Harvard History

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

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

Yesterday's News

Headlines from Harvard history

No. Not Yet. Never.

Varieties of rejection experience

Song for Hard Times

The classic folksong “One Meat Ball” got its start at Harvard.

Yesterday's News

Happenings at Harvard in Mays and Junes past

The Bells Return to Russia

A New Yorker article explores the Lowell House bells' journey back to Russia—and how they came to be at Harvard in the first place.

Yesterday's News

Happenings at Harvard in March and April of years past

Drat Those Vandals!

A vandalized pump, a fumbled swearing-in, and lessons about life from Professor John H. Finley

Yesterday's News

Happenings at Harvard in Januarys and Februarys past

FDR's Digs

A restoration is in progress of Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s undergraduate rooms at Harvard, and Ralph Nader sets a speech-making Guinness World Record.

Yesterday's News

Headlines from Harvard history