One Mission, 100 Years

Celebrating Our Centennial

Welcome

This year Harvard Extension School celebrates 100 years of providing educational opportunities to the public. Upon founding University Extension at Harvard in 1910, Harvard President A. Lawrence Lowell said, “it would seem to be the duty of every institution of learning in this country to use its resources for the benefit of the surrounding community.”

We are proud to continue this strong tradition a century later. I invite you to learn more about the Extension School’s legacy here. Stroll through the Yard with Professor John Stilgoe, experience our history “by the numbers,” and read stories of fellow students—and share your own.

Best wishes,
Michael Shinagel, PhD
Dean of Continuing Education and University Extension
Senior Lecturer on English
Harvard University

Our Open Learning Initiative

Come learn with us—watch select Harvard courses online for free. Our new Open Learning Initiative features videos of Harvard scholars and professors lecturing on the classics, English, environmental science, history, computer science, and mathematics.

Committed to your own continuous growth? Visit the Open Learning Initiative to see a list of courses.

Extension by the Numbers

Twilight Purpose: Tour Harvard Yard with Professor John Stilgoe

Extension Stories: Read Ours and Share Yours

Centennial Events

Join us for a year of celebration, including panel discussions, tours, and concerts. See our calendar of events or watch videos and read news coverage of events.

Help us continue our legacy. Make a gift through Post.Harvard.
To mark the centennial, Dean Shinagel has written a book on the history of the Harvard Extension School. Read an excerpt and find out how to order a copy.
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  • The Gates Unbarred: An excerpt