Harvard University

On October 28, 1636, Harvard, the first college in the American colonies, was founded in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Harvard University was officially founded by a vote by the Great and General Court of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Harvard’s endowment started with John Harvard’s initial donation of 400 books and half his estate, but in 1721, Thomas Hollis began the now standard practice of requiring that a donation be used for a specific purpose when he donated money for “a Divinity Professor, to read lectures in the Halls to the students.” As staff members, then as students and faculty, the women of Harvard paved the way for the next generation, and continue to carve new paths today. We explore the histories, cultures, and contributions of Harvard’s Asian and Pacific Island communities throughout our history. A complete look at Harvard’s Black history includes the dual legacies of slavery and discrimination along with pioneering moments of inclusion, equity, and empowerment. for improvements to public parks and open spaces, neighborhood beautification, streetscape enhancements, public safety initiatives, and public art.