Harvard College is and undergraduate section of Harvard University and the oldest section of the private university since it were founded in 1636. The university was founded by the Massachusetts legislature. The Faculty of Arts and Sciences, who instructs the Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, instructs the college as well. The name of Harvard College actually dates back to 1636. It was around that time that it was decided by the General Court of the colony that a school was to be built, however at this point there was not a single building or teacher on the campus. It was named in honor of John Harvard, who was a minister from Charlestown. This was mainly because he had left his personal library and a large sum of money in his will for the school that was to be built. When the school was first referred to as a college the word had not developed in to how we use it today. The world college was actually used just to describe a facility or association of teachers and scholars for education and room and board. The founders of Harvard College most likely saw this first building as just the first of many colleges that would make up the university, kind of like Oxford. They knew that only a university could grant degrees; however that didn’t stop Harvard College from graduating their first students in 1642.
With a rich history like this, it’s no wonder that so many collectors and history enthusiasts are interested in learning more about this amazing school and the era that surrounded it. This is the reason that we have put together the information above for you. However, if you are interested in learning more about Harvard College, there are a ton of great resources available online.