A disappearing skill? Cursive writing may be making a comeback

Earlier this year the National Archives and Records Administration issued a plea for help. They were looking for individuals who could read cursive to help decipher and transcribe historical documents. A flurry of media coverage, including features on NPR (National Public Radio) and in USA Today among others, showcased the Citizen Archivist program of the National Archives.

The agency was seeking individuals with three specific superpowers: have a strong interest in history, a desire to help, and be able to read cursive writing.

The coverage did its job and volunteers responded in great number. From January 12 to 22, more than 50,000 skilled people signed up.

The National Archives was specifically looking for folks who could help decipher Revolutionary War pensions, but there are still plenty of other opportunities to get involved.

Who knew that cursive writing courses are so badly needed? I had heard about how the once-common ability was endangered, but I never thought about why it was a concern.

It makes me feel guilty, at least slightly, for letting my own penmanship slide. Like most folks these days, I find little occasion to practice the craft. A good portion of my writing takes place on a MacBook laptop, and it’s certainly easy and fast to peck on the keys. But I do see value in old-fashioned writing. I’ve found the practice helps me with idea generation and I apply it quite often, especially when I’m stuck for a way to begin a project or in the early stages of brainstorming.

Experts have shown that writing by hand helps you slow down and think more effectively. I’m constantly working in notebooks, developing story ideas and lists for future creative projects that might eventually show up in The Cooperator or somewhere else.

As I think about those scribblings, I wonder what made me transition from cursive to my default of printed writing. I was once good at cursive. At the end of my third-grade year, my teacher, Evelyn Jessee, presented me with a shiny chrome-and-blue Parker ballpoint pen in recognition of my penmanship.

I’m not sure when I left the loops and flourishes of cursive script behind, but it's certain that I’m not alone. The debate over cursive writing seems to be another flashpoint for disagreement. According to advocates on the website mycursive.com, there are some 24 states now requiring the skill to be taught. The National Education Association divides the discussion into three camps of educators — those who prefer teaching cursive, keyboarding, or both. Which side you are on seems to be influenced by age.

If you are fluent in cursive and want to get involved with the National Archives Citizen Archivist program, get more information at this link: https://tinyurl.com/bdcskx98

Story by Glen Liford,

Contact gliford@ourcoop.com