AI-based Analysis of Historical Handwritten Text Transcription and Historical Image Analysis

Project Description Project Description Margaret Clark Griffis was one the first women missionaries to modernizing Japan (1870s) and is credited with helping modernize Japanese women’s education. From 1872 to 1874, she served as a teacher and assistant principal in the Jo-Gakko girls school, the first Japanese government school for girls. Margaret kept a very detailed diaries during her time in Japan; The importance of these texts lies in their potential to provide insights into Japan's history, culture, and social practices, particularly with respect to Christian missionary activities. The diaries together with historical images are part of the William Elliot Griffis Collection at Rutgers’ Special Collections and University Archives.
This project proposes an AI-based transcription system for historical texts written by Christian missionaries in Japan during the 19th century and image analysis of historic photos from Japan form the late 19th century. The use of AI can expedite transcription and improve accuracy while creating digital archives for accessibility. The project aims to facilitate a deeper understanding of Japan's past, as digital archives make the texts more accessible and searchable for researchers and scholars.