Reading handwritten documents - A Guide for Genealogists
handwritten document
Transcribing handwritten documents is an essential skill for genealogists who want to extract information about their ancestors from primary sources. Handwritten documents can be challenging to read, especially if the writing is faded, the ink has bled, or the handwriting is difficult to decipher. However, with a few simple techniques and some practice, transcribing can become an enjoyable and rewarding part of genealogy research.
Here are the steps to transcribe a handwritten document:
Get the right tools: Before you start transcribing, make sure you have the right tools. You'll need a magnifying glass or a scanner that can zoom in on small details, a pencil, and a piece of paper or a word processing program.
Familiarize yourself with the handwriting: Before you start transcribing, take a moment to familiarize yourself with the handwriting. Look for patterns, such as how the writer forms certain letters, and take note of any unusual spellings or abbreviations.
Read the entire document: Read the entire document before you start transcribing. This will give you a sense of the overall content and help you make sense of any individual words or phrases that are difficult to read.
Transcribe one line at a time: Transcribe one line at a time, starting at the top of the page and working your way down. If you come across a word or phrase that you can't read, leave a blank space and come back to it later.
Use context clues: Use context clues to help you decipher difficult words or phrases. Look at the words around the one you're having trouble with and try to make an educated guess about what it might say.
Use abbreviations: Many handwritten documents use abbreviations that are no longer in common use. Make a note of any abbreviations you come across and try to look up their meaning later.
Check your work: Once you've transcribed the entire document, go back and check your work. Make sure you've spelled everything correctly, and that you've correctly transcribed any dates, names, or other important information.
Compare with other sources: If you have other sources that relate to the same individuals or events, compare your transcription with those sources. This can help you identify any errors or discrepancies in your transcription.
Transcribing handwritten documents can be time-consuming, but it's an essential part of genealogy research. By following these steps and practicing regularly, you'll soon become proficient at transcribing and be able to extract valuable information about your ancestors from handwritten sources. Happy transcribing!
