Overview
The very first day for class sessions at the Maryland State Normal School (MSNS) was January 15, 1866.
Beginning in the 1920s, January 15th became a day of celebration for the school, marking a time for reflection about the institution's progress. The school community would gather to listen to speakers during the day, and celebrate with a dance and refreshments in the evening.
After World War II, Founder's Day programs became part of the mid-winter convocation, and the speeches began to focus on the broader topic of education as a whole.
While the formal Founder's Day celebrations have mostly disappeared since 1966, Towson University still marks January 15th as Founder's Day.
written by Felicity Knox, archives associate, Spring 2022.
Overview
The very first day for class sessions at the Maryland State Normal School (MSNS) was January 15, 1866.
Beginning in the 1920s, January 15th became a day of celebration for the school, marking a time for reflection about the institution's progress. The school community would gather to listen to speakers during the day, and celebrate with a dance and refreshments in the evening.
After World War II, Founder's Day programs became part of the mid-winter convocation, and the speeches began to focus on the broader topic of education as a whole.
While the formal Founder's Day celebrations have mostly disappeared since 1966, Towson University still marks January 15th as Founder's Day.
written by Felicity Knox, archives associate, Spring 2022.
