Harvard History

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

Cover of "Harvard's Best" featuring a woman in a red and black gown holding a sword.

A Forgotten Harvard Anthem

Published the year the Titanic sank, “Harvard’s Best” is a quizzical ode to the University.

Portrait of Zelia Nuttall, 1880

Zelia Nuttall

Brief life of a remarkable anthropologist (1857-1933)

by Merilee Grindle

Cartoon of John Harvard figure ice skating at Harvard Law School

Yesterday’s News

Harvard Law School: the skating rink

Illustration for Harvard Lampoon cover showing a Harvard-Yale football game rendered in the style of the famous Bayeux Tapestry

Football: The Tapestry

David C.K. McClelland’s famous Lampoon cover

by Craig Lambert

Charles Brickley, 1914

Harvard’s G.O.A.T.

Remembering Charlie Brickley at the Crimson’s football sesquicentennial

by Dick Friedman

Humorous illustration of Harvard Yard with Widener Library and University Hall; between the two buildings there is a swimming pool and people enjoying the pool.

Yesterday’s News

Courses in swimming pool management and table-waiting—with an eye toward summer employment

Claudine Gay at the podium addresses audience

“The Promise of This New Presidency”

Harvard officially installs Claudine Gay, its thirtieth leader.

Claudine Gay at the podium

A “Romper Room” Diploma

President Claudine Gay’s first semester-opening Morning Prayers

by John S. Rosenberg

Installation photos of Harvard presidents Lawrence Summers, Drew Gilpin Faust, and Lawrence Bacow

Reading the Tea Leaves

The messages and meanings of Harvard’s presidential installations

Illustration of a football coin toss with coin landing on edge

Yesterday’s News

A coin toss forecasts a surprising football score.

Claudine Gay and her husband, Christopher Afendulis, outside Houghton Library, June 13, 2023

A “Scholar’s Scholar”

A profile of Harvard’s thirtieth president

by John S. Rosenberg