Faithful transcription
Preserve the source’s spelling and structure, and mark illegible passages consistently. Never invent missing text.
Heritage · Personal testimony
Letters and Diaries: Private Voices in the Archive
Letters and diaries preserve an author’s language and perspective, so publication calls for particular care.
At a glance
Why this guide matters
The page separates transcription, editorial notes and interpretation. It preserves original spelling, marks gaps transparently and protects private information.
Material status
This is an editorial guide for the initiative’s development version. It explains an approach and does not replace professional medical, legal or financial advice.
Practical route
Three steps for responsible work
Begin with context, record decisions and preserve each person’s right to revisit the terms.
Context without substitution
Keep background information separate from the author’s words. Explain which source supports each added date or name.
Privacy and rights
Check copyright, protection periods and repository terms. Do not publish sensitive information about living people without a valid basis.
Working checklist
What to check before moving on
- Digitise envelopes and covers with the text.
- Retain original punctuation in the transcription.
- Separate editorial additions from source text.
- Record ownership, rights and access conditions.
Both photographs on this page are unique object-based AI illustrations. They do not depict real people, traditions or places.
FAQ
Common questions
Should the author’s mistakes be corrected?
Preserve the original in transcription and place clarification in a clearly marked editorial note.
May a private letter be quoted?
Only after rights, repository terms and privacy are checked; any quotation must be exact and brief.
Have experience or expert insight?
Tell us how you could contribute. Material is published only after rights, sources and consent have been reviewed.