Cambridge, Massachusetts, September 19, 2025
News Summary
Harvard University has officially renamed ‘John Winthrop House’ to ‘Winthrop House’ in response to a petition citing historical connections to slavery. The decision aims to honor both the legacy of the Winthrop family while acknowledging the complex historical ties associated with John Winthrop, the first governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, and his great-great-grandson, Professor John Winthrop. Harvard continues to confront its past through educational initiatives and reflections on its historical connections.
Cambridge, Massachusetts – Harvard University announced that it will change the formal name of “John Winthrop House” to simply “Winthrop House.” This decision marks a significant step in addressing historical complexities related to the university’s legacy and its connections to slavery.
The name change follows a year and a half of deliberation by a committee that was responding to a petition submitted in 2023, which garnered over 1,000 signatures advocating for the denaming. The petition cited both John Winthrop, the first governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, and his great-great-grandson, Professor John Winthrop, as slave owners, which led to concerns about their namesakes being honored by the house.
The committee clarified that the house was originally intended to honor only Professor John Winthrop, who served as a professor and acting president of Harvard during the 18th century. However, the overlap in their names has resulted in widespread confusion, leading many to assume the house referred to both Winthrops. Both individuals have associations with slavery: Governor Winthrop during the Pequot War and potential enslavement practices, and Professor Winthrop, who likely enslaved at least two people.
The review committee’s report indicated that changing the name is a compromise intended to honor the broader legacy of the Winthrop family while also acknowledging the complicated history of the two Johns. By maintaining the Winthrop name, the university community is encouraged to confront and reflect on its historical ties rather than erase them.
This decision comes amid Harvard’s ongoing efforts to reconcile its historical connections to slavery, as emphasized in a report released in 2022. Feedback from students suggested that the name Winthrop still held positive associations for many, while also addressing the concerns of marginalized groups. In response, the committee urged for initiatives that would contextualize the legacy of Winthrop House, alongside educational efforts regarding its historical significance.
The decision is viewed as a milestone in Harvard’s approach to navigating its historical complexities and responding to contemporary calls for social justice. This marks a pivotal moment for the university as it continues to reckon with its past while looking forward toward a more inclusive future.
FAQ
What is the new name for “John Winthrop House” at Harvard University?
The formal name has been changed to simply “Winthrop House.”
Why was the name changed?
The decision comes after a petition submitted in 2023 with over 1,000 signatures asking for the denaming, citing both John Winthrop and Professor John Winthrop as slave owners.
Who were the two Johns mentioned in the article?
John Winthrop was the first governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, while Professor John Winthrop served as a professor and acting president of Harvard during the 18th century.
What does the committee’s report suggest about the name change?
The report suggests the name change is a compromise to honor the Winthrop family’s broader legacy while acknowledging the complicated history of the two Johns.
How does the name change relate to Harvard’s history with slavery?
The name change reflects Harvard’s ongoing efforts to reckon with its historical ties to slavery, highlighted in the 2022 report on the matter.
What educational initiatives are being proposed?
The committee recommended contextualizing the legacy of Winthrop House and encouraging educational initiatives regarding its history.
Key Features of the Winthrop House Name Change
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| New Name | Winthrop House |
| Reason for Change | Response to a petition citing John and Professor Winthrop as slave owners. |
| Historical Context | Governor Winthrop’s involvement in the Pequot War; Professor Winthrop’s likely enslavement of individuals. |
| Committee Reports | Suggested the name change to honor broader legacy while acknowledging the history. |
| Educational Initiatives | Proposals to contextualize the legacy and history of Winthrop House. |
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Additional Resources
- The Harvard Crimson: Tobin’s Call to Rename Winthrop House
- Harvard Magazine: Harvard Retains Winthrop House Name
- The College Fix: Harvard Drops Former Governor’s Name from Dorm
- Boston Globe: Harvard Winthrop House Renamed Due to Slaveowner Ties
- Harvard Independent: What Winthrop Means
- Wikipedia: John Winthrop
- Google Search: Harvard University history
- Google Scholar: Harvard University slavery
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Harvard University
- Google News: Harvard Winthrop House
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