HMML

@visithmml

The Hill Museum & Manuscript Library (HMML) photographs, catalogs, & provides access to manuscripts—partnering with more than 1,500 libraries worldwide to preserve & share handwritten history. Learn more: hmml.org

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HMML@visithmml· 8d

Dr. Columba Stewart, ED of HMML, presents this week at the World Congress of Syriac Studies / Conference of Christian Arabic Studies in Bucharest, Romania: https://bit.ly/3PuXLHS Pictured: a Syriac evangelion, Church of the Forty Martyrs, Mardin, Turkey (CFMM 00037): https://bit.ly/4bixVyp

Pictured: a Syriac evangelion in the collection of the Church of the Forty Martyrs, Mardin, Turkey. View online in HMML Reading Room (CFMM 00037): vhmml.org/readingRoom/view/123211

HMML@visithmml· 10d

Join HMML and Mahibere Kidusan at the Highland Park Public Library in St. Paul, Minnesota, on Saturday, August 8 12–5 p.m. (CT) for a hands-on celebration of Ethiopian culture through manuscripts, storytelling, food, and music: https://bit.ly/3Mmurg8 Pictured: GG 00043 (https://bit.ly/4yJP51X)

In-person event. Ethiopian Cultural Day. Saturday, August 8, 12-5 p.m. (CT), Saint Paul, Minnesota

Mahibere Kidusan, the Saint Paul Public Library-Highland Park branch, and HMML for a fun, hands-on, celebration of Ethiopian culture!

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Pictured: a Miracles of Mary manuscript in the collection of Gunda Gundē Monastery, Tegrāy Province, Ethiopia. View the full manuscript in HMML Reading Room (GG 00043): vhmml.org/readingRoom/view/600786

HMML@visithmml· 12d

HMML is hiring a "Chief Advancement Officer," a full-time, benefits-eligible, partially-remote position. Details: https://bit.ly/4yQrBZ7 Pictured: a manuscript in the collection of Ledatā Māryām Church, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. (EMML 421, fol. 21r) #JobOpening #Job #Hiring #LibraryJobs #Philanthropy

HMML@visithmml· 17d

Digitization & cataloging are complete for 10 private collections located in central Kerala, India. The contents of these manuscripts include Vedic ritualism, Vedic literature, Sanskrit and Prakrit grammar, Malayalam literature, astrology, Sanskrit drama, & more. Details: https://bit.ly/4eMMRqV

Hindu ascetics from the Thrissur monastic order. Photograph by Olga Nowicka (Thrissur, 2025).

HMML@visithmml· 19d

Join HMML at the Minnesota Center for Book Arts in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Saturday, August 15 at 9 a.m. (CT) for a look at contemporary and historical Ethiopian book bindings with special guest Islam Aly, a visiting artist at the Minnesota Center for Book Arts. RSVP: hmml.org/programs/events

In-Person Event. "Beyond the Book: Ethiopian Books."

Saturday, August 15 at 9 a.m. (CT), Minneapolis, Minnesota

Experience HMML manuscripts alongside the book bindings of Islam Aly, a visiting artist at the Minnesota Center for Book Arts.

Register for this free event at HMML.org

HMML@visithmml· 21d

Digitization & cataloging are complete for the #Armenian manuscripts at the Pontificio Collegio Armeno in Rome, Italy. These #Manuscripts represent an important witness to the history of Armenian religious, intellectual, & communal life in #Rome. Learn more: https://bit.ly/4eEMDlz

Illuminated Mashtotsʻ, copied in Artskē, Kajberunik‘, Eastern Turkey (modern-day Adilcevaz, Turkey), in the year 1432, by priest Karapet. (PCA 00062)

HMML@visithmml· 23d

Digitization & cataloging are complete for 243 Islamic manuscripts in the Franciscan Library in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Dated objects range from an Arabic manuscript on law and logic, copied in Ankara in 1387 CE to an Arabic legal text copied in 1873 CE. Learn more: https://bit.ly/4oL8rzl

HMML@visithmml· Jul 12

Digitization & cataloging are complete for 51 palm-leaf manuscripts in the collection of Tantra Vidyā Pīṭham, a residential educational institution dedicated to training students in the ritual practices of Kerala temple worship, located in Aluva, India. Learn more: https://bit.ly/4wckCYv

Dr. Ushus K. Unnikrishnan, a researcher in the DiPiKA project, surveys the manuscripts of the Tantra Vidyā Pīṭham collection in Aluva. Photograph by Hugo David (2024).

