Nell Porter-Brown
Nell Porter Brown is assistant editor of Harvard Magazine. She is a graduate of Connecticut College and recently earned a master’s degree in creative writing and literature from the Harvard Extension School. Before joining the magazine staff in 2000, she was a newspaper reporter and covered politics, business, and criminal justice. She has also worked for land conservation organizations, on documentary films, and as an editor for a pharmaceutical research marketing firm. At the magazine, she writes and edits alumni profiles, along with a section on New England arts and culture, history, food, and day trips. She seeks out diverse, novel stories and out-of-the-way places that highlight the region’s beauty and uniqueness. Throughout her career Nell has developed strong collaborative and trusting relationships with both story sources and colleagues, building a wealth of knowledge and the ability to convey human truths through storytelling.
As a magazine writer with a background in reporting for daily newspapers, Nell carefully researches every story, speaks with numerous sources, and takes multiple steps during final editing to fact-check every facet of the story. She is forthright with all interview subjects, explaining the purpose and scope of the story, and she instills a high level of trust throughout the process.
Harvard Squared | January-February 2017
The only surviving residence designed by Louis Comfort Tiffany
Preserving Boston’s unique Ayer Mansion
Harvard Squared | January-February 2017
A sampling of Cambridge's newest restaurants
A sampling of Cambridge’s newest restaurants
Harvard Squared | November-December 2016
Crafts, food, and music at Holly Hill Farm’s winter fair
Holly Hill Farm’s winter fair in Cohasset, Massachusetts
Harvard Squared | November-December 2016
Winter hiking in the Blue Hills Reservation
Appalachian Mountain Club’s winter hiking in the Blue Hills
Harvard Squared | November-December 2016
Steampunk art at the Fuller Craft Museum
Brockton’s Fuller Craft Museum offers Steampunk art that celebrates the city’s shoe-manufacturing legacy.
Harvard Squared | September-October 2016
Cranberry Harvest Celebration in Wareham, Massachusetts
Learn how New England’s iconic berries are cultivated at this annual event.
Alumni | September-October 2016
Harvard alumna Sarah Alcorn reflects on her life as a private investigator
Boston-based private investigator Sarah Alcorn is “a bit of an oddball in this business.”
Alumni | September-October 2016
Profile of Martin J. Grasso Jr., Harvard Alumni Association president
President Martin J. Grasso boosts alumni volunteerism.
Harvard Squared | September-October 2016
Saugus Iron Works replicates colonial-era industry
The Saugus Iron Works highlights early U.S. industrial history
The Iron Works House is a national historic site in Saugus, Massachusetts
The historic structure in Saugus, Massachusetts, highlights Colonial-era styles.
Harvard Squared | September-October 2016
The Boston Fire Museum highlights firefighting history
Children and adults alike are drawn to this eclectic array of firefighting artifacts.
Harvard Squared | September-October 2016
Greater Boston’s panoply of ethnic markets
Ethnic markets serve up a world of food.