Unlocking History: The Call for Citizen Archivists at the National Archives

In an age where history is just a click away, the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) is on a mission to bridge the gap between the past and the digital present. 

Through a groundbreaking initiative, NARA is calling on volunteers from around the globe to become "Citizen Archivists" by transcribing historical documents. This effort not only preserves our collective history but also makes it more accessible to everyone.

Transcription isn't just about converting old script to modern text; it's a vital process for multiple reasons:

Many documents at the National Archives are handwritten, faded, or written in styles long out of use. Transcription ensures these records are preserved in a form that can be understood and studied by future generations.

Transcriptions open up vast archives to people who might otherwise be excluded, such as those with visual impairments who rely on screen readers. It also benefits researchers, students, and history enthusiasts by making archival material more readily available.

Once transcribed, documents can be indexed, making them searchable online. This digital transformation allows users to sift through thousands of records with ease, searching for specific names, dates, or events.

NARA's crowdsourcing initiatives engage the public in a direct way, turning the act of transcription into a communal effort to preserve history. 

By transcribing fragile documents, we reduce the need to handle them physically, thereby preserving their condition.

Transcriptions ensure that the nuances of historical texts are not lost or misinterpreted, providing a solid foundation for scholarly research.

Becoming a part of this historical endeavor is straightforward Visit the National Archives website to set up an account through Login.gov. This secure system ensures your contributions are safely recorded.

The "Get Started Transcribing" page offers a wealth of information. From locating records needing transcription to tips on deciphering old handwriting, NARA has tools and guides to help you along.

The National Archives often has themed "Missions" where volunteers can contribute. Whether it's transcribing documents from the Revolutionary War or World War II, there’s a project for everyone interested in a slice of history.

Once you select a document, you'll find an interface where you can type what you see. The focus is on making these documents searchable, not on replicating their original format.

Look for ongoing or upcoming special transcription projects that might align with your interests or expertise? Subscribing to the National Archives Catalog newsletter keeps you updated on new missions, available records, and changes to the transcription process.

Every transcribed document adds to the vast digital library of history, making it more accessible and understandable. Volunteers are not just transcribing; they're unlocking stories, facts, and insights that might have remained hidden. 

"Each transcription is a step towards a more inclusive understanding of our past," says a spokesperson for NARA. "We're not just preserving documents; we're making history alive and relevant for all."

This call to action for citizen archivists is not just about history; it's about community, technology, and the timeless human pursuit of knowledge. By transcribing, you're not only contributing to the preservation of history but also ensuring that the lessons and stories of the past are available to educate and inspire future generations.

HOW TO GET INVOLVED

1. **Register for an Account**: You need to have a user account in the National Archives Catalog. Go to the National Archives website and click on the "Log in / Sign Up" button in the top right corner. You'll use Login.gov to securely register and sign in. After registering, you can customize your username in your account settings if needed.[](https://www.archives.gov/citizen-archivist/register-and-get-started)

2. **Learn How to Contribute**: 

   - Visit the "Get Started Transcribing" page on the National Archives website. Here, you'll find detailed instructions on how to locate records that need transcribing, how to start a transcription, and how to adjust the size of records and contribution panels.[](https://www.archives.gov/citizen-archivist/get-started-transcribing)

   - Check out the "Transcription Tips" for guidance on how to transcribe various types of historical documents, including tips for reading old handwriting, handling punctuation, and dealing with crossed-out text.[](https://www.archives.gov/citizen-archivist/transcribe/tips)

3. **Find Records to Transcribe:**

   - Use the National Archives Catalog to search for records. You can participate in specific "Missions" which are thematic collections of records needing transcription. These missions can range from transcribing Revolutionary War pension files to World War II oral histories.[](https://www.archives.gov/citizen-archivist/missions)[](https://www.archives.gov/citizen-archivist/missions/revolutionary-war-pension-files)

   - When browsing records, look for those labeled "Not Started" under the transcription status. This indicates the page has not yet been transcribed. You can also skip to the middle or end of the list in a mission as these pages are often less likely to have been completed.[](https://www.archives.gov/citizen-archivist/faqs)

4. **Begin Transcribing:**

   - Once you've selected a record, click on "Start Transcribing" in the gray transcription panel to open the white transcription field. Type what you see, keeping in mind that the goal is to enhance searchability rather than exactly mimic the formatting of the original document.[](https://www.archives.gov/citizen-archivist/get-started-transcribing)

   - Save your work periodically. When you're done, click "Publish and Close" to submit your transcription. If you make a mistake or need to make edits, you can return to the transcription by clicking "Edit transcription."

5. **Join Missions or Special Projects:**

   - Look for current transcription missions or special projects like those involving Revolutionary War pension records, which are collaborative efforts between the National Archives and other entities like the National Park Service. Participating in these can give your work a broader impact.[](https://www.archives.gov/citizen-archivist/missions/revolutionary-war-pension-files)

6. **Stay Updated:**

   - Subscribe to the National Archives Catalog newsletter to stay informed about new transcription missions, records added to the catalog, and any updates or changes to the transcription process.[](https://www.archives.gov/citizen-archivist)