University of Michigan launches rare summer course on ancient papyrus preservation

During a ten-day intensive at the University of Michigan, a cohort of nine international scholars examined and practiced conservation methods on ancient papyrus manuscripts that have often remained untouched for centuries. The Papyrus Conservation Summer Seminar, the only program of its kind in the Americas, draws on the university’s extensive Papyrology Collection, which includes fragments of the Odyssey, the Iliad, works by Epicurus and the earliest known copy of the Epistles of Paul.

Participants learned to remove contaminants, use moisture to relax folds, and dry sheets under light weight to avoid curling. Course director Marieka Kaye stressed creating a supportive environment for students who may feel intimidated by the delicate material. Curator Giuliano Sidro warned that without new trainees, the specialized skills required for papyrus care could disappear. Alumni such as postdoctoral fellow Arzak Mohamed plan to apply the techniques in Egypt and elsewhere, extending the knowledge network across continents.