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.
Guided by the vision of its founder, Lawrence J. Schoenberg, the mission of the Schoenberg Institution 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.
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 Colenda.
