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Founders Day
A DAYLONG, CAMPUSWIDE CELEBRATION OF UMASS
Celebrated on April 29, Founders Day is a beloved campus tradition honoring everything that makes UMass special: the people, places, and progress.
From tours and open houses to museums, galleries, and spirit stations, there’s something for all to enjoy at Founders Day.
Save the Date: Founders Day 2026 Wednesday, April 29
Contribute to the Founders Day Schedule of Events
Become a Founders Day activity host. Community Relations and University Events is curating and promoting a schedule of events that:
- tell the unique and impressive UMass story,
- build community, and
- instill university pride.
UMass Amherst community members are invited, encouraged, and welcome to submit their events, activities, and experiences taking place on Wednesday, April 29, 2026 to this university-wide calendar, which will be open to the campus and local communities. Submit your activity now through December 19, 2025 for consideration.
Celebrate Founders Day
Don your maroon and UMass spirit swag and come engage with the innovative demonstrations of amazing research and creative activity by our students, faculty, and staff while connecting with campus and local community members at our events spanning from Haigis Mall to Lederle.
Founders Day Then & Now
On April 29, 1863, Massachusetts Governor John Andrew signed the charter that led to the creation of Massachusetts Agricultural College, just one year after the passage of the federal Morrill Act.
As we prepared for the university’s sesquicentennial in 2013, the campus began a formal celebration called Founders Day in 2010. What started as a celebratory campus cookout has become an annual opportunity to showcase our pride in UMass Amherst through open houses, tours, exhibits, galleries, demonstrations, and performances.
Founders Day History
1863
Massachusetts Agricultural College charter signed and founded in Amherst
2010
UMass celebrates the first annual Founders Day
2024
Founders Day barbecue moves from Goodell Lawn to Haigis Mall and offerings are expanded to include open houses and demonstrations all over campus
Annual Celebration
Founders Day is an opportunity to visit museums, galleries, green houses, libraries, maker spaces—all the things that make UMass Amherst special. You'll interact with university experts on everything from campus trees and pollinators to the latest research, catch the UMass spirit, experience our number one dining in action at a time-honored barbecue, and so much more.
