Letter from Matt Glendinning

A LETTER FROM MATT GLENDINNING, HEAD OF SCHOOL The Evolution of a School

As a classicist and ancient historian, I can’t help but admire the curriculum that existed at Moses Brown — then called Friends Boarding School — in 1870. • First Year: Latin, Arithmetic, Algebra, Grammar, Ancient History, Modern History • Second Year: Latin, Higher Algebra, Geometry, Geography, Philosophy • Third Year: Latin, Trigonometry & Surveying (boys), 19th-century Literature (girls), English Literature, United States Government, Astronomy, Rhetoric • Fourth Year: Latin, Logic, Philosophy, Geology, Political Economy, History of Civilization, Evidences of Christianity • Electives were offered in Greek, French, German, Botany, Physiology and Drawing For 180 students (110 boys and 70 girls) enrolled at the time, tuition was $300 (less for Quakers), Alumni Hall and its library of 2,000 volumes was brand new, and the school boasted both a gymnasium and an observatory. School principals Albert and Alfred Smiley had recently taken the bold step of allowing boys and girls to eat together in the dining hall and introducing vocal music to the school!

Fast forward 150 years and, not surprisingly, Moses Brown has evolved in ways that the Smiley brothers would find unimaginable. For our 750 students, Alumni Hall is now the Y-Lab, a 5,000 sq. foot engineering and design studio featuring 3D printers, CNC routers, and a robotics lab. Daily exercise in the gymnasium has grown into a robust program in Athletics including 61 teams competing in 16 sports. And a begrudging acceptance of music has blossomed into a dazzling program of Performing Arts showcased in a state-of-the-art venue (the Woodman Center). What hasn’t changed during our entire history are the core principles imparted to the school by its founder, 18th-century entrepreneur, statesman, abolitionist and Friend, Moses Brown. He believed in education as a means for improving both individuals and society. Intended for boys and girls from all religious denominations and social classes, Moses’ school provided advanced studies designed to help students develop the practical skills to earn a living and the values to make the world a better place for all. We’re proud to carry on that legacy today. Looking back to look forward, it’s exciting to imagine what will sustain us and what will change in the next 235 years of the school’s history. In this issue of Cupola, you’ll read stories that illustrate the spirit of innovation that has always characterized MB. And if you’re coming to Reunion this year (May 9), we’ll be opening an exhibit of MB’s past dedicated to Doc Odell, the longest-serving faculty/staff member in school history. Please come for a visit! In friendship,