As HMML marks 60 years of photographing at-risk manuscripts around the world, Executive Director Dr. Columba Stewart reflects on why preserving the world’s handwritten past matters more than ever.

Drawing on HMML’s global partnerships and decades of experience across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, Stewart explores how manuscript preservation has evolved, what principles have remained constant, and why safeguarding cultural heritage remains essential in an uncertain world.

“Shakespeare and His World: A Celebration of HMML’s Second Folio” is a conversation with Dr. Matthew Harkins and Dr. Audrey Thorstad, where they journey back to England in the 16th and 17th centuries to learn more about the authors who shaped theater and English literature as we know it, as well as the kings and queens who implemented royal censorship and banned books.

Dr. Ani Shahinian presents “Armenian Christian Martyrs in Text and Image: A Brief Study of the Armenian Illuminated Menologium”

Dr. Jeremy R. Brown presents “Inspired Grace: The Ethiopic Miracles of Mary” - stories about the life and miracles of the Virgin Mary

Dr. Vandeburie explores the career and work of Jacques de Vitry, a famed 13th-century preacher who was appointed as Bishop of St. Jean d'Acre in the Kingdom of Jerusalem.