About Manuscript Collections

Manuscript collections in the Hanna Holborn Gray Special Collections Research Center reflect the research interests and strengths of the University of Chicago over time. Our manuscript collections are split into two categories based on their age: early manuscripts and modern manuscripts.


Early Manuscripts (pre-1700)

Detail of illuminated page in Book of Hours (Ms 347)
Book of Hours (Ms 347)
Photograph by Dan Dry

The early manuscript collections include manuscripts from the ancient, medieval, Renaissance, and early modern periods to 1700. Areas of strength include:

Related to these materials are archival records and faculty papers documenting two extended University of Chicago projects centered on early manuscripts:


Modern Manuscripts (1700-present)

Black-and-white photograph of White woman and Black man holding sign that reads "CommUNITY. Join the Hyde Park-Kenwood Community Conference," circa 1960s.
Hyde Park-Kenwood Community Conference Records