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

Humorous illustration of campus police seeing late-night daters’ final kiss

Headlines from Harvard’s history

Headlines from Harvard’s history

George Reisner, 1924

George Reisner

Brief life of a pioneering Egyptologist: 1867-1942

by Peter Der Manuelian

Henry Lee Higginson

Ahead of His Time

The inclusive Henry Lee Higginson, and Robert Caro’s productive fellowship

by Primus VI

Prince Charles with Francis H. Burr in 1986

Charles III, When Young

The Prince of Wales’s star turn at Harvard’s 350th anniversary gala, in 1986

Wisteria in Pebble Garden at Dumbarton Oaks

From the Soil Up

The art of conserving an historic garden at Dumbarton Oaks

by May Wang

Photograph of William Randall playing guitar in his Lowell House room, c. 1970-1971

Learners, Grizzled and Downy

An affecting reunion, and Houghton Library accessible to all

by Primus VI

Permafrost Fare

Soured Seal Liver, Anyone?

by Jacob Sweet

Illustration of Sharon Beckman ’80 swimming the English Channel

Headlines from Harvard’s history

Headlines from Harvard’s history

Photograph of Milman Parry in Paris, circa 1925-1928

Milman Parry

Brief life of a Homeric scholar with a big idea: 1902-1935

by Robert Kanigel

A red brick sunken pit in a plaza.

The End of the Harvard Square Pit

Reconstruction of a local landmark begins soon.

by Jacob Sweet