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Signet Society

The Signet Society is an interdisciplinary arts and letters organization at Harvard University, founded in 1870, that unites undergraduate students, faculty, alumni, and distinguished artists in a multigenerational community dedicated to fostering creativity across fields such as literature, music, theater, film, and visual arts.^[1] Housed at 46 Dunster Street in Harvard Square, the society provides a dedicated space for creative thinkers to connect through regular activities, including weekly lunches from Wednesday to Friday, writing workshops, open mic performances, teas, and Library Dinners that feature renowned guests from the arts and academia.^[1] Membership is selective and by election, primarily for currently enrolled Harvard College undergraduates demonstrating academic and artistic distinction, with additional affiliate status extended to faculty, alumni, and Boston-area professionals to enrich the intergenerational dialogue.^[2]^[3] Over its 155-year history, the Signet has cultivated a network of more than 2,000 living alumni, including two former United States Presidents—Franklin D. Roosevelt and Theodore Roosevelt—as well as prominent figures such as poets T.S. Eliot and Robert Frost, composer Leonard Bernstein, cellist Yo-Yo Ma, journalist Walter Isaacson, and actress Natalie Portman.^[1]^[4] The society further honors excellence by awarding the Signet Medal for the Arts to individuals who have made significant contributions to creative fields, underscoring its enduring commitment to celebrating and advancing the arts.^[5]

Background and History

Founding and Early Years

The Signet Society was founded in 1870 by a group of undergraduates from Harvard College's Class of 1871, who sought to create an organization dedicated to literary work and accomplishment amid dissatisfaction with existing social clubs like the Hasty Pudding Club.^[6]^[1] The society's initial purpose emphasized intellectual and moral development through peer-led pursuits, distinguishing it from more social or convivial groups by focusing on the "discipline of finer minds" and total education.^[6] Charles Joseph Bonaparte, a member of the founding class and grandson of Jérôme Bonaparte, served as the first president and played a key role in establishing its merit-based selection process, which prioritized academic distinction and character over social status or club affiliations.^[7]^[4] In its early years, the Signet operated as a primarily undergraduate literary club, with the inaugural meeting held on November 1, 1870, at 10 Grays Hall on Harvard's campus.^[6] By 1881, meetings had evolved into informal Friday evening gatherings "for a cup of chocolate and an hour or two of conversation," during which members elected promising undergraduates based on their academic achievements.^[1] These sessions underscored the society's commitment to fostering conversation and recognition of scholarly merit among peers, without the "acts of conviviality" prohibited in its original rules.^[6] Initially housed on university property, the Signet soon moved to off-campus locations to accommodate its growing activities, leasing rooms such as those on the fourth floor of a building in Cambridge before acquiring a permanent site at 46 Dunster Street in 1902.^[6]^[8] This period marked a gradual shift from a purely undergraduate focus to one that began incorporating mentors, including alumni and faculty, as the society expanded its role in nurturing creative and literary talents beyond student ranks.^[1] Over time, this evolution positioned the Signet as a broader arts and letters society.^[1]

Key Developments and Milestones

In the late 19th century, the Signet Society relocated from temporary spaces on Harvard University property to its permanent off-campus home at 46 Dunster Street in Cambridge, Massachusetts, providing a dedicated venue for its activities.^[8] This 1820 Federal-style house underwent a significant renovation in 1902, transforming it into a neo-Federal design under the architectural firm Cram, Goodhue & Ferguson, known primarily for Gothic Revival work but adept in classical revivals as well.^[8] The remodeling enhanced the building's suitability as a clubhouse, featuring elegant interiors that supported literary and social gatherings.^[8] By the mid-20th century, the society evolved from its original emphasis on literature to encompass a broader array of creative pursuits, integrating visual arts, music, theater, film, dance, and architecture into its membership and programming.^[6] This shift reflected changing cultural interests at Harvard and positioned the Signet as a multidisciplinary hub for artistic expression, moving beyond purely literary focus to foster interdisciplinary collaboration among students and faculty mentors.^[1] Key traditions emerged during this period, including the Annual Dinner, established in the late 19th century, which honors poets, authors, musicians, and commentators through speeches and awards, becoming a cornerstone event for celebrating artistic achievement.^[9] Additionally, the society established a friendly rivalry with Yale University's Elizabethan Club through a periodic croquet tournament, often held around the Harvard-Yale football weekend, symbolizing reciprocal literary ties between the institutions.^[10] Entering the 21st century, the Signet Society has maintained a network of more than 2,000 living alumni, a figure reached by 1986 that underscores its enduring appeal and the accumulation of members across generations.^[1]^[11] This expansion has emphasized a multigenerational community, with alumni actively participating in events, mentorship, and governance to sustain the society's role as a vital nexus for creative thinkers at Harvard.^[11]

