Charter Day

The annual celebration of Charter Day at William & Mary was primarily a twentieth century development that was initiated by President John Stewart Bryan in 1937. President Bryan's love of pomp and pageantry also led to the annual Yule Log Ceremony.

During the eighteenth century, Transfer Day (August 15) was the usual time of celebrating the birth of William & Mary by observing the anniversary of the Transfer of the Charter from the founders of the College to the President and Masters of the College.

In 1859, the 166th anniversary of the College was celebrated on February 19 with an address by John Tyler, former president of the United States, and a reading of St. George Tucker's celebratory poem by the poet himself.

The tradition of having Charter Day speakers of note to address the audience carried over from the nineteenth century to the present.

Awards bestowed on Charter Day include:

• Alumni Medallion
• Honorary Degrees
• James Monroe Prize in Civic Leadership
• Thomas Jefferson Award
• Thomas Jefferson Prize in Natural Philosophy
• Thomas Jefferson Teaching Award

Read the full text of William & Mary's Royal Charter.