October 16, 2009 represents the 251st. In honor of his birthday, we have decided to make this vision website and the new 1828 dictionary website live. Although both websites are a work in progress, we feel it is important to demonstrate the progress of Project::Noah and solicit feedback from the community. Please take a look around and offer suggestions to help us make this project successful.

The first vision, Vision::Reprint, has an intent to make a modern printing of the first dictionary of the American language available to the public for under $25. To accomplish this, several tasks are being considered. The first task, Task::Access, involves the digitizing of the original 1828 dictionary. The dictionary is available in microfilm (American Culture Series, Reel 335.6-336.1, Michigan University Microfilms) at many universities. To digitize the microfilm as a batch process requires a special scanner.

The second vision, Vision::Redesign, has an intent to improve the current online accessibility to the 1828 dictionary. The current database, http://1828.mshaffer.com/, has mistakes, omissions of etymology, etc. For this reason the most important tasks, Task::XML, will be an online editing of the current words and definitions to include important missing information. An administrative tool has been built to make this possible [http://1828d.mshaffer.com/] and will be accessible to the community to help in the editing process once the microfilm scan occurs.

The sketches to Re-capture the Spirit of Noah Webster are finished. Thanks to Dave McClellan for all of his hard work. These sketches are a starting point for a discussion. The current poll gives you a chance to vote on a particular sketch. Elements can each sketch can be implemented into a final composition. The final composition will be digital composition in full color. Please participate with us as we proceed with this process. We are in the process of learning from the Noah Webster House more historic details about his office, his desk, etc.

The third vision, Vision::Recapture, has an intent to evoke the importance of Noah Webster in our American Heritage. This vision will manifest itself in a commissioned painting of Noah Webster. The process involved will require the input from concerned Americans. The final commission painting will be derived from initial sketches and digital compositions. Feedback from the community is essential for this vision’s success throughout the process.