Structure and Membership

Eligibility and Selection Process

The Signet Society maintains open eligibility for membership, welcoming Harvard College undergraduates who have completed at least three semesters and have at least two remaining, typically sophomores through fall-term seniors.^[2] In addition, its Affiliates Program extends membership to a broader multigenerational community, including Harvard graduate students, faculty, instructors, administrators, fellows, alumni, visiting scholars and artists, and Boston-area professionals in creative fields such as literature, journalism, film, and dance.^[3] Undergraduate students are ineligible for the Affiliates Program to preserve its focus on mentorship and interdisciplinary collaboration across career stages.^[3] Selection is merit-based, emphasizing demonstrated intellectual, literary, and artistic ability and achievements, with no preferences for legacy connections, wealth, or social distinction.^[11] Applications are submitted annually via a Google Form, opening in early September and closing on September 21 at 11:59 p.m. ET, requiring a one-page artistic résumé, a one-page personal statement, a half-page community statement, and an artistic supplement limited to three pages or minutes (or five for screenplays or plays).^[2] Supplements may include links to audio or video work hosted on platforms like Vimeo, YouTube, or SoundCloud, compiled into a single PDF.^[2] Historically, the process shifted in 2015 from a nomination-based system—where current members "put up" peers—to this open application model to enhance diversity and accessibility.^[12] The Society upholds inclusive policies, explicitly stating it does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, sex, gender, sexual orientation, ability, religion, or veteran status.^[2] To support accessibility, membership dues are adjusted according to a member's Harvard financial aid status; as of the 2021-2022 academic year, this includes a $700 induction fee and $915 per semester, abated proportionally to financial aid received, with a minimum payment of $75, ensuring talented individuals regardless of economic background can participate.^[13] Affiliates contribute to a supportive environment by serving as mentors, fostering collaboration between undergraduates and established professionals in the arts and letters.^[3]

Leadership and Governance

The Signet Society's leadership is primarily provided by an elected team of undergraduate officers, who manage day-to-day operations and represent the interests of student members. The officers include a President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, one or more Librarians, and a Community Officer, with elections typically held annually among members, often in the fall of senior year.^[14]^[15]^[9] Oversight and continuity are ensured by a graduate board in the form of the Executive Committee, composed of alumni who hold positions such as Chair, President, Treasurer, Clerk, and at-large members. This committee, along with a separate Development Committee chaired by an alumnus, supports long-term strategic decisions and institutional stability.^[14] Faculty and alumni serve as advisors through the Affiliate membership program, which includes approximately 35 individuals such as Harvard professors, artists, and administrators who provide mentoring to student members and contribute to the approval and enhancement of programs by leveraging their expertise in creative fields.^[14] The Society's governance emphasizes democratic processes, with officer elections open to eligible members, and fosters collaborative input from undergraduates, graduates, and affiliates in shaping activities and initiatives.^[1]^[16]

Facilities and Traditions

Residence and Physical Space

The Signet Society occupies a distinctive yellow building at 46 Dunster Street in Cambridge, Massachusetts, serving as its central hub since 1902. Constructed in 1820 in the Federal style, the structure was purchased through a donation by James H. Hyde and the Signet Club Alumni Association, marking the society's relocation from Grays Hall on Harvard's campus. It was subsequently remodeled by the architectural firm Cram, Goodhue & Ferguson, with a notable two-story pavilion added as the centerpiece, featuring a heraldic crest of the Signet arms designed by Pierre LaRose.^[17]^[8] The interior includes a dedicated member library filled with books, music, and films contributed by society members and affiliates, offering a quiet space for reading and inspiration. Adjacent dining areas accommodate weekly lunches served Wednesday through Friday, providing members with opportunities for informal discussions and networking. Performance spaces within the building, equipped with a piano and flexible setups, host events such as open mic sessions, literary readings, talks, and film screenings, enhancing its function as a creative venue.^[18]^[1] Functioning as a residence-like space for artistic gatherings, the building grants open access to members throughout the week, promoting collaboration across disciplines in a welcoming environment at the heart of Harvard Square. As of 2024, the society has identified major repair needs for the structure and is undertaking maintenance efforts and fundraising to update the facilities and ensure continued support for its arts activities, including optimized performance areas that align with its mission to foster letters and creativity.^[1]^[19]

