Twice a month, volunteers gather at the Library for an unlikely activity—transcribing old documents. Since August 2014, the Making History: Transcribe project (www.virginiamemory.com/transcribe) has enlisted the help of the public translating items such as 17th-century order books, 19th-century naturalization records, and 20th-century WPA (Work Projects Administration) Life Histories into searchable text. Volunteers work both in person at transcribe-a-thons and remotely through the project webpage, enabling contributions from across the state and country. The result? Over 70,000 pages transcribed, digital collections made more searchable for researchers, and participants who understand the complex history of Virginia through their interaction with primary sources.
Presented in partnership with HandsOn Greater Richmond, this project is made possible by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.