Secretary of State Karen Handel today announced a summer event for children called Mystery Manuscripts and Disappearing Ink:  The Strange History of Paper, Pens, and Ink.  “This hands-on workshop will be a great introduction to the world of history and archives for children.”

On Saturday, June 9, pre-registered children ages 6 through 14 will visit the Georgia Archives to view actual historic documents, decipher old handwriting, make handmade paper, bind their own book, mix ink, and handle various artifacts and reproductions.  According to Georgia Archives Education Coordinator Valerie Frey, “This is a way for kids to glimpse Georgia’s history through written records.  Most of us experience a thrill when we touch an object that was once in the hands of our ancestors.  We want kids to literally touch history but also to understand how our state’s important documents were created.”

Mystery Manuscripts and Disappearing Ink will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 9, 2007.   Attendance is limited and pre-registration is required (see contact information below). The cost is $5.00 per child.  Each registered child may be accompanied by a parent, grandparent, or other adult who will attend free of charge.  Sorry, under-aged siblings and other unregistered children cannot be admitted.

Mystery Manuscripts and Disappearing Ink was developed by the Georgia Archives with support from the Friends of the Georgia Archives.  The mission of the Georgia Archives is to identify, select, preserve and make accessible the records that constitute Georgia's recorded history; to increase the efficiency of the state government through effective records management; and to improve the quality of records and archives management statewide.

For more information about Mystery Manuscripts and Disappearing Ink or to register, contact Valerie Frey at 678-364-3730 or vfrey@sos.state.ga.us.