Digging for Roots

I enjoy the National Park Service's social posts a lot. This one I love. I'm always baffled that schools aren't teaching cursive anymore. I have several books on my shelves about deciphering handwriting during the colonial era, in German script, etc. I guess I just never thought that I have been writing in a way that future generations would need reference guides to decipher.

Consider helping out those future generations now by participating in the this joint project between the National Park Service and the US National Archives.

Is reading cursive your superpower?

Nah? Okay, have a good one.

Oh, you’re still here. Well, we’ve got a project for you! The National Park Service and US National Archives are collaborating on a special project to transcribe the handwritten pension records of more than 80,000 of America’s first veterans and their widows. Not only could you be the first person in 200 years to learn their stories, but your efforts will make a permanent contribution to the nation’s historical record just in time for the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution.

Learn how to register and start transcribing at: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/americanrevolution/revolutionary-war-pension-project.htm

P.S. You do not need to be an expert at reading cursive. It may help, but not everything is in cursive. Just saying.

Image: Graphic with a historical sketch of a soldier of the American Revolution, with the text, "Reading cursive is a superpower."

This Wednesday, January 8, at 7:30pm ET, I'll be presenting at Mecklenburg Genealogical Society's January meeting with Lynn Bancroft and Jane Benton. We'll provide suggestions for goal setting and tips on accomplishing your objectives. Join us to kick off a new year of fun uncovering stories about your ancestors. Register at www.tinyurl.com/omgs-jan25