Harvard University

　　    Guide  
　　In front of the university hall stands a bronze statue, on whose pedestal are engraved three lines: “John Harvard, Founder, 1638.” In fact, none of these three lines is accurate. First, John Harvard was not the founder; he was merely an important benefactor. Second, the university was not founded in 1638 but two years earlier, in 1636. Third, when the statue was created in the early 20th century, since no photo of Harvard could be found, a handsome recent graduate was chosen as the model, so the statue is not actually of Harvard himself. These are the “Three Lies of Harvard” often cited as interesting anecdotes.　　Highlights　  
　　Numerous visitors take photos with the statue of John Harvard. The toe of the left shoe has been polished to a shine by admirers over the centuries. It is said that touching the toe increases one’s chances of getting into Harvard, prompting parents from around the world who hope their children will achieve greatness to urge them to touch it.　　Introduction　  
　　Harvard University was established in 1636, making it the oldest university in the United States, nearly a century and a half older than the country itself. At that time, British Puritans who had migrated to America, aiming to secure a bright future for their descendants, modeled the institution after the University of Cambridge in England and founded it on the banks of the Charles River in Massachusetts. Originally called Harvard College, it became the first higher education institution in American history.　　Of the 43 U.S. presidents throughout history, six graduated from Harvard. These include John Adams, the second president during the founding era; Franklin D. Roosevelt, who was elected to four consecutive terms during World War II; and President John F. Kennedy, who was assassinated in 1963.　       Transportation　  　　Take the Red Line subway to Harvard Square Station.　　Address: Located on the west bank of the Charles River in Cambridge Town.　  

　　 Boston, USA