iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Cataloging is complete for the manuscript collection of the StiftsMuseum Xanten in Xanten, #Germany. In 1983, HMML microfilmed these 338 manuscripts and archival records, including #Maps by the prolific cartographer Johann Bücker of landholdings along the #Rhine. Learn more: bit.ly/4hhpvLv

A 1718 map of the course of the Rhine near Bislich, including the landholdings of Kloster Fürstenberg, by the cartographer Johann Bücker. Collection of Stift Xanten. (HMML 38753 007)

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HMML @visithmml.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

Of the more than 70 repositories in Austria where HMML worked between 1965 and 1973, last year Dr. Matthew Z. Heintzelman visited staff at 25 libraries—in a quest to gather information about these foundational projects and to seek ways of furthering collaboration. Learn more: bit.ly/3TvdM2e

hmml.org

HMML: A Library of Relationships

“It used to seem very easy to describe HMML and its mission...”

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HMML @visithmml.bsky.social · 03/10/2026

On Saturday, October 17 (4–5 p.m. CT), join HMML at Minnesota Center for Book Arts (MCBA) in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to learn about damaged books in HMML’s collection. Details about this free, in-person event can be found at hmml.org/programs/events

Pictured: a damaged print book from the 16th century, containing the text of Das grosse Leben Christi (Mainz, 1758). Collection of HMML, Collegeville, Minnesota.

In-Person Event
Beyond the Book: Book Repair

Saturday, October 17, 4–5 p.m. (CT), Minneapolis, Minnesota

Learn about the repair of rare books and manuscripts with Dr. Matthew Z. Heintzelman and Dr. Catherine Walsh.

Details about this free event: HMML.org

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HMML @visithmml.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

Three new features were recently added to bit.ly/2sa4TLB, the website that hosts HMML Reading Room and Museum, which provide free online access to more than 267,000 manuscripts and works of art: * Open in new Tab * Quick View * Image Compare Learn more: bit.ly/4qO6nax

hmml.org

New features added to vHMML Reading Room

New features added to vHMML Reading Room page

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HMML @visithmml.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

A palm-leaf manuscript of Naḷacarita āṭṭakkatha, a famous Kathakaḷi play by Kerala author Uṇṇāyivāriyar about the love story of Nala and Damayantī. This Malayalam copy was made in 1913 CE and is located at the Vaṭakke Maṭham Brahmasvam in Thrissur, India (DKA 013 00001): bit.ly/4yiY35w

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HMML @visithmml.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

A new guide is available for HMML's photographic collections of #Ethiopian manuscripts, including repository and access information. View the guide: bit.ly/4x5MHAD Learn about HMML's partnerships in Ethiopia: bit.ly/4zMYg29 Image credits: see alt text.

A 13th-century Gospel manuscript, in the collection of Ḥayq Esṭifānos Monastery, Wallo Province, Ethiopia. View in Reading Room (EMML 1832): vhmml.org/readingRoom/view/203663

A 19th-century "Life of Takla Alfā," in the collection of Dimā Giyorgis Monastery, Goğğām Province, Ethiopia. View in Reading Room (EMDA 00322): vhmml.org/readingRoom/view/533826

Three crosses in a 19th-century scroll of spiritual healing, in the collection of Luther Seminary, Saint Paul, Minnesota. View in Reading Room (LSEM 00005): vhmml.org/readingRoom/view/519067

(4): A 17th-century commentary on Ibn al-Ḥājib's grammar "al-Kāfiyah," in the collection of Sherif Harar City Museum, Harar, Ethiopia. View in Reading Room (EMIP 01735): www.vhmml.org/readingRoom/view/527463

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Reposted by HMML

Carin Ruff @carinr.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

HMML fellowships are a great opportunity to spend time using the collections in a beautiful facility at a beautiful monastery! You get access to a great manuscript reference collection as well as all the microfilmed and digitized resources. And nice people! Application deadline is October 15th.

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HMML @visithmml.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

🧵 (5/5) Learn more about both digitization projects in a story authored in July 2023 by Dr. Celeste Gianni, cataloger Arabic manuscripts at HMML: hmml.org/stories/where-were-working-gaza

hmml.org

Where We're Working: Gaza

“The Gaza Strip is the smallest of the two Palestinian territories in...”

