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.

Drumlin Farm's sheep-shearing festival draws crowds

Woolapalooza is held at Mass Audubon’s sanctuary in Lincoln, Massachusetts.

"Killer Heels: The Art of the High-Heeled Shoe," at the Currier Museum

Upward of 150 haute couture and historic shoes are on display in Manchester, N.H.

The International Museum of World War II in Natick

As living memory of the war dims, curators shape a modern museum of history.

Harvard's Arts First Festival in Cambridge

Harvard's Arts First Festival offers more than 100 events.

The Dance Complex in Cambridge is poised to grow

A long-time Cambridge arts organization is poised to grow.

Fruitlands Museum WinterFest Weekends

Sledding, Nordic skiing, and art at Fruitlands Museum, in Harvard, Massachusetts

Cooking classes throughout Greater Boston

Greater Boston’s classes for aspiring and amateur cooks

Stan Munro's toothpick designs are on display at the Fuller Craft Museum

Stan Munro’s toothpick designs are on display at the Fuller Craft Museum.