Volunteering at Archives II: A Newbie's "Close Encounters" with The Real "National Treasures"

Today's post comes from Lisa Covi, a volunteer at the National Archives in College Park (Archives II) serving as a staff aide on the Panama Canal Photo Metal Application and World War II holdings maintenance projects. Lisa is also training as a docent to give tours of Archives II. She has a Ph.D. in Information … Continue reading Volunteering at Archives II: A Newbie's "Close Encounters" with The Real "National Treasures"

Archives 360°: “Keeping Humans in the Loop” in Chicago

Founded in 1936, the Society of American Archivists (SAA) celebrates its 75th anniversary this year. During the week of August 22, almost 1,800 archives professionals from all over the globe gathered in Chicago, Illinois for SAA’s annual meeting and anniversary celebration. Today's blog features my introductory remarks for SAA session #701 that I chaired, "New Perspectives for the 1940 Census" providing a quick history of innovative technologies used for processing and accessing census data.

"What Are You Working On, Robert Gaugler?" Volunteer Edition!

In early December, the Archivist of the United States, David Ferriero, awarded Weidman Outstanding Volunteer Service Awards to three National Archives volunteers.  Robert Gaugler was honored for his leadership of volunteer projects to make America's military records more accessible. What’s your name and where do you volunteer at NARA? My name is Bob Gaugler, and … Continue reading "What Are You Working On, Robert Gaugler?" Volunteer Edition!

"What Are You Working On, Ernest Webby?" Volunteer Edition!

In early December, the Archivist of the United States, David Ferriero, awarded Weidman Outstanding Volunteer Service Awards to three National Archives volunteers.  Ernest Webby was honored for his ingenuity and achievement in establishing a program to enhance Web resources for the John F. Kennedy Library. What’s your name and where do you volunteer at NARA? … Continue reading "What Are You Working On, Ernest Webby?" Volunteer Edition!

Follow-up to Our Question About Transcription

Yesterday we asked a question on the blog about transcribing NARA's handwritten records. Thanks to those of you who commented for the ideas and examples! We love the idea of crowdsourcing and have been thinking about how we could make it work for NARA. Projects like the one that Craig mentioned at the Australian National … Continue reading Follow-up to Our Question About Transcription

Virginia Freedmen's Bureau Marriage Records Online

Digitized and indexed marriage records from the Virginia Field Office of the Freedmen's Bureau are available online via FamilySearch. FamilySearch digitized the microfilm and, in collaboration with the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia, coordinated volunteers who indexed the materials. The Virginia records are part of the pilot phase of the project to … Continue reading Virginia Freedmen's Bureau Marriage Records Online