This month in Harvard history

In July 2, 1641 – President Henry Dunster marries Elizabeth Glover, widow of Cambridge clergyman Jose Glover, who owned the English colonies’ first printing press. (In 1640, this machine had produced the Bay Psalm Book, the first book published by English colonists in America.) By 1646, the press is installed in the President’s Lodging. Sometime before Dec. 1654, Dunster gives or sells the press to the College.

In July 2-15, 1775 – Wadsworth House serves as headquarters for Gen. George Washington and Maj. Gen. Charles Lee. Afterwards, they move into the larger Brattle St. quarters of John Vassall Jr. (later known as Craigie or Longfellow House).

In July 1823 – Seeing a spring student rebellion as one more sign of the need for reforming discipline and instruction, Professors George Ticknor, Andrews Norton, and Henry Ware begin discussing the matter with the Overseers, setting in motion a process that culminates in a new set of University statutes in 1825.

In July 19, 1865 – In the wake of the Act of April 28, 1865, the Governor of Massachusetts presides over the Harvard Board of Overseers for the last time. To this day, however, the Governor remains a regular guest at Commencement.

– From the Harvard Historical Calendar, a database compiled by Marvin Hightower