Harvard began as Harvard College, named for Puritan minister John Harvard, whose donation of books and half his estate established its early library. Originally church-sponsored, it became an independent institution by the 19th century. Under President Charles W. Eliot (1869–1909), Harvard transformed into a modern research university with national prominence. 

Academics and structure

The university comprises Harvard College and 12 graduate and professional schools, including highly ranked programs in law, medicine, business, government, and education. Harvard’s library system, among the world’s largest, supports extensive research collections. Major affiliated institutions include the Museum of Comparative Zoology, Fogg Art Museum, and Arnold Arboretum.