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HMML @visithmml.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

🧵 (4/5) This month, Dr. Abdul Latif Abu Hashem and Haneen Al-Amasi were named laureates of the 2026 UNESCO/Jikji Memory of the World Prize for their work to safeguard Gaza’s manuscript heritage: www.unesco.org/en/articles/...

unesco.org

Palestinian Documentary Heritage Professionals to Receive 2026

UNESCO Director-General Khaled El-Enany has named Abdul Latif Hashim and Haneen Al-Amassi as the laureates of the 2026 UNESCO/Jikji Memory of the World Prize, following the recommendation of an

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HMML @visithmml.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

🧵 (3/5) In 2022, the project was extended to digitize the collection of Eyes on Heritage, a library of manuscripts, documents, and rare books collected in the Gaza Strip by the historian Dr. Abdul-Latif Abu Hashem. 36 of these manuscripts are cataloged and viewable in HMML Reading Room (vhmml.org).

vhmml.org

Virtual Hill Museum & Manuscript Library

Resources and Tools for Manuscript Studies

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HMML @visithmml.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

🧵 (2/5) In February 2020, digitization of the manuscript library of the Great Omari Mosque began through a partnership between the library, HMML, and the Endangered Archives Programme of the British Library. These manuscripts are cataloged and viewable in HMML Reading Room (vhmml.org).

vhmml.org

Virtual Hill Museum & Manuscript Library

Resources and Tools for Manuscript Studies

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HMML @visithmml.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

🧵 (1/5) Incredible work by Haneen al-Amssi (executive director of the Eyes on Heritage Foundation) and her team of specialists and volunteers who are applying a first-aid response to the library of the Great Omari Mosque in the city of Gaza: www.palestinechronicle.com/saving-gazas...

palestinechronicle.com

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HMML @visithmml.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

Thank you, Dr. Posegay! An article about the digitization project was authored by cataloger Dr. Celeste Gianni in July 2023: hmml.org/stories/wher... At the Great Omari Mosque, 211 manuscripts were photographed; all are cataloged and viewable in HMML Reading Room. Details: hmml.org/collections/...

hmml.org

Where We're Working: Gaza

“The Gaza Strip is the smallest of the two Palestinian territories in...”

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HMML @visithmml.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

Info. about the digitization project that HMML was involved in can be found on our website—including an overview (hmml.org/about/global...) and more background (hmml.org/stories/a-de...). And more stories about the Mali collections can be found here: hmml.org/stories/tags...

hmml.org

HMML Global Operations: Mali

HMML Global Operations page for Mali

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HMML @visithmml.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

Over a period of six months this past year, the Mali cataloging team at HMML was able to add around 85,000 manuscripts to HMML’s online Reading Room (vhmml.org)—work that otherwise could have taken a decade to complete manually. Learn more: hmml.org/stories/innovations-in-mali-cataloging-work

hmml.org

Innovations in Mali Cataloging Work

“HMML's decade-long project in Mali digitized more than 300,000 manuscripts, amounting to an estimated 4.35 million unique image files...”

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HMML @visithmml.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

Did you know that you can translate the HMML Reading Room (vhmml.org) interface into other languages, including Amharic, Arabic, and Tigrinya? Learn more: hmml.org/research/vhmml

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HMML @visithmml.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

How can HMML support your research? Apply for a fellowship to fund your visit to HMML in Collegeville, Minnesota. Now accepting applications for research residencies to be completed between January 1 and June 30, 2027. Application deadline: October 15 Learn more: hmml.org/research/fellowships

Fellowship Opportunities. HMML Research Fellowships.

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Reposted by HMML

Jamey Walters @jedwardwalters.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

This was one of the collections that I got to catalog. It's a wonderful set of manuscripts that testifies to a very active scribal tradition in and around Tel Keppe.

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HMML @visithmml.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

🧵(4) Several manuscripts were copied by well-known scribal families in Alqūsh and Tel Keppe, and their colophons provide important information for studying scribal culture and the transmission of texts in the early period of the Chaldean Catholic tradition. Learn more: hmml.org/collections/...

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HMML @visithmml.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

🧵(3) This is the first page of a Syriac bible containing all five books of the Pentateuch, in the collection of Qalb al-Aqdas Chaldean Church, Tel Keppe, Iraq. View each page in HMML Reading Room (QACCT 00002): vhmml.org/readingRoom/view/135541

The first page of a Syriac bible containing all five books of the Pentateuch, collection of Qalb al-Aqdas Chaldean Church. (QACCT 00002)

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HMML @visithmml.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

🧵(2) The collection consists of 227 manuscripts, mostly dated to the 18th through 19th centuries and primarily containing texts written in the Syriac language, though there are also texts in Arabic, Arabic Garshuni, and Neo-Aramaic (Sureth).

