Mennonite Historical Library: A Century of Preserving Anabaptist Heritage
The Mennonite Historical Library (MHL) stands as a cornerstone of academic research for the Anabaptist-Mennonite tradition. Established over a century ago at Goshen College, the library has evolved from a modest collection of a few dozen books into one of the most significant repositories of its kind in North America. By bridging the gap between faith and scholarship, the MHL provides an essential resource for students, faculty, and independent researchers worldwide.
Key Facts
- Founded: June 13, 1906, by the Goshen College Alumni Association.
- Collection Size: Over 90,000 volumes.
- Rare Assets: Holds the only known copy of the 1564 first extant edition of the Ausbund.
- Key Partnerships: Collaborates with the Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary (AMBS) and various international libraries.
- Major Funding: Historically supported by the Mennonite Historical Society and grants from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) and Lilly Foundation Inc.
The Early Years and Foundation
The MHL began with a unanimous resolution by the Goshen College Alumni Association in 1906. The initiative, likely suggested by history professor C. Henry Smith, aimed to foster the Anabaptist-Mennonite heritage that defines the character of Goshen College. In its first year, the association spent $33.88 from its endowment to begin building the collection.
By 1912, the collection grew to approximately 80 volumes and was formally presented to the college. Early acquisitions included a 1771 French translation of the Dordrecht Confession of Faith and C.H. Wedel's general history of the Mennonites—the first such history written and published in America.
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The Role of the Mennonite Historical Society
A pivotal turning point occurred in 1924 when Goshen College reopened with a renewed vision to become a center for the academic study of denominational heritage. This era saw the resurrection of the Mennonite Historical Society, led by professors Harold S. Bender, Ernst Correll, and Guy Hershberger.
The society was instrumental in transforming the MHL from a few shelves of books into a comprehensive research resource. Between 1924 and 1929, the society launched two major scholarly initiatives:
- The Mennonite Quarterly Review (a scholarly journal).
- Studies in Anabaptist and Mennonite History (a monograph series).
The society served as the primary funding source for the library for twenty-five years before eventually ending in 2026 and transferring its publishing initiatives to other institutions.
Building a World-Class Collection
The MHL has expanded through a strategic blend of purchases and donations. One of its most prized acquisitions is the 1564 edition of the Ausbund, an Anabaptist hymnal still used by the Amish, purchased for just $10 in 1928. Other significant additions include a 1534 Zurich (Froschauer) translation of the Bible, received as a gift in 1906.
The library integrated substantial collections from figures such as publisher John F. Funk and historian John Horsch, as well as European collections from Christian Hege (Germany) and W.J. Kühler (Netherlands). To maintain a broad scope, the MHL exchanges materials with sister institutions, including Bethel College's Mennonite Library and Archives, Eastern Mennonite University's Menno Simons Library, and the Heritage Historical Library in Ontario.
Beyond books, the MHL preserves "objects of historical interest," such as furniture, toys, and quilts. While it once collected manuscripts, most unpublished records are now managed by the Mennonite Church USA Archives, which moved to Elkhart, Indiana, in 2017.
Evolution of the Library's Home
The physical location of the MHL has shifted several times to accommodate its growth:
- 1927: Moved to the Goshen College Administration Building.
- 1940: Became the first occupant of the Memorial Library.
- 1960: Relocated to the Newcomer Center (formerly Goshen Biblical Seminary).
- 1967–Present: Housed on the third floor of the Harold and Wilma Good Library.
Today, the facility includes a secure rare book room and the John Horsch seminar room, which houses 19th- and 20th-century works from Horsch's original Scottdale, Pennsylvania, collection.
Significant Accomplishments and Outreach
The MHL's vast holdings have been essential for major corporate academic projects, including The Mennonite Encyclopedia and the bibliographies created by Hans J. Hillerbrand, Nelson P. Springer, and A.J. Klassen.
| Period/Year | Funding Source | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1980s | NEH | $290,000+ | Professional recataloging for online access |
| 1991 | NEH | $57,000 | Microfilming early North American periodicals |
| 1998 | Lilly Foundation Inc. | $373,000 | Study of Amish and Old Order groups in Indiana |
The library also engages the public through exhibits. As part of the Martyrs Mirror Trust, the MHL collaborated with the Kauffman Museum to create a traveling exhibit based on the 1685 edition of Martyrs Mirror, which has visited over 60 locations across the U.S. and Canada. Local exhibits in the Good Library Art Gallery have explored themes ranging from Fraktur (decorative writing) to Amish crib quilts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary purpose of the Mennonite Historical Library?
The MHL focuses on providing comprehensive sources for the study of Anabaptist-Mennonite heritage, serving students, faculty, and independent researchers.
What is the most rare item in the collection?
One of the most prized pieces is the only known copy of the 1564 first extant edition of the Ausbund, an Anabaptist hymnal.
How does the MHL differ from the Mennonite Church USA Archives?
The MHL focuses primarily on published materials, whereas the Mennonite Church USA Archives focuses on unpublished records and manuscripts.
Who currently funds the library's acquisitions?
Current funding for new acquisitions comes from donations, Goshen College, and the Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary.
Where is the library located today?
The MHL is located on the third floor of the Harold and Wilma Good Library at Goshen College.