What's Happening?
The University of Central Florida's English Department and Center for Humanities and Digital Research have been awarded a $349,999 grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities. This funding will support the creation of digital editions of Noah
Webster's historic dictionaries, providing scholars, educators, and the public with unprecedented access to these foundational texts. The project, led by Beth Young, aims to produce comprehensive digital editions of Webster's 'The Compendious Dictionary of the English Language' (1806) and 'An American Dictionary of the English Language' (1828). These editions will feature advanced search capabilities, high-quality images, and scholarly annotations. The initiative will also involve students in digital editing and research, enhancing educational opportunities.
Why It's Important?
This project is significant as it preserves and enhances access to key historical texts that have shaped American English. By digitizing these dictionaries, the project supports literary, historical, and legal scholarship, as courts and educators continue to reference these works to interpret constitutional and legal terms. The initiative also provides valuable educational experiences for students, fostering skills in digital humanities. The project underscores the importance of preserving cultural heritage and making it accessible to a wider audience, thereby supporting ongoing scholarship and education.
What's Next?
The project aims to complete the digital edition of the 1828 dictionary by its 200th anniversary in 2028, followed by the 1806 edition. The digital platform will be developed by Susan Xiao, featuring advanced search tools and scholarly annotations. The Center for Humanities and Digital Research will host and maintain the project, building on its experience with similar initiatives. This effort will likely inspire further digital humanities projects, encouraging other institutions to preserve and digitize historical texts.
