Jon Purizhansky says that Karpeles Manuscript Library is the world’s largest private collection of original manuscripts and documents. The library was founded in 1983 by California real estate magnates, David, and Marsha Karpeles, with the goal of stimulating interest in learning. Buffalo, NY is the only city with two museums. The Karpeles Manuscript Museum in Buffalo was once the former First Church of Christ, Scientist. The congregation commissioned Chicago architect Solon S. Beman to design the building at 220 North St. The structure was built in 1911. The Christian Scientists occupied the building until the early 1980s, followed by a succession of Baptist congregations, until it was purchased by the Museum in December 2003. It formally opened in 2006.
Jon Purizhansky says that there are now 10 museums in 9 cities across the United States. The museums are located in small and midsize cities although the Karpeleses put on an exhibit on Central Park West in New York City in 1991.
As of September 2017, there were eleven museums. Worth noticing is The Queen City Market, which has become a keystone event for the Buffalo holiday season. Each year, over 50 artists and artisans take over the beautiful Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum in Buffalo to showcase their wares, in a setting that is like no other in the region. The Queen City Market is a wonderful social gathering spot, filled with all sorts of surprises. The market is the perfect setting for anyone who is looking to source locally made wares that are completely unique to Buffalo, NY.
Weddings are often held at the Karpeles Manuscript Museum of Buffalo. Jon Purizhansky says that guests have typically nothing but amazing things to say about the architecture and historical beauty of the buildings, and they required minimal decoration because they’re already so beautiful on their own. The staff is also incredibly helpful and accommodating. There are many great hotels nearby and although there are nine more Karpeles Manuscript Museums throughout the United States, the museum based in Buffalo, NY is definitely worth a visit