Our Mission in Penmanship
The Masgrimes Archive aims to acquire, scan, and freely distribute important specimens and publications relating to the topics of: Engrossing, Lettering, Calligraphy, Designing, Pen Art, and American Penmanship.
It is our privilege to present the documents on this page for your study and use. We expect the reader to understand that the contents contained within this collection are the products of tireless effort by other penmen and respect them accordingly.
We are lucky to live at a time where saving a document from extinction is as simple as turning it into a PDF which can be reproduced indefinitely. With the nature of our discipline’s artwork, many of the precious samples produced by the prolific penmen of the past are slowly returning to dust. Quite literally, our rich historical past is fading away.
It is important to remember, we are not owners of the documents we possess in regards to the history of penmanship, merely custodians. It is our duty to protect them with tenacity and passion before happily passing them to future generations for safekeeping.
Get Involved
If you find yourself in possession of a text or original sample that you believe should be preserved, please send us a message.
Archival Care
For advice and resources pertaining to the preservation of items in your collection, visit our Archival Care page.
Zanerian Materials
Items published by Zaner-Bloser Co., proprietors of the Zanerian College
Portland Business College Materials
Protectors Of Penmanship
In an effort to create a culture surrounding scholarship, historical preservation, and the open sharing of knowledge, we are engaged in a collaborative archiving effort with:
- Dr. Joseph Vitolo — Zanerian.com
- Christopher Yoke — Yoke Pen Co.