General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsFreedman's Bureau Records indexing: volunteers needed
The National Archives, in cooperation with the LDS Church (Family Search) has digitized the entire collection of Freedman's Bureau records.
They have not been indexed, though - so they need help to make these vitally important records accessible to researchers and genealogists.
If you are interested in lending a hand and spending some time opening another door to our past, please consider volunteering here:
https://familysearch.org/indexing/projects#/list-view?query=Freed
bravenak
(34,648 posts)I have a few hours a week to spare if it's something not too difficult. If it's jus data entry and maybe transcribing the records to text, I could help.
enlightenment
(8,830 posts)Most of the documents are hand-written, which can be a bit of a challenge. Names and dates (for the most part) - each category (court documents, medical, education, etc) is slightly different in terms of the information they seek. All in all, very simple stuff to do - the hardest part would be deciphering some of the handwriting.
Every record is arbitrated before it passes into public record, so if you aren't sure about something, make a guess. Someone (or ones) will be looking at the same record and giving it their best guess, also.
An example of what they want for a property record, here: https://familysearch.org/indexing/projects/USFreeBureauLandandProperRecord18651872
Each category has a "view details" link, which will tell you exactly what they would like you to identify.
bravenak
(34,648 posts)I'm going to sign up and do a bit here and there. Seems very interesting.
enlightenment
(8,830 posts)and thank you for volunteering. I admit to being a research junkie and spend quite a bit of time volunteering just for the pleasure of getting to read the records.
Have fun!
bravenak
(34,648 posts)enlightenment
(8,830 posts)addicted researcher!
It's an addiction I have no intention of losing.