Harvard History & Traditions

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Students & Alumni |

Historic Humor

University Archives to preserve Harvard Lampoon materials

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.

John Harvard's Journal | November-December 2023

Yesterday’s News

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

Claudine Gay at the podium addresses audience

University News |

“The Promise of This New Presidency”

Harvard officially installs Claudine Gay, its thirtieth leader.

Claudine Gay at the podium

University News |

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

Letters | September-October 2023

Reading the Tea Leaves

The messages and meanings of Harvard’s presidential installations

Illustration of a football coin toss with coin landing on edge

John Harvard's Journal | September-October 2023

Yesterday’s News

A coin toss forecasts a surprising football score.

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

Features | September-October 2023

A “Scholar’s Scholar”

A profile of Harvard’s thirtieth president

by John S. Rosenberg

A March 1, 1965, civil rights meeting at Selma’s Brown Chapel A.M.E. Church

Features | September-October 2023

Getting Close, in Selma

Acting at a moment of conscience

by Drew Gilpin Faust

Team photo, Boston Tigers in 1940, Arthur Augustus “Fats” Johnson at far right

Features | September-October 2023

Arthur Augustus Johnson

Brief life of a Black baseball impresario: 1890-1951

by Kasey Uhlenhuth , Harry R. Lewis

Illustration of Massachusetts Hall, Harvard president’s office

The College Pump | September-October 2023

Presidents’ Paths

Life decisions en route to Massachusetts Hall

by Primus VI

Cartoon of Anne Pusey redecoration president’s house 1953

John Harvard's Journal | July-August 2023

Yesterday’s News

Headlines from Harvard’s history