They come from places like Alabama, Scotland and Ethiopia with interests as varied as the collections they are prepared to explore. Studying the origins of Gregorian chant or homeopathic cures in 17th Century Western Europe, Byzantine architecture or the history of the book itself, manuscript experts and Medievalists converge at the Hill Museum & Manuscript Library to access the largest collection of manuscripts in the world.

Few realize the extent of the small underground library at the outset of their research. One scholar remarked that he was "greatly rewarded" by the access to multiple microfilmed libraries in Europe, which allowed him to study documents he previously did not know existed.

The research experience at HMML is more than microfilm reels, however. On more than one account, researchers have commented on the helpfulness of HMML's staff, and once scholar reflected that HMML's "people are as marvelous as its texts." Researchers benefit greatly from studying in an environment populated with people who are passionate about and committed to preserving and studying manuscripts.

The researchers themselves infuse the Library with life as they unlock history from HMML's diverse collections. Their work reminds us that manuscripts are only as useful as the people who study them and share their significance with others. While staying at Saint John's University, our visiting researchers encounter a contemporary Benedictine community rooted in learning and preservation, foundations of HMML's mission. The Benedictine spirit of hospitality is almost palpable, and all are invited share in daily prayer as well as special celebrations.

Visiting scholars and researchers sustain and inspire HMML's continued work. Recently, HMML has begun to publish researcher profiles to the web. We invite you to spend some time getting to know these medieval and manuscript specialists.

[NOTE: Many of the following scholars have stated their willingness to respond to questions or inquiries that you may have about their specific academic work or their experience at HMML. If you would like to contact a specific researcher, please email HMML at hmml@csbsju.edu. Please list your subject line as "Scholar Contact Request", and address your email to the researcher. HMML will then forward your email directly to the scholar, who will respond in turn.]

Lucie Doležalová

Elizabeth Duncan

James Mixson

Mike Ryan