Penn Libraries Receives $5m Bequest From Medieval Historian Elizabeth Brown

A $5m gift from historian Elizabeth A.R. Brown in addition to her professional papers will reinforce the Penn Libraries’ position as a leader for research in medieval studies. 

The bequest from Brown, who died in August aged 92, will establish an archive preserving the professional papers of medieval historians and an endowed archivist position to develop and manage it.

“Professor Brown made significant contributions to medieval history during her long and distinguished career,” said Penn Interim President J. Larry Jameson. “Now, her remarkable bequest to the Penn Libraries, together with the donation of her papers, will establish a lasting legacy here at Penn. Her thoughtful gift strengthens the University’s existing medieval collections and ensures that scholars will have access to these materials for years to come, allowing them to illuminate and expand our understanding of the past.”

The Elizabeth A.R. Brown Medieval Historians' Archivist Fund will create a repository for the professional papers of medievalists, to be led by the Elizabeth A.R. Brown Archivist, an endowed position in the Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts. The Penn Libraries expects to invite applications for this new position soon. The inaugural Brown Archivist will begin by assessing, organizing, and cataloging Brown’s own collection of professional papers.

“We deeply appreciate this gift from Professor Brown, which enables the Penn Libraries to preserve and provide access to the works of medieval studies scholars in perpetuity,” said Brigitte Weinsteiger, H. Carton Rogers III Vice Provost and Director of the Penn Libraries. “Professor Brown’s selection of the Penn Libraries for this gift is a testament to Penn’s expertise in the field of medieval studies, particularly through the Schoenberg Institute for Manuscript Studies. We look forward to honoring her legacy of scholarship through this initiative for generations to come.”

Brown was an eminent medieval scholar whose research and teaching focused on 13th century France, and who taught at Brooklyn College for decades.

Once Brown’s archive has been processed, the Brown Archivist will be responsible for identifying and working with other significant medievalists whose papers will add research value to the archive. Brown’s donation will also cover the operating costs associated with acquisitions and processing.

“There are a lot of hidden costs in any special collections item, especially with extensive archives,” said Nicholas Herman, the Lawrence J. Schoenberg Curator at the Schoenberg Institute for Manuscript Studies and Medieval Studies Librarian at Penn Libraries. “Archives take a lot of processing and a lot of time and space and resources.” 

Several memorial events in Brown’s honor are being planned at Penn, including a one-day Symposium at Penn in September 2025.