Amherst’s History

For two centuries, Amherst has been educating a talented, diverse student body. Amherst’s historical “firsts” include the world’s first intercollegiate baseball game, the country’s first collegiate athletics program and the nation’s first undergraduate neuroscience program. The first (and so far only) Amherst graduate to serve as president of the United States was Calvin Coolidge, Class of 1895.

A lithograph of the College with two buildings on a hill

The Evolution of Our Campus

Amherst College began in 1821 to educate “indigent young men of piety and talents.” From its start, Amherst enrolled students who might not commonly have had access to higher education. 

Some “Firsts” at Amherst A Place of Learning
Gender Matters

Books About Amherst College

The College has published dozens of books about its people and history, including an account of the first half-century of women teaching at Amherst and a collection of historical narratives.

Books About Amherst
President's House

Past Presidents

Learn about the College’s 18 past presidents, from Zephaniah Swift Moore, who arrived in 1821, to Anthony W. Marx, who served from 2003 to 2011.

Past Presidents