- Established
- 1793
- Fraternities abolished
- 1962
- Winter Study initiated
- 1967
- Coeducation adopted
- 1970
- The Williams-Mystic Program in Maritime Studies begins at Mystic Seaport in Connecticut
- 1977
- The women’s studies program is established
- 1983
- A tutorial program involving every department is established
- 1987
- Tutorial program doubles in size expanding to 50 courses per year
- 2002
- Williams breaks ground on new student center
- 2004
- Williams in New York program begins its first semester
- 2005
Did you know that Williams played in the first intercollegiate baseball game in America? It was against Amherst. Don't ask us who won, or about the margin of victory. If you'd really like to know, you can find the information in our Prospectus, but it'll take some mining on your part (which gives you a notion of the outcome).
Something else you may not know:
Williams was the first school in the country to integrate academic garb (mortar boards and gowns) into graduation ceremonies. Graduating high school seniors: You're welcome.
Here are a few more historical tidbits:
- In 1795, Williams issued America's first college catalogue.
- Williams was the first American college or university to sponsor a scientific expedition.
- Williams is the only place outside of Washington, D.C., that houses original copies of the country's four Founding Documents (the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights).
- Williams is home to America's first Society of Alumni. It was established in 1821 by an alumnus who called for the formation of such an organization in order to provide support for the College. Sidenote: Before accepting his role as the leader of the country, President James A. Garfield (Class of 1856) honed his leadership skills by serving as president of Williams' Society of Alumni. Additional sidenote: President Garfield was assassinated at a Washington railroad station en route to Williamstown for his 25th reunion. A dubious distinction, we know.
This is a place steeped in history. As one might expect, over the course of a couple centuries, several traditions have taken hold on campus. Our location and community members have created a student culture that places a premium on embracing and enlivening traditions.