"Voices of Freedom" is an opportunity for Citizen Scientists (that's you!) to learn from transcription experts at the Smithsonian and contribute to real, ongoing research about post-Civil war American history.
The Freedmen's Bureau Transcription Project is a collaboration between the National Museum of African American History and Culture and the Smithsonian Transcription Center; it's the largest crowdsourcing initiative ever sponsored by the Smithsonian, and now you can contribute, too! This event is also part of our Citizen Science Month 2026 and America 250 celebrations, and will count towards our cumulative goal of 2.50 Millions Acts of Science around the world.
This program will begin with a live-streamed presentation from Smithsonian experts explaining the research, goals, and historical importance of the Freedmen's Bureau records. Program participants will then be guided through the record review process, and have the chance to contribute their own transcriptions to the project. Your contributions will help increase our understanding of post-Emancipation family life during the Reconstruction period of our nation's history.
Registration is required if you will need access to a library computer during the program. You are also welcome to bring your own laptop computer to participate, in which case registration is strongly encouraged but not required.
Verify Your Email
Check your email (including spam!) and click on the provided link.
Until then, you won't be able to earn badges, or access other members-only features, but you can still browse thousands of projects and events!
