September 2024 Newsletter.

Hello Letter Lovers...

Write More Letters turns 4!

Ironically for a page about letters, it's hard to put into words what it feels like to blink and realize it's been four years of the 'Write More Letters' Project. For an idea that started during the long days of lockdown it's amazing to see where it's been around the world. Thank you to everyone who has supported, however possible, to help us raise almost $1k for charity! 

Funds raised from the project go to the charity Hope for the Warriors to help U.S. veterans and military families. Learn more here.

Sending Kindness

When Jodi Ann Bickley was bed bound in 2013 she started writing letters. 6,000 letters later the artist is decorating the Midlands with color and light. 

Dear Stranger

Happy 10th birthday to 'Dear Stranger' hosted by Oregon Humanities which has matched over 1,000 letter writers. Postboxes are located around the state and any letters received before October 31st will be posted. 

Senior2Senior 

When a local high school teacher in North Carolina set up the 'Senior2Senior' pen pal exchange for graduating students and 'senior' citizens in the local area, no one could have guessed what beautiful stories would unfold. 

Writing Workshop

Do you want to write more letters but can never find the time? Look no further for a way to set a time in your diary to write a letter than to the the wonderful folks at the charity 'From Me to You', who are holding a letter writing workshop on Monday September 23rd. To learn more about their 'Donate a Letter' project and how you can help send 1 of the 45,000 letters they distribute annually, click here. 

Gen Z Pen Pals

Did you hear? Letter writing isn't 'dying'! Read this piece from Australia about how young people are keeping the letter alive.

'Ordinary Day' 

Congratulations to the Secret Coast Songwriters on the release of their new record! Featuring a beautiful song on letter writing called 'Ordinary Day (From Me to You)' by friend of the archive, Liz Kentish. Liz is an avid letter writer herself and also a board member of the charity 'From Me to You'.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1uCLzrQXy_M

$24k Letter

An original 1780 letter written by 'the' George Washington has sold at auction in New Jersey for $24,000. Now that would be make for quite a discovery at a flea market, for sure! This letter, however, came from the descendants of the recipient -- who had donated all other correspondence, save this letter, before the auction. Read About the Letter

Amateur Preservation

Do you have a letter from Washington in your own collection? Or perhaps a series of family letters you've inherited and aren't sure how to store? We've learned a little bit about amaetur preservation and share our tips and tricks below. Learn how to begin archiving your own family or found letters.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tKNUNFzSUws

Thanks for Reading!

Thank you as ever for helping to support the archive. You are a vital part of this community and help make this project what it is.

Best Wishes,

Liz