Symbols, Motto, and Rituals

The Signet Society's original emblem featured a signet ring enclosing a nettle, with the ring symbolizing unity and concord, and the nettle representing impartiality. Over time, this evolved into imagery of a beehive and bees, reflecting themes of industrious creation and communal effort in the arts.^[19] The society's building at 46 Dunster Street is affectionately known as "the Hive," reinforcing this symbolism of collective productivity among artists and scholars.^[19] The motto, drawn from Virgil's Georgics, is "Sic vos non vobis mellificatis apes," translating to "Thus you, bees, make honey not for yourselves."^[19]^[20] This Latin phrase underscores the society's ethos of creating art for the greater good rather than personal gain, aligning with its mission to foster literary and artistic excellence through shared endeavor.^[19] A longstanding tradition involves presenting new members with a rose during initiation, which they press in a book as a token of their commitment to artistic growth.^[16]^[19] Upon achieving their first major publication or recognition in the arts, members return the rose to the society, often accompanied by an autographed copy of the work; preserved roses from notable alumni, such as T.S. Eliot, are displayed as symbols of this milestone.^[16] Initiation ceremonies are held in a candlelit setting within the society's library, where candidates present a work of music, poetry, or other creative endeavor, culminating in the ritual passing of a silver bowl known as the "loving cup" for shared sips among members.^[16]^[19] The Annual Dinner serves as a key ritual, held each spring to honor distinguished contributors to the arts with the Signet Society Medal for Achievement in the Arts.^[16]^[20] Past recipients, such as Yo-Yo Ma, exemplify the society's recognition of milestones in creative fields, blending formality with celebration to reinforce bonds among members.^[16]^[5]

Programs and Activities

Regular Events and Gatherings

The Signet Society hosts weekly lunches in its dining hall from Wednesday through Friday, providing members with opportunities for casual discussions on arts and humanities topics, often joined by faculty, alumni, and visiting artists or writers.^[1] These gatherings are open to members and their guests, fostering a sense of community in a relaxed setting.^[1] In addition to lunches, members organize a variety of informal activities throughout the week, such as teas, open mic nights, writing workshops, and library dinners, which are accessible to the broader Harvard community.^[1] Open mic nights feature performances including singing and poetry readings, while library dinners often include talks by distinguished literary guests.^[1] These member-driven events emphasize creative expression and dialogue, with examples like writing workshops and even unconventional gatherings such as giant knitting circles.^[1] Informal discussions extend to readings and film screenings held within the society's residence, encouraging spontaneous intellectual and artistic exchanges among attendees.^[1] A notable recurring intercollegiate event is the annual croquet match against Yale University's Elizabethan Club, typically held during the Harvard-Yale football game weekend, promoting friendly rivalry between the two arts-focused societies.^[21]

