" Banish the self debasing principles, and scorn the disingenuity of readers. Humility has depressed many a genius into a hermit" : commencement essay, 1793

Two-page handwritten essay composed for the July 17, 1793 Harvard University Commencement by an unattributed author. The title is a quote from William Shenstone's essay "On Allowing Merit in Others." The essay begins, "Notwithstanding Philosophers have ever considered the human mind as a simple being..."

A poetical essay deliver'd at Commencement, July 19th, 1786

Eight-page handwritten essay written by Harvard graduate Robert Fowle for the 1786 Harvard College Commencement ceremonies. The essay begins, "While different objects crowd the inraptur'd Mind..." and contains classical illusions. The text contains struck-out words and edits.

Oratio valedictoria: [Delivered at Harvard Commencement, 1736, before Ew. Belcher &c. With copy on blue paper.]

The notebook contains the original six-page manuscript of the valedictory address composed in Latin by graduate Edward Winslow at the 1736 Harvard Commencement enclosed within 19th century blue notebook paper on which a second handwritten copy of the address is written. The original text includes edits and struck-through words.

Salutatory address of Jonathan Trumbull, 1759

Three-page manuscript copy of the salutatory address composed in Latin by graduate Jonathan Trumbull for the 1759 Harvard Commencement. The item is dated June 29, 1759.

Dominium temporale non fundatur in gratia (Commencement Quaestiones), 1697 July 7

Small paper notebook of John Ballantine with the handwritten Latin quaestiones performed by Ballantine, Eliphalet Adams, Adam Winthrop, and Jabez Fitch as candidates for the Master’s degree during the July 7, 1697 Harvard Commencement ceremony. The Quaestiones begin with Ballantine’s “Dominum temporal non fundatur in gratia,” and follow with “An Jesuitae possint esse boni subditi? Neg Resp. Dom. Winthrop,” "An Ethnicae virtutes sint verae virtutes?" Neg. Resp. Dom. Adams,” and “An detur omnibus an sufficiens ad salutem? Neg. Resp. Dom. Fitch.” The title page bears the inscription: “Jno Ballantine’s Book” and the first page has been torn out.

Oratio salutatoria in comitiis academicis habita Cantabrigiae Nov-Anglorum. Iulii nonarum, 1697

This hardcover modern binding contains a twenty-page manuscript copy of the salutatory address given by Elisha Cooke at the 1697 Harvard College Commencement. The text includes edits and struck-through words. A one-page copy of the first page of the oration signed by Thomas Banister and William Phips is at the end of the volume.

Valedictory address of Jonathan Trumbull, 1762

Four-page manuscript copy of the valedictory Commencement oration composed by Jonathan Trumbull for the 1762 Harvard College Commencement.

An oration upon genius : Commencement address, 1797

Sixteen-page paper notebook containing a handwritten copy of an essay titled "An Oration upon Genius" composed by AM candidate Joseph Perkins for the 1797 Harvard Commencement. The verso of the last page contains the handwritten title: "Oration on Genius first Copy. July 17th Commencement 1797." The essay discusses themes of republicanism and education and begins, "To mark the peculiar operation of liberty on mental exertion and improvement..."

Vote of the Corporation continuing the salary of the President up to the next commencement,

This folder contains two nineteenth-century handwritten copies of the vote.

Signs supporting guest speaker Jane Fonda at Women Office Workers conference

General note: Title and date provided by Bettye Lane.

Republican Barbara Jordan as keynote speaker with Bella Abzug in the background

General note: Title and date provided by Bettye Lane.

Demonstration at NYU Law School against guest speaker Chief Justice Burger

General note: Title and date provided by Bettye Lane.

Gays demonstrate at NYU Law School against guest speaker Chief Justice Burger

General note: Title and date provided by Bettye Lane.

Nuclear disarmament demonstration Lesbian and Gay press conference with David Rothenberg on left (dem. Speaker), Betty Powell, and Charlotte Bunch (speaker)

General note: Title and date provided by Bettye Lane.

Young women listening to speaker at the Woman's Salon

Inscriptions: Verso: [stamped] Credit must be given to Freda Leinwand from Monkmeyer Press Photo Service.