About Mather House

Overview of Increase Mather

• Increase Mather was the seventh president of Harvard University.
• Mather House is named after him.
• Research conducted in 2016 by Mather students on his life and legacy.

Context of the Research

• Research aimed to confront historical legacies of namesakes at Harvard.
• Growing discussions about controversial names on college campuses nationwide, including names associated with slavery and racism.
• Increase Mather is noted for owning a slave named Spaniard and his affiliation with the Salem Witch Trials.
• Many students, including Mather residents, had limited knowledge about Increase Mather's historical significance.

Research Objectives

• Investigate why Mather House was named after Increase Mather in 1966.
• Develop two projects:
  • An exhibit in the Sandra Naddaff and Leigh Hafrey Three Columns Gallery.
  • An accompanying booklet documenting findings.

Research Process

• Conducted archival research during summer 2016.
• Collaborated with Harvard University Archives for primary sources:
  • Images, transcripts, letters (including Mather's signature), and memos from the Pusey administration.
• Curated by Matt Terry and Julia Grotto (Class of 2017).

Exhibit Details

• Displayed themes of Mather's political and religious life, presidency, slaveholding, and links to the Salem Witch Trials.
• Opened mid-February 2017 and ran through the end of the academic year.
• Attended by curious residents and notable guests, including former President Drew Faust.

Additional Resources

• For more information on naming and renaming principles, refer to the Report of the Committee to Articulate Principles on Renaming.