This is a live, interactive Acts of Science: Connected event held during Citizen Science Month.
Participants will contribute to real research together, in real time, with guidance throughout the session and opportunities to hear from the project team and ask questions. No prior experience is needed.
You will be looking through and transcribing the historical Freedmen's Bureau Papers. Smithsonian experts will kick things off by explaining the research, goals, and historical importance of the Freedmen’s Bureau records. You’ll receive step-by-step instructions, then be guided to an easy-to-use website to transcribe handwritten documents into searchable text.
Your work helps preserve and unlock records documenting the lives of formerly enslaved individuals during Reconstruction—supporting research, education, and public access to America’s history. Every transcription counts towards the collective goal of reaching 2.50 Million Acts of Science in April in celebration of America's 250th Birthday!
This project is a collaboration between the National Museum of African American History and Culture and the Smithsonian Transcription Center to transcribe more than 1.7 million image files from the Freedmen’s Bureau records. The Smithsonian Transcription Center is a platform where digital volunteers can transcribe and review transcriptions of Smithsonian collections. The Freedmen’s Bureau Transcription Project is the largest crowdsourcing initiative ever sponsored by the Smithsonian.
In this Acts of Science: Connected event, The Smithsonian experts will kick things off by explaining the research, goals, and historical importance of the Freedmen’s Bureau records. Your work helps preserve and unlock records documenting the lives of formerly enslaved individuals during Reconstruction—supporting research, education, and public access to America’s history. Transcribing these original documents will increase our understanding of the post-Civil War era and our knowledge of post-Emancipation family life.
The shared goal of Citizen Science Month is 2.50 Million Acts of Science in one month in celebration of America’s 250th birthday.
Participants are HIGHLY encouraged to bring their own devices (laptop or tablet recommended).
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!
