Northfield Mount Hermon is rich in traditions, many of which date back to the school's early years. The Bemis-Forslund Pie Race, the Rope Pull across Shadow Lake, Mountain Day—these cherished events connect students and alumni across generations. Take a look.
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The Rope Pull has been a hard-fought autumn contest between juniors and seniors since 1884. The two classes line up on either side of Shadow Lake, take hold of a thick rope, and PULL! (Spoiler alert: The seniors usually win.)
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The Bemis-Forslund Pie Race is an annual 4.3-mile footrace around campus that was first run in the 1890s—it's one of the oldest races in the country! Freshly made apple pies are awarded to runners who complete the course in a specified time.
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Mountain Day is a tradition that goes back to 1881— a surprise fall holiday that is announced a day in advance. Classes are canceled; students and faculty hike Northfield Mountain or New Hampshire’s 3,165-foot
Mount Monadnock. -
Christmas Vespers has, since the 1930s, combined choral and orchestral music, carols, and readings to celebrate the season's holidays in a candlelit Memorial Chapel, and in off-campus locations as well.
Other traditions include Opening Convocation, Hogolympics, Founder's Day, The Chat (NMH's version of a prom), Sacred Concert, and the Ritual of the Spade.