Digitizing microfilm of 1828 Noah Webster Dictionary

Posted on October 7th, 2009 by mshaffer in Vision::Reprint

Digitizing microfilm of 1828 Noah Webster Dictionary

Only 2500 copies of the first American dictionary were ever sold. Today, may by the reprint of the facsimile edition for over $60. Our goal is to do a modern reprint for under $25 (The paperback edition may be under $15). In order to accomplish this, a full edit needs to occur. This requires a “public domain” version to be used in the new printing. Many libraries carry the microfilm of the dictionary (American Culture Series, Reel 335.6-336.1, Michigan University Microfilms); however, this microfilm needs to be digitized in PDF format. My library has the microfilm, but does not have a microfilm roll scanner.

If you would like to help, we have two ways to make this happen. One, we can find someone at a library who has the correct equipment (it takes less than two hours to scan an entire microfilm roll if done correctly). Two, we can raise money to purchase a roll scanner (~$10,000) and donate it to the university library I currently can access. A third solution may be a hybrid: if your library allows you to check it out, we could send the rolls to a scanning service (~$800).

Please share your ideas by replying to this message.

2 Comments on “Digitizing microfilm of 1828 Noah Webster Dictionary”

  1. Writings of Noah Webster | American Dictionary of the English Language
    Commented on October 7, 2009 at 3:52 PM |

    [...] aims of Project::NOAH begin with the 1828 dictionary. We need to get a microfilm copy digitized, so we can proceed to made a modern reprint (and aid in the redesign of free online tools). The [...]

  2. tjlytle
    Commented on July 19, 2010 at 10:02 AM |

    Has there been any progress on on digitizing a public domain copy?

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Access to American Heritage

The foundation for American Heritage Access [AHA] strives to capture the essence of American culture with an intent to make early American manuscripts accessible to modern society. We believe that the successful future of this country is dependent on honoring and respecting its past. In order to achieve this ideal, several projects will be introduced and executed.
The first project will relate to Noah Webster. Noah Webster was the founding father of American education. In 1828, he published the first American dictionary of the English language. Known for its classic literature and biblical examples along with etymology of twenty six different languages, this dictionary is perfect for Christian Bible study and home schooling. He also published the Blue-Backed Speller which was exclusively used in American education for over 100 years. For these reasons, we believe Noah Webster typifies the Spirit of American Heritage. As such, Project::Noah will serve as a cornerstone of this foundation.

Project::Noah

Project::Noah is about making the first American dictionary accessible. To accomplish this, three specific visions need to be executed: Vision::Reprint, will attempt to make a modern printing of the first dictionary of the American language available to the public for under $25; Vision::Redesign, will improve the current online accessibility to the 1828 dictionary; Vision::Recapture will tie the importance of Noah Webster into our American Heritage and create a commissioned painting. All in all, Project::Noah is striving to capture our American Heritage in several ways and make it available to those interested.

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