The Board of Visitors served alongside the Chancellor to oversee the internal functions of the College. The Board began around 1853 and continued through 1906.

First, visitor, in this sense, is an overseer of an entity. This was a function of the Chancellor- who was also the Bishop of Connecticut for some time- and a Board was formed to assist in the College's internal administration. Early members included Bishop Brownell, who served until his death in the role.

The members of the Board of Visitors primarily consisted of former Chancellors, who would serve until their death. Eventually, many of these leaders died without replacement. The last Catalogue to list the Board of Visitors was printed in 1905.

Merriam-Webster Dictionary.

History of Trinity College (1967) by Glenn Weaver, pp. 93, 230, 240.