History and Tradition: A Visit to Harvard University

 No trip to the Boston area is complete without a stop in Cambridge, home to the world-renowned Harvard University. We took a quick bus ride to Harvard Square, a bustling hub of shops, cafes, and street performers. Just steps from the Red Line subway station, we met our student tour guides for an insightful walk through the university’s historic campus.

A Tour Through Time

Our tour began in Harvard Yard, the oldest part of the campus, surrounded by red-brick buildings and towering trees. The guides, current Harvard students, shared fun facts and campus legends, making the tour both educational and entertaining.

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One of the most photographed spots on campus is the John Harvard Statue, often called  the “Statue of Three Lies.” Despite the name, it doesn’t depict John Harvard, the date inscribed isn’t when the university was founded, and Harvard wasn’t the founder—just a key donor. Still, tradition says that rubbing his left shoe brings good luck (though it's more of a tourist ritual than a student one).

We also stopped at Memorial Hall, an ornate Victorian Gothic building that serves as a tribute to Harvard alumni who fought for the Union in the Civil War. The building's stained glass and dramatic architecture are truly impressive.

 Our guide shared another poignant story at the Harvard Library, which houses over 20 million volumes. The building was donated by the family of Harry Elkins Widener, a Harvard alumnus who tragically died in the Titanic disaster. His mother donated the funds to build the library in his memory.

Harvard’s mix of serious scholarship and quirky tradition also came through in tales like the "Midnight Naked Run"—a long-standing student tradition held just before final exams. It’s a humorous reminder of the light-hearted side of life at one of the world’s most prestigious universities.

Travel Tip: Join a student-led tour for an authentic perspective on campus life. It’s also a great way to learn the history behind the university’s iconic buildings and lesser-known stories.

Did You Know? Harvard was founded in 1636, making it the oldest institution of higher education in the United States.