Discover the Karpeles Manuscript Library Collection
Karpeles Manuscript Library holds the world’s largest collection of original historical manuscripts from all periods in world history.
The collection of more than a million historical documents in the categories of literature, science, religion, political history, exploration, music and art rotates between all its museums across the United States. In addition, reproductions can be found in its mobile exhibits in schools, libraries and private businesses.
Here are some examples of manuscripts that can be found in our expansive collection.
Click on the image to see the full size manuscript.


Literature

Science

Religion

Political History
The excommunication of Napoleon by Pope Pius VII
Issued after the French attacked and occupied the Vatican
The unconditional surrender of the German Third Reich
Issued to Supreme Allied Commander, Dwight D. Eisenhower

Exploration
A page from the LM Contingency Checklist carried on the flight of Apollo 13
Critical flight data for the Service Module and Lunar Module separation maneuvers
Christopher Columbus’ handwritten “Lettera Rarissima”
Describes his last voyage of discovery to the New World and announces he has reached the Indies

Music & Art
The Emperor Concerto by Beethoven
Draft of the first movement from Measure III up to and including the second theme
The Rite of Spring by Stravinsky
Ushered in a new era of irregular meter and syncopation in music when it was introduced in 1913 in Paris