Brander Matthews

James Brander Matthews (CC 1871 LAW 1873) was the first professor of dramatic literature in the United Stated. Matthew began teaching at Columbia in 1891, and was offered a professorship by Seth Low the next year. In 1899 he was appointed to the first chair of dramatic literature in the nation, a position he held until retirement in 1924.

Brander Matthews Hall was named after him.

A collection of theatrical artifacts he began in 1911 grew to become the Brander Matthews Dramatic Museum.