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Celebrate and learn about Rally Day! February 20

Events

Collage of Rally Day images from College Archives

Published February 17, 2025

Rally Day is a cherished Smith tradition that has taken several forms. First held in 1876, the festivities can be traced to celebrating George Washington’s birthday at Smith, with the name “Rally Day” first used in 1906. What started as annual dinners or receptions has grown into a daylong college event brimming with celebratory activities.

Over the years, Rally Day has included debates, basketball games, dramatic presentations, singing, and dancing. The College Archives in Smith College Special Collections have a wealth of photos documenting the many ways students and faculty have celebrated Rally Day — take a look at just a few below!

Rally Day, inside Alumnae Gym, 1895.

Washington's Birthday (Rally Day) inside Alumnae Gym, "The Trial of George Washington”, February 22, 1895.
George Washington costume for Rally Day, 1896.

George Washington costume for Rally Day, 1896.
Rally Day Costume, 1896.

Rally Day Costume, 1896.
Students wait in line to get into basketball game at Rally Day, 1900.

Students wait in line to get into basketball game at Rally Day, 1900.
Rally Day with President Taft and President Burton, 1914.

Rally Day with President Taft and President Burton, 1914.
Raincoat Chorus, Rally Day, 1928.

Raincoat Chorus, Rally Day, 1928.
Students dressed as Guinea pigs, 1931.

Students dressed as Guinea pigs, 1931.
Program for Rally Day, 1939.

Program for Rally Day, 1939.
"Boy Meets Girl" at Rally Day, 1945.

"Boy Meets Girl" at Rally Day, 1945.
Senior Show, Rally Day 1957. Photograph by Barbie Fisher '57.

Senior Show, Rally Day 1957.  Photograph by Barbie Fisher '57.
Rally Day, 1959, Smith College Class of 1960. Photograph by Arlene Studio.

Rally Day, 1959, Smith College Class of 1960.  Photograph by Arlene Studio.
Rally Day, 1962.

Rally Day, 1962.
Junior Rally Day Show, 1963.

Junior Rally Day Show, 1963.
Maya Angelou at the reception for Smith College honorary degree recipients following Rally Day Convocation, 1975.

Maya Angelou at the reception for Smith College honorary degree recipients following Rally Day Convocation, 1975.
Student standing in John M. Greene Hall, 1981.

Student standing in John M. Greene Hall, 1981.
Rally day, 1985 Smith college Yearbook.

Rally day, 1985 Smith college Yearbook.
Eleanor Torres (Class of 1992) and Alicia Peckham (Class of 1992) before the Rally Day show, 1992. Photograph by Anne Burton.

Eleanor Torres (Class of 1992) and Alicia Peckham (Class of 1992) before the Rally Day show, 1992.  Photograph by Anne Burton.
Adas gather with other seniors for Rally Day, 1993.

Adas gather with other seniors for Rally Day, 1993.
Rally Day line outside J. M. Green, 1994.

Rally Day line outside J. M. Green, 1994.
Rally Day, 1994.

Rally Day, 1994.
Rally Day, John M. Green Hall, Smith College, 1996.

Rally Day, John M. Green Hall, Smith College, 1996.

Want to see more?

Visit the Special Collections reading room and request Rally Day materials.

This year’s Rally Day takes place Thursday, February 20, 2025, in John M. Greene Hall from 1:30–3:30 p.m. While afternoon classes are canceled, Smith College Libraries remain open.

For more information about Rally Day, visit the Rally Day website.