Special Initiatives and Programs

The Signet Society's Artist-in-Residence program, launched in 2010, invites professional artists to serve as fellows at the society's facilities, where they create new works while mentoring undergraduate and graduate members in creative fields.^[20] Fellows, often alumni or affiliates with established careers, utilize the society's historic home at 46 Dunster Street as a base for artistic production and community engagement, fostering direct interaction through shared spaces and informal guidance. For instance, the 2024-25 resident, filmmaker Grace Sun '13, developed original screen works inspired by coming-of-age narratives and magical realism, while incorporating Harvard improv techniques into collaborative rehearsals with student members.^[22]^[20] This initiative emphasizes hands-on mentorship, enabling residents to enroll in university courses and co-create projects that bridge professional expertise with student aspirations in arts and letters.^[20] The Signet Arts Medalists awards, established in 1937, honor former undergraduate members for exceptional contributions to the arts, recognizing lifetime achievements through a custom silver medal designed by Nathaniel Choate (Signet Class of 1922).^[5] Presented annually at the society's April dinner, the award celebrates individuals who exemplify excellence in creative disciplines, serving as an inspiration for current members and reinforcing the society's commitment to artistic legacy. Notable recipients include composer Matthew Aucoin '12 in 2024 for his operas and orchestral works, curator Scott Rothkopf '99 in 2025 for his notable achievements in the arts, art critic Holland Cotter '70 in 2019 for his influential New York Times criticism, and Nobel laureate Seamus Heaney in 1996 for his poetry.^[5] By highlighting these accomplishments, the awards not only commemorate past successes but also motivate ongoing artistic development within the community.^[5] Complementing these efforts, the society hosts targeted workshops and receptions featuring distinguished guests, such as writing workshops, open mic sessions, and library dinners with literary figures, which provide structured opportunities for skill-building and dialogue.^[1] Examples include a 2024 book talk reception hosted by resident Grace Sun and member Eileen Tucci '24, discussing author Abigail Hing Wen's works over themed tea, and weekly lunches joined by renowned artists to discuss creative processes.^[20] These events prioritize interaction with external experts, enhancing members' professional networks and conceptual approaches to art-making.^[1] The society facilitates collaborative projects across theater, music, film, and visual arts, enabling members to co-produce works that draw on diverse talents and resources within the community.^[1] In film, for example, the 2024 short "Commencement Eve" was directed by Grace Sun in partnership with graduating seniors and affiliate Karina Cowperthwaite '23, utilizing the Signet Library as a filming location to explore themes of transition and ritual.^[20] Such initiatives extend to interdisciplinary endeavors like art shows and performances, where members from varied fields converge to develop and showcase original content, promoting innovation through shared creative spaces.^[1]

Legacy and Impact

Notable Members

The Signet Society boasts a distinguished roster of over 2,000 living alumni, alongside historical figures who have profoundly influenced American arts, letters, journalism, media, sciences, and politics.^[16]^[4] Founded in 1870 as Harvard's oldest arts society, it has attracted creative minds whose works and leadership continue to shape cultural and public discourse.^[1] In recent years, the society has maintained its vitality, receiving a record number of undergraduate applications in 2024 and adding 20 new affiliate members, including authors and faculty, underscoring its ongoing role in fostering artistic communities.^[20] In arts and letters, the society has nurtured literary giants and performers whose innovations endure. Poets T.S. Eliot and Robert Frost, both Nobel laureates in Literature, elevated modernist and pastoral traditions through works like The Waste Land and The Road Not Taken. Composer and conductor Leonard Bernstein revolutionized musical theater and education with West Side Story and his televised Young People's Concerts. Novelist John Updike chronicled mid-20th-century American life in the Rabbit tetralogy, earning two Pulitzer Prizes. Cellist Yo-Yo Ma has bridged classical music with global traditions via the Silk Road Ensemble, fostering cross-cultural dialogue. Historian Arthur Schlesinger Jr. analyzed presidential power in The Imperial Presidency, influencing political scholarship. Journalism and media affiliates have set standards for reporting and entertainment. Walter Isaacson, former CNN and Time Inc. CEO, authored acclaimed biographies of Steve Jobs and Albert Einstein, blending technology and history. Jill Abramson, ex-Executive Editor of The New York Times, advanced investigative journalism on topics from politics to media ethics. In entertainment, actress Natalie Portman has excelled in film and advocacy, earning an Academy Award for Black Swan while promoting women's rights. Comedian Conan O'Brien, through his late-night shows, has defined satirical humor for generations. Actor Tommy Lee Jones brought gravitas to roles in No Country for Old Men, securing an Oscar. The society's impact extends to sciences and politics, underscoring its interdisciplinary reach. Philosopher William James pioneered pragmatism and psychology in The Principles of Psychology. In politics, U.S. Presidents Franklin D. Roosevelt and Theodore Roosevelt exemplified progressive leadership; FDR's New Deal transformed the economy during the Great Depression, while TR's trust-busting advanced conservation. Senator Chuck Schumer has shaped legislative agendas on finance and security as Senate Majority Leader. Former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto advocated for democracy and women's rights in South Asia. Federal judge Learned Hand influenced constitutional law through landmark civil liberties decisions. These members, selected through a rigorous process emphasizing artistic and intellectual promise, illustrate the Signet Society's role in fostering lifelong contributions to public life.^[4]

