The National Archives is known as the nation’s record keeper. It’s home to important documents like the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. The agency also holds hundreds of millions of other historical records.
Most of the oldest documents are difficult for people to read. Some are not neatly written. Plus, many are written in cursive, or script. Only 24 states now require schools to teach cursive. The National Archives is looking for people who have the “superpower” of reading cursive. These volunteers will read the documents and type the words into a database.
Next year, America will turn 250 years old. To celebrate, the National Archives has gathered the records of more than 80,000 people who lived and fought during the American Revolution (1775-1783). During that war, America won its independence from Great Britain.
Hundreds of volunteers have signed up to read the documents. Now the stories of these people will never be forgotten.