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HMML @visithmml.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

🧵(1) Tel Keppe, Iraq, has historically been home to a large community of Syriac heritage Christians associated with the Chaldean Catholic Church. The manuscripts of the Qalb al-Aqdas Chaldean Church in Tel Keppe were digitized by 2010, before the village was captured by the Islamic State.

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HMML @visithmml.bsky.social · 13/09/2026

In 1965, HMML microfilmed 406 manuscripts at the Benedictine Abbey of Lambach, Austria: bit.ly/3SE2LeU The microfilm project numbers were later added to the manuscripts’ labels by Lambach library staff—a testament to the enduring relationship between the handwritten & film copies.

Manuscripts at the Lambach library in Austria. The microfilm project numbers were later added to the manuscripts’ labels (pictured) by Lambach library staff.

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Reposted by HMML

Jonathan Bohan @jonathanbohan.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

@darthbluesky.bsky.social best use of Air Bud to illustrate Islamic scholarship?

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HMML @visithmml.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

People living under a code of laws or rules will sometimes find it advantageous to identify #legal stratagems or #loopholes that can reinterpret the letter or spirit of those laws. Dr. Josh Mugler shares some examples found in Islamic legal scholarship: bit.ly/4hFu9TO

hmml.org

The Letter and the Spirit

“In the film Air Bud (1997), a key plot point is enabled by the realization that there is ‘no rule says a dog can't play basketball'...”

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HMML @visithmml.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

🧵(5) A series of #Fragments (HMML 37176, multiple records) also contains one of the oldest surviving examples of Yiddish, dating to 1397 CE. View the catalog records by visiting vhmml.org, entering the Reading Room, and searching for HMML project number "37176."

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HMML @visithmml.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

🧵(4) The oldest manuscript in the collection is a 5th-6th century papyrus fragment from Byzantium—a Greek-Latin glossary (HMML 37172): www.vhmml.org/readingRoom/...

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HMML @visithmml.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

🧵(3) The majority of the manuscripts include theological writings, sermons, and commentaries on religious texts. Hagiographies provide a glimpse into the diverse veneration of saints in Cologne (such as the French William of Maleval, the Dutch Lidwina of Schiedam, and the Coptic Anthony the Great).

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HMML @visithmml.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

🧵(2) In 2009, mismanagement of a subway’s construction led to the devastating collapse of the Cologne archives. A decade later, only half of the recovered archival materials were restored and accessible. HMML's microfilms offer a record of the medieval and early modern collection before the damage.

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HMML @visithmml.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

🧵(1) Cataloging is complete for the collection of the Historisches Archiv der Stadt Köln, the city archive for Cologne, Germany—one of the largest archives in Europe. Between 1979 and 1982, HMML microfilmed 1,385 manuscripts in the archive. Learn more: hmml.org/collections/...

Illuminated initial depicting King David in a 14th-century psalter from the diocese of Trier, collection of Historisches Archiv der Stadt Köln in Cologne, Germany. (HMML 36852)

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HMML @visithmml.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

HMML's Malta Study Center is please to be a co-sponsor of two notable gatherings happening in Malta this Fall: * The IX International Military Orders Conference: bit.ly/4wZB7qF * Seminar and events celebrating the 300th anniversary of Maltese composer Benigno Zerafa: bit.ly/3UBhdEW

The IX International Military Orders Conference in Malta, from September 9–12, organized by Dr. Valeria Vanesio and Dr. Emanuel Buttigieg of the University of Malta. Learn more: https://www.um.edu.mt/events/militaryorders2026/

In October and November, a seminar and events celebrating the 300th anniversary of Maltese composer Benigno Zerafa, organized by the Cathedral Archives and Mdina Metropolitan Chapter. Learn more: https://benignozerafa.metropolitanchapter.com/

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HMML @visithmml.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

Join Dr. Josh Mugler, curator of Islamic manuscripts at HMML, in Minnesota for a hands-on look at some remarkable East African manuscripts at three free, in-person events, September 8–10. Learn more: hmml.org/programs/events

In-person event. Connecting Communities: East African Manuscripts in Conversation. September 8: Saint John’s University, Collegeville, MN
September 9: Stearns History Museum, Saint Cloud, MN
September 10: Macalester College, Saint Paul, MN. Join Dr. Josh Mugler, curator of Islamic manuscripts at HMML, for a hands-on look at remarkable East African manuscripts. Visit hmml.org/events to learn more about these free, public events.

