New York City Launches Project to Digitize Records of Enslaved Individuals, Invites Public Participation

New York City is digitizing historical records of enslaved individuals, making it easier for residents and researchers to access this crucial part of the city’s history. The Department of Records announced that it will transcribe documents dating back to 1660 to create an accessible online database, allowing the public to connect with the narratives of enslaved New Yorkers.

The initiative aims to uncover and preserve the histories often overlooked in traditional narratives. By shifting these records into a digital format, the city hopes to foster greater awareness and engagement with the past. Estimates suggest that many of these documents, which include vital records and governmental actions, are foundational to understanding the role enslaved people played in shaping the city’s historical landscape (Source: https://youtu.be/jaWssCWhJ_E&t=0).

To aid in this effort, the Department of Records is seeking volunteers to assist with the transcription process. Officials stated that engaging the community in this way not only honors the histories of these individuals but also allows New Yorkers to interact with their own heritage. Volunteers can contribute by transcribing anything from a few pages to larger volumes, emphasizing that every bit of assistance is valuable (Source: https://youtu.be/jaWssCWhJ_E&t=87).

Individuals interested in participating can visit the city’s archives website for more information on how to get involved. Transcribing the records requires meticulous attention to detail, as volunteers will need to input the text exactly as it appears, including capitalization and punctuation, since current AI technologies cannot accurately replicate this task (Source: https://youtu.be/jaWssCWhJ_E&t=87).

Historical projects like this not only document the lives of enslaved New Yorkers but also provide an opportunity for residents today to take part in a meaningful reconciliation with the past. Those looking to join this noble effort can find details about volunteering at the NYC Department of Records website: https://www.archives.nyc/.