An afternoon of hands-on history where you can learn to read old hand writing and see what people in the past really had to say.

October 25th, 2017, 1pm-7pm

Swarthmore College
Atrium, McCabe Library
Free

For those wanting to learn to decipher old handwriting, or those wanting to practice their skills, join us for an afternoon of reading and transcribing manuscripts from the 16th-19th centuries. The focus will be on manumissions held at Swarthmore College’s Friends Historical Library, but we will also have some earlier examples available from the Folger Shakespeare Library. No previous experience necessary—only a desire to learn and solve handwriting mysteries. Swing by to read one letter, set up camp for five hours, or team up with a friend for one of our speed-reading competitions to be held at 2pm, 4pm, and 6pm. Food, drink, and prizes provided.