MIT’s founder, William Barton Rogers, was born December 7, 1804. Rogers, was a noted geologist and educator who had a vision for a new educational model. He began to organize his plans for a “polytechnic” institute as early as the 1840s, and he pursued his ideas until MIT was finally founded in 1861.

Learn more about William Barton Rogers and the founding of MIT on the web site of the Institute Archives and Special Collections. You are also welcome to visit the Archives in 14N-118, Monday through Thursday, between 10 am and 4 pm.