National Archives Seeks Volunteers to Help Transcribe Cursive Records

WASHINGTON — The National Archives is calling on volunteers who can read cursive handwriting to assist in preserving American history. With cursive writing becoming less common, this skill is vital for transcribing documents that date back centuries.

The U.S. National Archives and Records Administration, the nation’s official record keeper, holds a vast collection of handwritten documents. These include eyewitness accounts of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, materials related to the Louisiana Purchase, and genealogical resources. Many of these records, predating typewriters and computers, are written in cursive, making it challenging for modern audiences to access their content.

Volunteers are asked to transcribe and tag records, helping to make them digitally accessible. The effort is especially crucial as fewer Americans retain cursive literacy skills.

This initiative, in partnership with the National Park Service, coincides with preparations for the nation’s 250th anniversary. Current projects include transcribing Revolutionary War pension files.

To join, volunteers can register for a free account on the National Archives website. 

As of now, only half of U.S. states require cursive to be taught. Most people use cursive sparingly, typically for signatures, leaving them ill-equipped to navigate dense historical documents.

More information can be found by clicking here.