HMML@visithmml· Jul 11

Digitization & cataloging are complete for the Patenti di Partenze series of the Gran Corte della Valletta, containing chronological registers of passengers departing from Malta—passengers' names & ages, together with the vessel's name, captain, crew numbers, & destination: https://bit.ly/43TvUEY

Passenger list dated 1800 (NAMCLV 00001)

HMML@visithmml· Jul 3

Digitization & cataloging are complete for 26 manuscripts in private collections located in Armenia and Georgia, accessible online (vhmml.org) and by visiting HMML in Minnesota. The manuscripts were digitized by Dr. Konrad Siekierski for the "Home Saints" project. Details: https://bit.ly/4uXYoIO

Illuminated Gospel manuscript from Constantinople, Turkey, copied by T‘okhats‘i Mk‘ayēl in 1659 (AMKS 00016, fol. 223r)

HMML@visithmml· Jun 30

🧵(1) Digitization & cataloging is complete for 36 Arabic manuscripts in the collection of Eyes on Heritage (al-ʻUyūn ʻalá al-Turāth, project code EOH), a cultural institution in Gaza. Learn more: hmml.org/collections/...

A text on the Sufi orders by ʻUthmān al-Ṭabbāʻ, written in Gaza in 1907 CE, with a note and seals of approval by his teacher Aḥmad Bisīsū. (EOH 00023)

HMML@visithmml· Jun 29

All current HMML catalogers and curators contributed to a new exhibition, “Lost & Found in Translation." Co-curated by Dr. Jennifer Carnell and Rylie Owen, the exhibition explores the challenges of translation and the connections it fosters. View in-person and online: hmml.org/programs/exhibitions.

Exhibition. Lost and Found in Translation. A new exhibition on the challenges of translation and the connections it fosters. View at HMML in Collegeville, Minnesota, and online at hmml.org/exhibitions.

HMML@visithmml· Jun 27

Sr. Marie-Thérèse Elia, who cataloged Maronite manuscripts at HMML, described the colophon of this manuscript as exemplary: it has the scribe's name, date & location of copying, & a humble plea regarding any mistakes in the work. Lebanese Maronite Order in Kaslik (OLM 00987): https://bit.ly/4wnk5DH

The manuscript was completed on February 5, 1780 CE, and the fact that it was copied by a monk within a monastery suggests it was intended for the monastery's library.

An adjacent note to the colophon bears the seal of the superior general of the Lebanese Maronite Order: it documents the transfer of the manuscript 54 years later to another monastery of the same order. This note provides insight into the circulation of manuscripts among monasteries of the same order, aimed at building or enriching their libraries. It also underscores the value of manuscripts, regarded as an asset that could only be moved by the superior general.

One more historical note adds significant value and interest: "At the beginning of November 1779, there were heavy rains resembling a deluge, and the flow of the Nahr al-Kalb River caused the destruction of its bridge."

Collection of the Lebanese Maronite Order, Kaslik, Lebanon (OLM 00987): vhmml.org/readingRoom/view/507896

HMML@visithmml· Jun 19

The summer issue of HMML Magazine is now available! Read a digital copy or receive the free, print subscription: hmml.org/about/publications This issue includes articles by Matthew Z. Heintzelman, Josh Mugler, Jennifer Carnell, Ali Diakite, Paul Naylor, Amanda Hannoosh Steinberg, & Daniel K. Gullo.

The library of the Benedictine Abbey of Seitenstetten, Austria, was founded in 1112. Many of its manuscripts were destroyed by a fire in 1348. HMML microfilmed 282 of the remaining manuscripts (mainly 11th–17th century) in 1965—one of the early projects led by Father Oliver Kapsner, OSB, HMML’s founding director. In 2025, Dr. Matthew Z. Heintzelman (curator of Western European manuscripts and Special Collections at HMML) visited Seitenstetten library as part of his work to foster further collaboration with HMML’s partners. Photograph by Dr. Heintzelman.

