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 15 during Club Hours, honor Douglass’s birthday and help make historic documents more accessible at the Fifth Annual Transcribe-a-thon. The event will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the first floor of the Farley Library. Pizza will be provided.
This year’s event focuses on transcribing the papers of Frederick Douglass himself that are housed at the Library of Congress. Transcribe a document or two to get an up-close-and-personal look at the remarkable life of this foundational figure in American history.
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 Farley Library. To learn more about Douglass Day and the team that makes Transcribe-a-thon possible, visit www.douglassday.org.