Hill Museum & Manuscript Library
The HMML offers anyone with an interest rare access to centuries-old texts, historic documents, and special exhibitions—all right here in central Minnesota. It’s a place of quiet discovery or in-depth study of our world’s handwritten heritage. We are fortunate to have such a treasure so close and so accessible.
from HMML’s Website:
A singular mission for over 60 years: preserving and sharing the world’s handwritten past to inspire a deeper understanding of our present and future.
Deciding to utilize such a rich, diverse collection for study can be overwhelming. Member Jean Formo shares her experience here to help make the idea a little less daunting. You can also visit the HMML website with questions.
MAKE YOUR MANUSCRIPT DREAMS COME TRUE!
Submitted by Jean Formo
Last updated 2025
Imagine being face to page with a variety of original one-of-a kind medieval manuscript books, perhaps even next week! Imagine turning the actual pages in person. Such books live right here in Minnesota, and they are always accessible to YOU. Your very own calligraphy study adventure requires just a little advance planning, a few emails and a bit of driving. In no time at all you can whisk yourself back to the 1400’s! Your final destination is The Hill Museum and Manuscript Library, (HMML), housed in the Bush Center, on the tree-lined campus of Saint John’s University, in rural Collegeville, MN.
What can I study or see at HMML?
Several months before my trip to HMML, I visit www.hmml.org to look at possibilities for study. I can reserve actual manuscript books, manuscript pages on microfilm, or perhaps some facsimile manuscript books. I might want to see holdings in the Arca Artium collection in the main campus library, The Alcuin. It has a large array of ancient books and various pieces of 3-D art.
A visit to HMML is not complete without time spent in the HMML Saint John’s Bible Gallery. The Gallery shows the fascinating story of the making of the Saint John’s Bible, from its inception to completion by a team of calligraphic artists, illuminators and others, led by English calligrapher, Donald Jackson. The Gallery frequently has some of the yet-to-be-bound Bible pages on display as well as tools and materials used in the crafting of this 21st century masterpiece.
Calligraphers will want to see The Minnesota Manuscript Initiative at HMML. The MMI (previously curated and owned by The Colleagues of Calligraphy) is a 1986 collection of framed 20th century contemporary works by notable, international calligraphers. The MMI’s “crown jewel” is a vast body of unframed work by famed English calligrapher, Irene Wellington. Included are her sketches and roughs, illuminated pieces on calfskin vellum, personal correspondence with her teacher, Edward Johnston, and design material from her book, “More Than Fine Writing”. Ann Hechle’s complex original work, “In The Beginning” is a vital part of the MMI. Hechle’s preliminary sketches are available for study. You can reserve and view the entire MMI collection for one or more days of extensive study.
Knowing exactly what you want to see and reserving it well in advance of your arrival is necessary, since the retrieval of items takes some time for HMML staff/personnel. The things you have requested will be there in your assigned study area when you arrive. When your time at HMML is done, a staff person will faithfully gather up everything you studied, count it and return it to its permanent living space, ready for the next scholar. The staff works diligently to make sure that the study experience is productive for the visiting scholar. Your study is free of charge. Though not required, I like to make a financial “gratitude” gift to HMML at the end of my stay as a sign of my commitment to the preservation of the written word.
How long will my study visit be?
HMML is open from 8:00am - 4:30pm, Monday through Friday. If you have just a day, you can arrive on campus at mid-morning and do some study in the afternoon, possibly with a visit to the HMML Gallery.
A day and a half for study with an overnight at the Abbey Guesthouse is another option My preference is a two-night stay allowing two and a half days of study.
Making reservation for a personal study space at HMML and overnight lodging at the Saint John’s Abbey Guesthouse.
I begin my planning process about three or four months in advance, choosing possible summer dates and specific HMML items to study. The campus is beautiful then and I can leave my winter coat at home!
I contact Dr. Audrey Thorstad, Director of Programing at HMML with my requested dates and study choices. Athorstad001@hmml.org
Once the study dates are confirmed by Dr. Thorstad, I am free to reserve my lodging on or near campus. As a visiting “scholar” (that would be YOU too!) I can rest easy in the comfortable Saint John’s Abbey Guesthouse, just a stone’s throw from HMML and the Alcuin Library. A nutritious breakfast is included in the reasonable nightly rate. I can buy lunch and dinner at the campus dining hall. I submit my lodging reservations at www.abbeyguesthouse.org . A Guesthouse staff person emails me, confirming my desired dates. HMML and the Guesthouse are open all year to accommodate scholars. Occasionally during summer months there may be a few campus dorm rooms available, sans breakfast. Hotel/motels are always available in nearby St. Cloud.
I heartily encourage members of The Colleagues of Calligraphy to take advantage of the wealth of resources at HMML. People travel great distances from all over the world to study there, while we have only to jump in our cars! ANYONE can arrange for this kind of study at HMML. YOU can do it. I can do it.
You do not have to be a robed, degreed academic. You are not required to have a letter of introduction from the director of a prestigious educational institution. You are the one who can arrange the whole thing – by yourself. Think of creating a HMML study opportunity together with another calligraphy friend. Drive there together and get to know some ancient vellum, first hand!