HMML@visithmml· Jun 16

HMML is hiring a "Cataloger of South Asian Manuscripts," a full-time, benefits-eligible, remote position. Details: https://bit.ly/4uGD6PE The Cataloger will be working on Islamic manuscripts recently digitized in India and Pakistan. This is a two-year, grant-funded position. #LibraryJobs #Hiring

A manuscript (ATUP 00786) in the collection of Anjuman-i Taraqqī-yi Urdū Pākistān, located in Karachi. Learn more about the collection: hmml.org/stories/where-were-working-anjuman-i-taraqqi-yi-urdu-pakistan

HMML@visithmml· Jun 10

The Ethiopian Manuscript Microfilm Library (EMML) has photographs of 9,000+ manuscripts microfilmed in Ethiopia from 1973–1994. Manuscript descriptions from the complete 10-volume EMML print catalog are now represented and expanded upon online in HMML Reading Room. Details: https://bit.ly/3PBBIPM

A manuscript in the collection of Dabra Ṣeyon Māryām Monastery in Arsi Province, Ethiopia. View the full microfilm in HMML Reading Room (EMML 7602): vhmml.org/readingRoom/view/201129

HMML@visithmml· Jun 8

For #InternationalArchivesWeek, consider how digitized copies of manuscripts can preserve access to a manuscript's contents, provide a record of ownership if the object is removed, and provide access to cultural heritage if a community is displaced. Learn more: hmml.org/stories/reversal-of-fates

The same manuscript, in the collection of the Chaldean Catholic Church, Patriarchate of Baghdad, Iraq. The manuscript was photographed by Arthur Vööbus (1) and decades later by the Centre Numérique des Manuscrits Orientaux and HMML (2), where it was identified by Grigory Kessel. Its texts include poetry, a commentary on the Nicene Creed, and Ephrem of Qirqesion’s "Explanation of Yawsep Ḥazzāyā’s Chapters of Knowledge." Both photographic copies are preserved by HMML. (Baghdad 513; CPB 00463)

HMML@visithmml· Jun 5

Meet Mary Hoppe, digital projects assistant at HMML since 2011: hmml.org/stories/meet-mary-hoppe "It’s extraordinary how digitization allows the ability to enhance the image and see the fine detail not easily viewed in the original piece. There are constant surprises and connections.”

Meet Mary Hoppe, digital projects assistant. Visit hmml.org/stories to learn more. HMML.

HMML@visithmml· Jun 3

Dr. Josh Mugler, curator of Eastern Christian & Islamic manuscripts at HMML, presents today at a workshop in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Details: https://bit.ly/4nHQst1. Learn more about HMML's projects to preserve manuscripts located in Bosnia and Herzegovina: https://bit.ly/4wAxM2t

HMML

June 3, 2026

What is Persian about the Persianate? Manuscripts from Ottoman Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Josh Mugler, curator of Easter Christian and Islamic manuscripts.

Fondacije Meyli (Kaćuni) T-38 (1907), fol. 2v

HMML@visithmml· Jun 1

At the center of the personal seal of Zawditu, Empress of Ethiopia, is the Conquering Lion of Judah (see EMML 524): https://bit.ly/4lBgg93 Learn more about Empress Zawditu and her impact on the church libraries of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in a story by Dr. Jeremy R. Brown: https://bit.ly/4bPiHl8

Detail of a seal, on a folio of a manuscript in the collection of Qaċanē Dabra Salām Madḫānē Ālam Church, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

HMML@visithmml· May 21

The German artist Albrecht #Dürer was born 555 years ago, on May 21, 1471. There are 27 prints of Dürer's work in HMML Museum, viewable online (vhmml.org/museum) or in-person by visiting HMML in Collegeville, Minnesota. Pictured: Dürer's "Agony in the Garden" (AAP2200): vhmml.org/museum/view/144

