Harvard History & Traditions

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

Tips of the Hat(s)

On regalia, a Jack-of-all-trades retirement, and a Bok’s office bon mot.

by Primus VI

Crimson Construction

Post-pandemic campus building resumes on a massive scale.

by Jack R. Trapanick

Peacemakers

Two scholars’ extracurricular efforts in the Middle East

by Primus VI

John H. Finley Jr.

Brief life of a masterful House Master: 1904-1995

by Constantine Archimedes Valhouli

Yesterday’s News

Headlines from Harvard’s history

Dename Winthrop?

Harvard’s process for considering denaming requests is tested for the first time.

by Nina Pasquini

Historic Humor

University Archives to preserve Harvard Lampoon materials

by Nina Pasquini

Honorands Three

Three honorands connected in time through Wilbur and Orville Wright, the fathers of aviation

by Primus VI

Yesterday’s News

Headlines from Harvard’s history

Darker Days

The current disquiets compared to Harvard’s Vietnam-era traumas

by Primus VI