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

George Reisner, 1924

George Reisner

Brief life of a pioneering Egyptologist: 1867-1942

by Peter Der Manuelian

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

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

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

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

Illustration of football players hanging their laundry out to dry

Headlines from Harvard’s history

Headlines from Harvard’s history

Photograph of Richard Evans Schultes at Chiribiquete conservation area

Richard Evans Schultes

Brief life of a pioneering ethnobotanist and conservationist: 1915-2001

by Mark J. Plotkin