HMML@visithmml· May 18

A fragment of a history of the Hausa region by Bello, Sultan of Sokoto (SAV BMH 14522, page 26). Learn more in a story about Banned Books, authored by Dr. Paul Naylor, cataloger of West African manuscripts at HMML: hmml.org/stories/series-books-unreliable-books

Pictured: a fragment of Bello’s history of the Hausa region, Infāq al-maysūr fī tārīkh bilād al-takrūr. (SAV BMH 14522, page 26). Learn more in a story about Banned Books, authored by Dr. Paul Naylor, cataloger of West African manuscripts at HMML: hmml.org/stories/series-books-unreliable-books

HMML@visithmml· May 16

Today, join us to celebrate HMML’s 60 years of preserving and sharing handwritten heritage! This free event is happening in-person in Minnesota, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (CT). Details: https://bit.ly/3PDcmAY Livestream is available from 11 a.m.–12 p.m. (CT): https://bit.ly/4d9iWbq

In-person event. Across Borders and Centuries: Protecting Humanity’s Written Heritage. May 16 at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Minneapolis
10 a.m.—Museum Without Glass
11 a.m.—Presentation by Columba Stewart
12 p.m.—Reception
Register for this free event at HMML.org

HMML@visithmml· May 11

HMML is hiring a "Cataloger, West African Manuscripts," a full-time, benefits-eligible, remote position. Details: https://bit.ly/4njwcgW The Cataloger will participate in HMML's effort to catalog Islamic manuscripts recently digitized in Mali. This is a one-year, grant-funded position. #LibraryJobs

Now hiring: Cataloger, West African Manuscripts

HMML@visithmml· May 10

"Il serait si doux d'aimer!" (To love would be so sweet!), a 1923 print in the series "Miserere et Guerre" by Georges Rouault (1871–1958). View this (AAP2309) and other works by Rouault in HMML Museum: vhmml.org/museum/view/1536 Collection of Saint John's University in Collegeville, Minnesota.

Georges Rouault's print of a mother and child was created using multiple printing and surface techniques—sugar aquatint, drypoint, etching, photogravure, engraving, scraping, burnishing, roulette, and sanding.

HMML@visithmml· May 8

A fāʼidah to catch many fish! Collection of the Aboubacar Ben Said Library, Timbuktu, Mali (SAV ABS 04736). Learn about the extensive genre of fawāʼid (texts to bring benefit) in a story by Dr. Ali Diakite & Dr. Paul Naylor, catalogers of West African manuscripts at HMML: https://bit.ly/4dA3kwP

This fāʼidah (pictured) is part of a manuscript (SAV ABS 04736) in the collection of the Aboubacar Ben Said Library in Timbuktu, Mali, digitized in collaboration with SAVAMA-DCI, Bamako.

View more fawāʼid in HMML Reading Room: vhmml.org/readingRoom/view/157124

HMML@visithmml· May 6

This manuscript (SAV CIA 00016) captures a very important period in the history of the Muslim theocracies in the 19th century—it's a detailed justification of the military campaign against the rulers of the Hausa States, which led to the creation of the Sokoto Caliphate: https://bit.ly/4v5iKRm

HMML@visithmml· May 4

The story of Joseph & Zulaykhā is a popular subject for poetic romances in Persianate literature. KKMA 00065 is the first copy of the story in Punjabi to enter HMML's online Reading Room, through the poetry of Ḥāfiz̤ Bark̲h̲vurdār (1658-1707): https://bit.ly/4dXLfu9 Repository: https://bit.ly/3OcsGIg

A page of KKMA 00065, digitized in the collection of Kutub K̲h̲ānah-yi Muḥammad Anvar in Lahore, Pakistan.

HMML@visithmml· May 1

For International Workers Day, "Island Hay," a 1945 lithograph by Thomas Hart Benton (1889–1975). Collection of Saint John's University, Collegeville, Minnesota. View this and other works by Benton in HMML Museum (AAP0998): vhmml.org/museum/view/79

HMML@visithmml· Apr 26

Microfilm of the complete Archives of the Inquisition of Malta is now digitized & available online in HMML Reading Room (vhmml.org). Public access to this archive was achieved in partnership with the Cathedral Archives in Mdina, Malta, and HMML's Malta Study Center: hmml.org/collections/malta