Our series examining an Image of the Week from the photographic files, by Kevin Warstadt, Edward Connery Lathem ’51 Digital Library Fellow.

Commencement Ceremony in the Bema ca 1913

In honor of graduation last weekend, we have a photo from a folder titled “Commencement 1911-1922.” This photo was taken in 1913 and features graduating seniors seated in the Bema with family members gathered around.

Dartmouth’s first commencement was held in 1771, and featured only four graduating seniors. From 1795 to 1907, the ceremony was held in the Dartmouth College Church. As the size of the student body expanded, more space was needed, and commencement was moved to The Bema in 1932. In 1953 President Eisenhower attended, and the ceremony was moved to The Green to accommodate the crowd. It has remained there to this day.

For more information on the history of Dartmouth Commencement see the link here. See more images of Dartmouth Commencement here.