square’s history since the 1950s. Test your own Square knowledge for a chance to win a copy of the book.

by Craig Lambert

Headlines from Harvard history

Headlines from Harvard history

This class necktie belonged to Renny Little's father, Bertram K. Little ’23. His class colors were orange and black.

Harvard class colors and trademark clothing

A class tradition refurbished, and “Harvard Yard” threads

Headlines from Harvard history

Headlines from Harvard history

<em>"Your wooden arm you hold outstretched to shake with passers-by"</em>

Grazing a cow in Harvard Yard

Hollis professor of divinity Harvey Cox will lead a cow through Harvard Yard.