Citizen Archivist

As part of our commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the War for Independence, the National Park Service is collaborating with the National Archives on a special project to transcribe more than 80,000 pension records of American Revolution soldiers and their families—handwritten stories of their service and their lives. There is enormous potential for these records to reveal rich, nuanced, and inclusive stories about the Revolution. 

The Guilford Courthouse NMP Citizen Archivist will focus on transcribing the pension records of soldiers who fought at the Battle of Guilford Courthouse. The work completed by the VIP will allow for the park to gain a fuller story of the people who fought here and their contribution to the foundation of our nation. 

All research materials will be provided to you. All you need to bring is a passion for uncovering the past. After all you may be the first person to read these documents in 200 years. Help America get ready for our 250th birthday and come uncover the lives of those that fought at the Battle of Guilford Courthouse.

Brief Description of Work to be Performed: 

• Create an account on Register and Get Started | National Archives
• Navigate the National Archives Website.
• Transcribe 18th Century pension records. Pension records will be assigned by park staff. 
• Capture relevant data in a park-supplied Excel spreadsheet to capture the content of the soldier’s service and pension application.
• Optional: Write brief summaries (about 150 words) on each soldier’s pension file.

Minimum Requirements 

• Ability to read cursive.  
• Ability to work independently with little or no supervision. 
• Ability to follow directions. 
• Ability to efficiently communicate and keep an organized record of work.