Controversies and Criticisms

The Signet Society has faced criticisms for perceived exclusivity amid Harvard's broader social club landscape, where final clubs have been accused of perpetuating inequality through selective social spaces that favor certain racial, class, and gender demographics.^[23] Unlike those all-male final clubs, which severed ties with the university in 1984 over gender integration policies and have since been linked to issues like sexual assault allegations and elitist networking, the Signet maintains coeducational membership and an explicit focus on artistic merit, allowing it to retain university recognition.^[11] This arts-oriented differentiation has been cited by administrators as a counter to claims of elitism, emphasizing that the society's selection prioritizes creative contributions over social pedigree.^[16] Historical debates surrounding the Signet's selection process have centered on the tension between merit-based criteria and the influence of social connections. Founded in 1870 with a charter stipulating membership by "merit alone" in arts and letters, the society has long promoted itself as distinct from wealth- or status-driven clubs.^[11] However, some members have acknowledged that informal nominations often rely on personal networks, raising questions about whether social familiarity inadvertently favors established Harvard circles over unrecognized talent.^[16] Defenders, including university officials, argue that these practices align with the society's collaborative ethos, fostering mentorship without the overt class barriers seen in other undergraduate groups.^[16] Critics have also pointed to the society's evolving role in Harvard's social scene as blurring lines with final clubs, despite its inclusive policies on gender and discipline. By the late 1980s, observers noted that while the Signet remained coed and artistically driven, its gatherings increasingly served social functions, prompting concerns about subtle elitism in an era of campus-wide scrutiny over exclusive organizations.^[11] In response, the society has highlighted its open application process for undergraduates and faculty nominations for affiliates, positioning itself as a meritocratic alternative that counters broader accusations of Harvard's stratified club culture.^[16]

References

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The Signet Society
The Signet Society is the place at Harvard where students and faculty who are interested in the arts can meet over lunch, often joined by renowned artists, ...Apply · About · Notable Alumni · Lunch at the Signet
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How to Apply - The Signet Society
Membership in the Signet Society is open to currently-enrolled Harvard College undergraduates. The Signet holds open applications at the beginning of each ...
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The Signet Society is an interdisciplinary and intergenerational community. Since 1870, the Signet has been a place where undergraduate students at Harvard ...
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James B. Conant, scholar, chemist. Charles W. Eliot, Harvard President, chemist, mathematician. William James, psychologist and philosopher. Thomas Kuhn ...
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Typically awarded to a former undergraduate member of the Signet Society, this honor recognizes an individual who has made notable achievement in the arts.Missing: expansion mid-
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In a gesture of indignation and rebellion, mingled with more than just a touch of superiority, the Signet Society was founded. This spirit was engendered by ...
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Feb 2, 2010 · Founded in 1870, the Signet Society is an artistic and literary club at Harvard University. After initially utilizing space on University property, the Society ...
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During 1870 the members leased rooms on the fourth floor of Dolton's ... Indeed, if the Signet Society did not exist, | believe that Harvard College ...
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Since then, the Lizzie and the Signet have met for an annual croquet match in the weekend of the Harvard-Yale Football game. Signet Society cartouche. 3. The ...Missing: tournament | Show results with:tournament
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Bulelani Jili, PhD Candidate at Harvard University in African Studies, Science, Technology, and Society Dana Knox, Manager for College Theater and Director ...
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Affiliate Members: Homi Bhabha, Anne F. Rothenberg Professor of the Humanities, Harvard University; Amanda Claybaugh, Dean of Undergraduate Education.
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So do you bees make honey, not for yourselves. Virgil. 2023 Newsletter of the Signet Society of Harvard College. 46 ...
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Harvard undergraduates are eager to be members of the Signet Society. This year, a record number of applications were submitted, and our members led a ...
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Signet Society Artist-in-Residence
Apply · Accessibility; For Drones. Alumni Activities · Change-of-Address and Updates Form · Member ... Contact: gracesun@fas.harvard.edu. POWERED BY SQUARESPACE.
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