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Reading cursive is a superpower

Writer's picture: Hello DelanieHello Delanie

”Reading cursive is a superpower" said Suzanne Isaacs, a community manager with the National Archives Catalog in Washington, D.C. National Archives is seeking Citizen Archivists who can read cursive - USA Today


I almost can’t believe this is a real call to action—but then I stopped for a second and thought…yeah, reading cursive really is a superpower into the meme, text, DM world. USA Today's CTA says much about the super-skill one has if they are able to read longhand in the year 2025.


The National Archives is looking for volunteers to help transcribe and tag historical documents—many of them handwritten in cursive. These records go back over 200 years and include everything from Revolutionary War pension applications to immigration papers, census records, and more.


They’re calling it a "superpower" because, honestly, not a lot of people can read cursive anymore. If you’ve got the skill, you can sign up online—no formal application, no fuss—and help as much or as little as you’d like.


Cursive has been fading out for decades. First, typewriters took over, and then computers sealed the deal. But if you’re one of the rare few who can still read it, you could be the key to unlocking and preserving these historic documents.



Now, this hits a little close to home for me. I’ve spent years developing products for fine writing—tools that help kids build fine motor skills, kits for novice and professional calligraphers, and experiential products for brands like Wilton, EK Success, Faber-Castell, and Leisure Arts. I even worked with institutions like MoMA, the Smithsonian, and The Met to create self-guided tools for aspiring fine writers. I’ve been deep in the world of writing tools and techniques (and yes, I still use an address template). For example, this Modern Calligraphy Kit I worked on: link.


So yeah, I’m into it. But the fact that there’s now a call to action for people who can simply read cursive? That’s something. A little sad, a little fascinating—but definitely telling. If you're interested in supporting the work at the National Archives, to volunteer, sign up online and then log in.

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