Citizen Archivist Missions

Welcome, virtual volunteers! Through our Citizen Archivist program, you can help unlock history within the documents of the National Archives. Transcribing and tagging primary sources improves our ability to read these documents, search for them, and use the information they contain.

New to our Citizen Archivist program? Learn how to register and get started, and take a look at our Resources for how-to videos and instructions.

We've handpicked these missions especially for our newest volunteers. Choose a Tagging or Transcription Mission that interests you from one of the boxes below. It will bring you right to those records in our Catalog, where you can begin transcribing records or tagging features and keywords.

America's Scenic Byways

Tag details in features you find in these photographs of 150 roads located throughout the United States designated as National Scenic Byways or All-American Roads.

Emancipation Papers

Help us transcribe petitions filed with the court as required by the District of Columbia Emancipation Act of April 16, 1862. Information recorded in the files varies, but generally identifies the slave owner (the petitioner) and slave and may include physical descriptions of the slave or slaves.

Mathew Brady Photographs of Civil War-Era Personalities and Scenes

Mathew Brady endeavored to record the progress of the war with his camera. He and his associates traveled throughout the eastern part of the country and photographed many of the battlefields, towns, and people touched by the war. Brady also photographed many of the distinguished political and military personalities who visited his Washington, DC studio. Tag details and features you find in these photographs.

JFK Assassination - Key People

Transcribe records of persons of interest to the President's Commission on the Assassination of President Kennedy, including the witnesses who testified, gave depositions, or made affidavits, and for other persons who were involved in the investigation to a significant extent.

Need help? Contact us at citizenarchivist@nara.gov.