Founders Day
Celebrated on April 29, Founders Day is a beloved campus tradition honoring everything that makes UMass special: the people, places, and progress.
This year the Founders Day schedule is comprised of more than 30 activities across 18 locations around campus over 11 hours. 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
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
Massachusetts Agricultural College charter signed and founded in Amherst
UMass celebrates the first annual Founders Day
Founders Day barbecue moves from Goodell Lawn to Haigis Mall and offerings are expanded to include open houses and demonstrations all over campus