Pictured: a manuscript containing the famous Arabic prayer book "Dalāʼil al-khayrāt," with an image of the tombs of the Prophet Muḥammad and the first two caliphs, located in Medina. Collection of the Sherif Harar City Museum, Harar, Ethiopia. View the full manuscript in HMML Reading Room (SHCM 00011): vhmml.org/readingRoom/view/530027

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HMML @visithmml.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

Do you love the ability to compare manuscripts in HMML Reading Room but want to see them FULL SCREEN? Now you can! * Sign into Reading Room (vhmml.org) * Visit vhmml.org/compare * Paste in 2 IIIF manifest URLs * Click "Load" * Click "Full Screen" Video tutorial: bit.ly/4hkngXR

youtu.be

Compare images in vHMML

Compare images in vHMML After you sign in, visit this page: https://www.vhmml.org/compare. Paste in 2 IIIF manifest URLs. Click Load. Click Full Screen. Hit ESC to go back to vHMML. You can also load manuscripts to compare by passing them in a...

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HMML @visithmml.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

🧵(4) Its source from the Ethiopic tradition is much better known, attested in dozens of manuscripts. One of these was translated into English a century ago in a volume which HMML recently digitized and added to Reading Room (AARB 00158): vhmml.org/readingRoom/view/534311

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HMML @visithmml.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

🧵(3) According to the rubric of the manuscript, this translation happened in the mid-16th century, undertaken during the reigns of the Ethiopian Emperor Galāwdēwos (1540–1559) and Pope Gabriel VII of Alexandria (1525–1570).

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HMML @visithmml.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

🧵(2) A copy of the rare Arabic text is found in ABMQ 00403 (pictured), a 17th-century theological miscellany digitized at the monastery of Dayr al-Qiddīs Anbā Maqār in Wadi al-Natrun, Egypt. View the full manuscript in HMML Reading Room: vhmml.org/readingRoom/view/511622

Open pages of ABMQ 00403, a 17th-century theological miscellany digitized at the monastery of Dayr al-Qiddīs Anbā Maqār in Wadi al-Natrun, Egypt.

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HMML @visithmml.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

🧵(1) August 30 was the feast day of Takla Hāymānot, perhaps the most famous Ethiopian saint, also venerated by the Coptic Church. An account of his life was translated from Ge‘ez into Arabic. While numerous texts were translated from Arabic into Ge‘ez, this is the only known case of the reverse.

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HMML @visithmml.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

HMML is seeking applicants for the position of "Advancement Associate," a full-time, benefits-eligible position. This is a hybrid position, with 3 days on-site in Collegeville, Minnesota, and 2 days remote. Learn more: bit.ly/4xa8zvq #JobOpening #LibraryJobs #Philanthropy

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HMML @visithmml.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

🧵(4) View NDU 00332 online in HMML Reading Room: vhmml.org/readingRoom/view/608032

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HMML @visithmml.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

🧵(3) NDU 00332 is an Arabic response to "Orientalium dignitas" by Raphael Hawaweeny, later Russian/Antiochian Orthodox bishop of Brooklyn. At that time, Hawaweeny was teaching at a seminary in Kazan, Russia. This is a rare text, in the collection of Notre Dame University, Louaize in Lebanon.

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HMML @visithmml.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

🧵(2) Both ACK 00168 and ACK 00169 are in the collection of the Chaldean Catholic Church, Archdiocese of Kirkuk, Iraq, digitized in collaboration with Centre Numérique des Manuscrits Orientaux.   View online: ACK 00168: vhmml.org/readingRoom/view/504363 ACK 00169: vhmml.org/readingRoom/view/504364

vhmml.org

ACK 00168 - Iraq - Kirkuk - Chaldean Catholic Church. Archdiocese of Kirkuk - Reading Room - vHMML

Resources and Tools for Manuscript Studies

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HMML @visithmml.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

🧵(1) ACK 00168 (pictured) and ACK 00169 are Arabic manuscript copies of the two major encyclicals issued by Pope Leo XIII on the topic of the Eastern churches: "Orientalium dignitas" (1894) and "Auspicia rerum" (1896). ACK 00169 includes a printed French translation of the latter text as well.

