House History

Phi Beta Epsilon was established as a local fraternity here at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology back in 1890 and has been thriving ever since. From the very beginning, our founder, Horace Lewis Phillip Brand, emphasized the importance of producing true gentlemen and developing a sincere sense of brotherhood – goals which we still try and espouse today.

PBE is one of the oldest fraternities at MIT and is located at 400 Memorial Drive, looking over the Charles River. As a result of our age and location, brothers have played influential roles in our school's history for decades. From our distinguished alumni whose professional and monetary contributions can be seen around campus to the countless brothers who have excelled as leaders in student organizations, athletic teams and in the classroom, PBE has definitely left a lasting impression throughout the Institute.

The House and its brothers haven't changed much in over a century. Other than a few antiquated customs that are no longer practiced anymore, we still pride ourselves in our traditions and we still produce a quality class of brothers every year. These pursuits have brought together brothers for over 100 years; these pursuits have brought friendship and brotherhood to more than 1,000 men who still consider Old 400 their home, and these pursuits are the foundation of Phi Beta Epsilon.