UM Hosts Global Papyrus Conservation Seminar

At the University of Michigan, nine international scholars are taking part in the Papyrus Conservation Summer Seminar, the Americas’ only program of its kind and one of a few globally dedicated to preserving ancient papyrus manuscripts. Working under magnifying headbands with precise tools, participants handle fragile papyrus fragments that may not have been touched for a century, learning techniques to remove dirt, realign fibers, and stabilize texts without damaging original material. The seminar emphasizes careful documentation, controlled moisture to relax folds, and slow drying to prevent curling, all aimed at preserving original evidence while making the texts accessible for future study. Michigan’s Papyrology Collection, among the largest in the Western Hemisphere, provides access to texts ranging from 1000 B.C.E. to 1000 C.E., including Homer, Epicurus, and the Epistles of Paul. Marieka Kaye, who manages preservation for the university library, notes the importance of making the process approachable so researchers feel confident rather than intimidated by these ancient artifacts. The program is described as a collaborative, globally minded effort that balances technical conservation with reverence for the historical content and its potential insights for scholars across the world.