An arabic manuscript copy of the two major encyclicals issued by Pope Leo XIII on the topic of the Eastern churches: "Orientalium dignitas" (1894) and "Auspicia rerum" (1896). Collection of the Chaldean Catholic Church, Archdiocese of Kirkuk, Iraq, digitized in collaboration with Centre Numérique des Manuscrits Orientaux.

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HMML @visithmml.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

In Harar and the surrounding region of eastern #Ethiopia, a particular set of texts has become the standard compilation for communal reading at #Mawlid celebrations. Take a closer look with Dr. Josh Mugler, curator of Islamic manuscripts at HMML: bit.ly/4wHv6jf

hmml.org

The Prophet's Birthday and Books for Celebrating It

“In many Muslim communities, the annual celebration of the Prophet Muḥammad's birthday is one of the most festive occasions of the year...”

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HMML @visithmml.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

One cannot speak of #Tricksters without also bringing to mind their counterparts—the #Fools who fall for the tricks being performed. Dr. Matthew Z. Heintzelman shares examples in a pictorial dictionary of fools who, in some sense, are tricksters who only trick themselves: bit.ly/4ieo4Oi

hmml.org

Tricksters and Fools -- Reflecting or Reflexive?

“One cannot speak of tricksters without also bringing to mind their counterparts--the fools who fall for the tricks being performed...”

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HMML @visithmml.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

HMML is seeking applicants for the position of "Director of Advancement Operations and Annual Giving," a full-time, benefits-eligible, fully-remote position. Learn more: bit.ly/4gn5vFl #JobOpening #Jobs #Hiring #LibraryJobs #Data #Philanthropy

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HMML @visithmml.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

Yes, that's correct! This text in particular presents itself as historical fact.

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HMML @visithmml.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

Only a backdrop in “The Odyssey,” Troy’s siege was retold in many medieval histories which claimed that Trojan refugees settled Rome & other lands, imparting imperial legitimacy. One such story is “Historia destructionis Troiae,” composed in 1287 & copied here a century later: bit.ly/4zoIRF8

Folio 5r depicts Jason and the Argonauts setting sail on their quest for the Golden Fleece. Access HMML’s microfilm copy of the manuscript (HMML 45310), now in the collection of University of Gießen in Germany, as well as a link to the full digital facsimile: https://www.vhmml.org/readingRoom/view/849367

Folio 6r depicts the Argonauts’ arrival at Troy, where they are refused hospitality. Later many of them would return to participate in the siege of Troy in revenge for their treatment. Access HMML’s microfilm copy of the manuscript (HMML 45310), now in the collection of University of Gießen in Germany, as well as a link to the full digital facsimile: https://www.vhmml.org/readingRoom/view/849367

Folio 117r depicts the duel between the Amazon warrior Penthesilea against Pyrrhus, the son of Achilles, which leads to her death. Access HMML’s microfilm copy of the manuscript (HMML 45310), now in the collection of University of Gießen in Germany, as well as a link to the full digital facsimile: https://www.vhmml.org/readingRoom/view/849367

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HMML @visithmml.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

HMML is hiring a "Chief Advancement Officer," a full-time, benefits-eligible, partially-remote position. Details: bit.ly/4hJiSSD Pictured: the reading room at the HMML office in Collegeville, Minnesota. #JobOpening #Jobs #Hiring #LibraryJobs #Philanthropy

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HMML @visithmml.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

Meet Katherine Goertz, curator/registrar of art collections at HMML: hmml.org/stories/meet-katherine-goe… Katherine generously answered five questions to give us insights into her work and interests, including some of her favorite discoveries (spoiler: multispectral imaging is involved).

Meet Katherine Goertz, curator/registrar. art collections. Visit hmml.org/stories to learn more.

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HMML @visithmml.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

A manuscript of the Arabic prayer book "Dalāʼil al-khayrāt," with an image of the tombs of the Prophet Muḥammad and the first two caliphs. The discoloration is evidence that readers have touched the tombs devotionally. Sherif Harar City Museum, Ethiopia. Details: vhmml.org/readingRoom/view/530027

Collection of the Sherif Harar City Museum, Harar, Ethiopia (SHCM 00011, folios 22v–23r): vhmml.org/readingRoom/view/530027

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