Two of the biggest stumbling blocks in transcribing historical documents are the "Double S" and the "Long P."
Double S - often mistaken for a lowercase f or p.
Long P - often mistaken for a lowercase f or h.
This project focuses on transcribing historical documents from the Cleveland County Historical Collection, dating from c1850 - 1890. These handwritten records - ranging from deeds, correspondence, and journal fragments - hold valuable insight into the regions historical framework. They also provide examples of literacy, education, handwriting ability, and voice for people living in the foothills of North Carolina.
Transcription is essential for preserving these documents - especially with an increasing number of the public who lack the skill of reading or writing in cursive. Not only to future researchers need to tackle the challenge of reading a different style of English written style (voice) they also face the challenge of reading different English handwriting styles (mechanism).
While transcribing documents can be a time consuming process, it creates a sense of connection to past peoples and place. Through this project you are joining a network of "citizen archivists" who are contributing to both the preservation and access of primary historical documents. To learn more about larger citizen archivist transcription initiatives, visit the National Archives site: https://www.archives.gov/citizen-archivist/missions
