This exhibition traces the growth of Harvard’s medieval manuscript collections from the late 18th to early 20th century. Shaped by donors and faculty, these early acquisitions reveal the influence of travel, the antiquarian book trade, medievalism, and academic specialization on the collection’s development, highlighting how these materials reflect both the societies that created them and 19th-century intellectual and artistic currents.
This exhibition was curated by Sara Powell, Associate Curator of Early Books and Manuscripts, to commemorate the centenary of the Medieval Academy of America.
Opening Reception
Join us on February 10 from 7–8 PM in the Edison and Newman Room as we celebrate the opening of Incipit: A History of Early Manuscripts at Harvard. Beverages and hors d'oeuvres will be provided. Registration is encouraged but not required.
Planning to visit?
Houghton exhibitions are open to all visitors. Please see Harvard Library's Visitor Access Page for the most up-to-date information about visiting the library.
Persons with disabilities who would like to request accommodations or have questions about physical access, please contact us.