As we reflect on 250 years of the United States of America, it is important to examine the many stories of Virginia's past. At this event, you'll get hands-on experience with letters written by a local family during the American Civil War. What were they talking about? What were their lives like? How does an archive make these materials accessible for researchers like you? If you're interested in the answers to these questions, please join us on July 11th from 1-5PM to transcribe handwritten, cursive letters from the Wharton and Radford Families Papers. The Wharton and Radford families were prominent figures in Southwest Virginia, including the namesake of Radford, Virginia, Dr. John B. Radford, and Confederate General Gabriel C. Wharton, who helped establish Virginia Tech.

Drop in when you’re able and stay as long as you’d like! We will provide a brief introduction to transcription before you get started. The ability to read cursive is a must. Please bring your own laptop or tablet with an internet connection. There will be a VERY LIMITED quantity of laptops available for use; first come, first served. 

Content warning: The Wharton and Radford Families Papers may contain references to slavery, people who were enslaved, and historical events that reflect the shared attitudes and values of a Confederate family. Special Collections and University Archives at Virginia Tech recognizes that some materials contain offensive content that does not reflect the University’s “Principles of Community”. We preserve and present these materials in their original and unaltered form to provide as accurate and complete a picture of the past as possible, which is necessary to maintain historical integrity and accountability.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, welcome! Please email katherinez@vt.edu as soon as possible prior to the event.