EDITIONS-202411: Expanding Digital Access to Historical Records through Collaborative Editions

The National Archives and Records Administration has announced a significant grant opportunity with the title “PUBLISHING HISTORICAL RECORDS IN COLLABORATIVE DIGITAL EDITIONS,” identified by the funding opportunity number EDITIONS-202411. This initiative seeks to support the online publication of a wide range of historical records, including documents, photographs, born-digital materials, and analog audio. With a total funding of $3,500,000 and an individual award ceiling of $125,000, the program aims to enhance the digital accessibility of historical records, especially those that highlight diverse aspects of American history.

Eligible applicants for this grant include a broad spectrum of organizations such as state, county, and city or township governments, Native American tribal governments, public and private institutions of higher education, and nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status. The focus of the program is on collaborative efforts to digitally transcribe, annotate, and publish historical records, with a special emphasis on projects that document the history of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. The program also encourages projects related to the upcoming 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, fostering public engagement with America’s founding ideals. Collaboration is key, and the program highly encourages applications from teams that include BIPOC faculty and staff, as well as those that involve community members and students. The application deadline is November 7, 2024, offering institutions and organizations a valuable opportunity to contribute to the preservation and dissemination of important historical narratives. This grant program underscores the importance of making America’s rich historical record accessible to a wider audience through digital mediums, thereby deepening the public’s understanding and appreciation of the nation’s diverse heritage.