Historical Commencement Photos

Some of Dartmouth’s most beloved landmarks and iconic buildings can be seen in photographs taken during commencement celebrations from the late 19th century and into the 20th century.

All photos courtesy of the Dartmouth Library.

Graduates lined up outside an old Wilson Hall

1892. Graduates gather on East Wheelock Road with the marching band. Wilson Hall can be seen on the far left; Bissell Hall, a gymnasium, is the building in the center. Area photographer Howard H. Langill’s studio is in the foreground.

People sitting at the Bema, along with horse-drawn carriages

Circa 1887. Spectators and graduates listen to class day speeches at the newly constructed Bema.

1894. A commencement scene in front of Dartmouth Hall. Rollins Chapel can be seen in the background.

A group of people gathered on a lawn wearing dressy attire

1895. Crowds congregate on the Green on class day.

A crowd of people and horses outside the Collis Center

Early 1900s. A crowd assembles outside College Hall, constructed in 1902, on class day. The building, known today as Collis Center, replaced the A.P. Balch Mansion, which burned down in 1900.

A crowd of people standing around a large pine tree

1895. Graduates encircle the Old Pine after the completion of class day exercises in the Bema. Shattuck Observatory can be seen in the background.

Graduates forming an s-curve line marching to Bema

1903. Graduates march to the Bema. Shattuck Observatory and Bartlett Tower can be seen in the background.

Circa 1907. Commencement onlookers follow graduates returning from the Bema toward the newly rebuilt Dartmouth Hall. North Fayerweather, seen to the left, was completed in 1907.