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

Illustration of 2022 Commencement with movie camera for first time

Headlines from Harvard’s history

Headlines from Harvard’s history

Portrait of Lorna Myrtle Hodgkinson, ca. 1922

Lorna Myrtle Hodgkinson

Brief life of a dauntless educator: 1887-1951

by David Haig

Weld Boat House

Newell and Weld Boat Houses Scheduled for Major Renovation

Comprehensive modernization to begin this year

by John S. Rosenberg

Drawing of Harvard Dental School giving John Harvard statue a dental check-up

Headlines from Harvard’s history

Headlines from Harvard’s history

Student photograph of Earl Brown in 1920, and baseball team photo with Brown in 1924

Earl Brown

Brief life of Harvard’s latest major league baseball player: 1903-1980

John Harvard two-ounce, 56-cent stamp from 1986, honoring University’s 350th anniversary

Fancy Footwork

Engineering for runners, the John Harvard stamp, tweaking Dr. Oz

by Primus VI

Robert E. Lee in repose at Washington & Lee University

Harvard and the Cult of Robert E. Lee

How alumni shaped the General’s post-war reputation.

by Laura Fairchild...

Illustration of a collegiate hero, per Theodore Roosevelt in 1907

Headlines from Harvard’s history

Headlines from Harvard’s history

Culinary Postcards

Food has always been a contentious topic among undergraduates.

by Swathi Kella

Photo of new book on Harvard and Radcliffe presidents

Small-Town Roots

Professors’ humble beginnings, concentration choices, and a mini history of Harvard and Radcliffe presidents

by Primus VI