"Deciphering the Past: Transcription Hour".

Brenda J. Williams

I just finished attending "Deciphering the Past: Transcription Hour" organized by the Science History Institute and the American Philosophical Society.

It was very interesting and I learned a lot! Lots of new science words and terms relating to transcription.

First Patrick Shea spoke about the background of the letter, then everyone was invited to transcribe the letter.

Today's letter was done in a diplomatic transcription - one in which the transcriber types exactly what they see with the least amount of editing.

Because of my years of indexing with FamilySearch, I was easily able to read the letter.

During the next session in April, transcribers will work on a historical document from an earlier time period. I can't wait!