Members of the Wilkes community will take an active role in preserving Black history during this nationwide transcribe-a-thon. Abolitionist Frederick Douglass chose to celebrate his birthday on February 14. After his death in 1895, annual “Douglass Day” celebrations laid the foundation for Black History Month.
This February 14, honor Douglass’s birthday and help make historic documents more accessible at the Fourth Annual Transcribe-a-thon. The event will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Breiseth Hall room 105.
This year’s event focuses on transcribing the papers of Mary Ann Shadd Cary (1823-1893). She lived an extraordinary life – living and working in both the US and Canada, editing a newspaper, recruiting soldiers for the Union during the Civil War, and later advocating for women’s suffrage.
Wilkes students, faculty, and staff are welcome to participate in the transcribing session. No previous transcription experience is necessary; training will be provided. Feel free to drop in at any time throughout the event to transcribe as many documents as you wish.
Want more information or have questions about Transcribe-a-Thon? Contact Amy Sopcak-Joseph at amy.sopcakjoseph@wilkes.edu. Along with other Black History Month programming, the Transcribe-a-thon is sponsored by the Division of Global Cultures, the Office of Diversity Affairs, and the Sordoni Art Gallery.