College Bicentennial

Immerse yourself in a visual and textual telling of Hamilton history with the new Hamilton Timeline, a dramatic digital rendering of the Hill past and present.  The timeline, designed to celebrate Hamilton’s Bicentennial, recounts the history of the college starting with the pre-Hamilton days and Samuel Kirkland’s plan to educate the Indians. Significant events in Hamilton’s history are portrayed through photos and text.

A new building and events at Hamilton drew much interest from local media during 2012. The opening of the Ruth and Elmer Wellin Museum of Art and the all-alumni celebration of Hamilton’s bicentennial garnered significant attention, and faculty members offered expertise on timely news topics throughout the year.

On the Hill: A Bicentennial History of Hamilton College, written by Publius Virgilius Rogers Professor of American History Maurice Isserman, received the 2012 Arline Custer Memorial Award for books from the Mid-Atlantic Regional Archives Conference (MARAC). The award was presented on Oct. 27 in Richmond, Va.

U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand announced the passage of a Senate resolution to commemorate Hamilton’s 200th Anniversary on June 6. Hamilton received its charter from the Regents of the University of the State of New York on May 26, 1812. Schumer and Gillibrand proposed the measure in the Senate last month to celebrate the college’s sustained commitment to its charter two centuries ago.

Following are capsule descriptions of a few that took place at the All-Alumni Bicentennial Reunion May 31-June 3.

Lots of smiles, reminiscing and laughter marked the All-Alumni Bicentennial Reunions that came to a close on June 3. Saturday’s highlights included the annual meeting of the Alumni Association, the Reunion parade, a campus picnic, Bicentennial Colleges and class dinners. Events concluded on Sunday with the moving Service of Remembrance featuring performances by the Baldwin and Reunion choirs.

At the Bicentennial Meeting of the Alumni Association on June 2, the college's namesake Alexander Hamilton was awarded a posthumous honorary degree.

More reunion memories were made on Friday, June 1, as events continued throughout the day and into the evening. Among highlights were Bicentennial Colleges with Edward "Ned" Walker ' 62,  Elaine Weiss K'73 and Robert Moses '56, a night of jazz, and fireworks over Royce Baseball Field.

Alumni began arriving from near and far on Thursday, May 31, to begin the Bicentennial Reunion weekend festivities. Thursday’s highlights included a tour, “The Legacy of Trees on the Hamilton Campus,” guided by Arboretum Director Terry Hawkridge  P’01, and “Giants in the Earth,” a talk and tour of Hamilton’s Cemetery, led by Hamilton Alumni Review Editor Emeritus Frank Lorenz.

The college’s bicentennial celebration continued on May 30, as employees were invited to enjoy three birthday cakes in honor of Hamilton’s 200th birthday. President Joan Hinde Stewart and Dean of Faculty Patrick Reynolds were on hand to celebrate with employees from all across campus.  IT's Maureen Scoones led the singing of “Happy Birthday” under the tent on Dunham Green.

Hamilton’s annual reunions take on special significance this year as the college celebrates its bicentennial with an All-Alumni Reunion, May 31-June 3. More than 2000 alumni and their guests are expected.  A special welcome is extended to members of the class of 1962 who are celebrating their 50th reunion. A full schedule of events will keep attendees busy all weekend.

On Wednesday, May 30, Robert Meelan, supervisor of the Town of Kirkland,  will present President Joan Hinde Stewart with a proclamation from the town in honor of the college’s 200th anniversary of the May 1812 signing of the charter by Regents of the University of the State of New York. The presentation will be made at the town meeting.

In observance of the 200th anniversary of Hamilton’s founding, the Hamilton College Arboretum Association hosted the A.P. Saunders Tree Peony Fest on Saturday, May 26. A birthday cake to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the signing of the college’s charter was served.

U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand introduced a resolution on Thursday, May 24, in the U.S. Senate to commemorate the 200th Anniversary of Hamilton College. The senators proposed a measure to celebrate the college’s “sustained commitment to its charter two centuries ago.” On Tuesday, May 22, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand also recognized the college’s bicentennial with a resolution read into the Congressional Record honoring the college.

Senator Joseph A. Griffo sponsored a resolution into the legislative record of New York State on Wednesday, May 23, recognizing the college's bicentennial celebration. Senator Griffo said, "I'm pleased that I could join President Joan Hinde Stewart, the staff, students, alums and supporters of Hamilton College in sharing tremendous pride in commemoration of this event." A video of the event at which the Senator introduced President Stewart and Vice President Richard Tantillo is available on the Senator's website.

President Joan Hinde Stewart rang the Closing Bell at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) on Thursday, May 24, at 4 p.m., as part of the bicentennial celebration of the NY State Board of Regents signing of the college’s charter on May 26, 1812. Photos of the event may be viewed on the NYSE Facebook page and video is available here.

In observance of the 200th anniversary of Hamilton College’s founding, the Hamilton College Arboretum Association will host the A.P. Saunders Tree Peony Fest on Saturday, May 26, from 10 a.m. to noon, in Grant Garden of the Root Glen.  The community is invited to see the Saunders peonies at their peak and stroll the shaded paths of Root Glen.

Hamilton College turns 200 on May 26, the day the New York Board of Regents granted the College its charter. Many organizations are joining in the celebration:

• Wednesday, May 23: The New York State Senate passed a resolution recognizing Hamilton’s anniversary.
• Thursday, May 24: Hamilton representatives will ring the Closing Bell at the New York Stock Exchange. (video will be available Thursday on the NYSE website)
• Saturday, May 26: The College Arboretum will host an event that includes remarks from Professor John H. O’Neill, co-chair of the Bicentennial Committee. 

Among members of the Class of 2012 who graduated on Sunday, May 20, was Josephine (Josie) Jones, who learned in January that she is a direct descendant of  George Albion Calhoun, the College's first graduate in 1814.  Jones' mother, Jody Clark Jones, made the discovery while researching her husband's family genealogy. The story of the two century connection, which is especially meaningful in Hamilton's bicentennial year, is featured in the Spring 2012 Hamilton Alumni Review. Josie Jones was also interviewed for a story on local Fox affiliate WUTR.

In recognition of Hamilton’s 200th anniversary, U.S. Rep. Richard L. Hanna (R-NY) sponsored a statement in the Congressional Record this week. The New York Board of Regents granted Hamilton’s Charter on May 26, 1812. “Hamilton is grateful for Representative Hanna's recognition of our bicentennial in the U.S. House of Representatives,” said President Joan Hinde Stewart. “His thoughtfulness adds to what has been a glorious year-long celebration.”