John Harvard
English-American clergyman and philanthropist

John Harvard

Frequently asked questions
FAQ
Who was John Harvard?
John Harvard was an English minister and the namesake of Harvard University. He was born in 1607 in London and later immigrated to the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1637.
Why is John Harvard important?
John Harvard is important because he made a significant donation to the establishment of a new college in the Massachusetts Bay Colony, which later became known as Harvard University. His donation included his library and half of his estate.
What is the famous statue of John Harvard?
The famous statue of John Harvard is a bronze sculpture located in Harvard Yard at Harvard University. It is commonly referred to as the "Statue of Three Lies" because it contains three inaccuracies: the statue is not actually of John Harvard, the university was not founded by him, and it was not founded in 1638.
What is the John Harvard Library?
The John Harvard Library is a collection of books donated to Harvard University by John Harvard. It was part of his donation that he made to the new college in the Massachusetts Bay Colony. The library formed the foundation of Harvard's library system.
When did John Harvard die?
John Harvard died on September 14, 1638, at the age of 30. His death occurred just a year after making his donation to the new college. He passed away due to tuberculosis, which was a common illness during that time period.