By the People

The Library of Congress’s By The People program works to transcribe historical documents with the help of volunteers who can both transcribe materials and review others’ transcriptions for accuracy. This allows students to gain experience with the full transcription process from beginning to end. The mission of the Library of Congress is, in part, to engage and inform both Congress and the American people. This project supports that mission by encouraging direct participation from the public and exposing participants to historic documents. Through this work, individuals are encouraged to interact directly with primary sources and to consider developments in American history as they relate to those sources.

This site could serve as the foundation for a hands-on lesson that can be easily integrated into a variety of units, as determined by teachers. The collections include materials related to figures such as Theodore Roosevelt, musical scores, and women in the Early Republic. Students do not need to create an account to participate, making the activity accessible for classroom use. The project can be completed as a whole-class activity, allowing students to collaborate not only on transcribing documents but also on researching references within the text, interpreting difficult passages, and discussing the historical relevance of the materials.

The project is structured to be beginner-friendly, requiring minimal introductory instruction for students to learn how to navigate and contribute to the site. Teachers can track student progress by requiring screenshots of completed work, particularly if the assignment is completed independently.

With the rise of generative AI and the increasing prevalence of disinformation, familiarizing students with primary documents helps them build confidence in evaluating the authenticity of information encountered on social media and in everyday conversations. By engaging with documents beyond transcription alone, this hands-on lesson empowers students to research unfamiliar content and trust their own historical judgment.