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

Headlines from Harvard’s history

Headlines from Harvard’s history

Country dance, teachers and graduates, and Stephen Jay Gould

Country dance, saving homework from a burning car, and Stephen Jay Gould on 9/11

by Primus VI

How Become Harvard Commencement Speaker

It helps to be a high official of a powerful European nation—and to have resonant things to say about your American allies.

by John S. Rosenberg

Headlines from Harvard’s history

Demonstrating for equality…and other headlines from Harvard’s history

Justice Holmes, presented by Stephen Budiansky and Lincoln Caplan

A new biography of Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. illuminates the Supreme Court during the centennial of his most momentous dissent.

by Lincoln Caplan

Long live long books, the “Diploma Riots,” supporting young scholars

Resesarchers’ lengthy labors, “Diploma Riots,” supporting young scholars

by Primus VI

Harvard Lowell House changes portraits display

A meaningful change in the images on display in the renewed Lowell House

by John S. Rosenberg

Excavating 1968

The premiere of an alumnus’s film about a seminal year at Harvard and beyond 

by Lydialyle Gibson

Headlines from Harvard’s history

Cooking for the culinarily challenged…and other headlines from Harvard’s history

Participants recall the Harvard bust and strike, and its aftermath

Recalling a time of trial, and its continuing resonances