Guided by the vision of its founder, Lawrence J. Schoenberg, the mission of the Schoenberg Institute for Manuscript Studies (SIMS) at Penn is to bring manuscript culture, modern technology and people together to bring access to and understanding of our intellectual heritage locally and around the world.
Lawrence J. Schoenberg Collection
The Lawrence J. Schoenberg Collection includes nearly three hundred manuscripts and documents ranging in date from ca. 1900BC to the 20th century, with particular focus on the eras of the Middle Ages and Renaissance.
With its emphasis on the history of science and the transmission of knowledge across time and geography, the Schoenberg Collection brings together many of the great scientific and philosophical traditions of the ancient and medieval worlds. Documenting the extraordinary achievements of scholars, philosophers, and scientists active in pre-modern Europe, Africa, and Asia, the collection illuminates the foundations of our shared intellectual heritage.
In 2011, University of Pennsylvania Libraries Board members Barbara Brizdle Schoenberg and Lawrence J. Schoenberg donated their manuscript collection to the Penn Libraries.
Collection Overview
Accordion List
Researchers are encouraged to consult the list of digital resources available through the Schoenberg Institute website in order to learn more about the collection and its strengths.
Digitized manuscripts are available through several portals, including OPenn and Digital Collections.
Related Sites
Accordion List
- Making the Renaissance Manuscript: Discoveries from Philadelphia Libraries (2020 exhibit)
- Reactions: Medieval Modern (2016 exhibit)
- A Legacy Inscribed: The Lawrence J. Schoenberg Collection of Manuscripts (2013 exhibit)
- Specula: Mirrors of Man and Nature - Manuscripts from the Collection of Lawrence J. Schoenberg (2001 exhibit)
- Bibliotheca Schoenbergensis: An Exhibition from the Collection of Lawrence J. Schoenberg (1995 exhibit)
- Full list of online exhibits (click Online Exhibits)
- Press release for donation of Schoenberg Collection (2011)
- Transformation of Knowledge: Early Manuscripts from the Collection of Lawrence J. Schoenberg (2006)
- Checklist of Manuscripts in the Lawrence J. Schoenberg collection (2013, PDF format)
- Reactions: Medieval/Modern (2016, exhibit catalogue)
- Making the Renaissance Manuscript: Discoveries from Philadelphia Libraries (2020, exhibit catalogue)
- Manuscript Studies: A Journal of the Schoenberg Institute for Manuscript Studies
- Full list of SIMS publications
Holding Location
Collection Subject
- Art and Art History Collection
- Classical Studies Collection
- French Language and Literature Collection
- History Collection
- History and Sociology of Science Collection
- Italian Language and Literature Collection
- Medieval Studies Collection
- Middle Eastern Studies Collection
- Philosophy Collection
- Religious Studies Collection
Date Range
- 3000-2501 B.C.E.
- 2500-2001 B.C.E.
- 2000-1501 B.C.E.
- 1500-1001 B.C.E.
- 1000-501 B.C.E.
- 500-1 B.C.E.
- 0-499 C.E.
- 500-599 C.E.
- 600-699 C.E.
- 700-799 C.E.
- 800-899 C.E.
- 900-999 C.E.
- 1000-1099 C.E.
- 1100-1199 C.E.
- 1200-1299 C.E.
- 1300-1399 C.E.
- 1400-1499 C.E.
- 1500-1599 C.E.
- 1600-1699 C.E.
- 1700-1799 C.E.
- 1800-1899 C.E.
- 1900-1999 C.E.
Format