Please note that you can come and go from this workshop as you please! It is okay to leave early, come late, or to stay for only a short time.

Rochester has a rich but often overlooked tradition of anti-slavery activism that it shares with Leeds, U.K. These cities were linked by correspondence and shared activism, forming a transatlantic connection that challenged slavery and promoted freedom. 

Rochester, New York was home to Frederick Douglass from 1847 to 1872. The formerly enslaved activist and founder of The North Star anti-slavery newspaper made repeated visits to Leeds, U.K., beginning in 1846, strengthening ties between abolitionists in the industrial North of England and reformers in the United States. 

In 1853, the Leeds Anti-Slavery Association was founded at The Leeds Library, led by Quakers Mary and Wilson Armistead, with women playing a central role. The Armisteads were part of a wider transatlantic network, hosting Ellen and William Craft in 1851 while the couple lectured in Britain. 

Together, we’ll explore these intertwined histories of Leeds and Rochester, hear from academics and archivists, and channel the spirit of transatlantic collaboration to improve Wikipedia’s coverage of Black history, abolitionist networks, and the role of libraries and archives in preserving these stories. 

The event ties in with Frederick Douglass Day, a celebration of the Black anti-slavery campaigner. This Edit-a-thon is a partnership between the University of Rochester and the University of Leeds. Together, we’ll explore these intertwined histories and channel the spirit of transatlantic collaboration to improve Wikipedia’s coverage of Black history, abolitionist networks, and the role of libraries and archives in preserving these stories. 

This workshop is also part of the University of Rochester’s Love Data Month 2026, run by the Data Services Team, and co-hosted by Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation. 

How do I attend the workshop:

• This is a hybrid workshop. To attend virtually, please register to receive the zoom link.

• The in-person event will occur in Plutzik Library, located on the second floor of Rush Rhees. To find it, take the Lam Square elevator to the second floor, walk straight down the hallway once you leave the elevator, and enter the Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation Department. The Plutzik Library is the room on the left.

• Please remember that you can arrive late, leave early, or stay for only part of the session. 

What will happen during the workshop: 

• You'll receive introductory training on how to edit Wikipedia - no prior experience is needed and we will help you to get started. (Experienced Wikipedia editors are also welcome.) 

• You’ll be guided through basic editing processes, including getting you set up with a Wikimedia account, if you don’t already have one. 

• With support from  Wikipedia experts, you'll explore existing Wikipedia content related to the transatlantic slave trade and abolitionism scholarship. 

• You'll work to enhance the accuracy, depth, and visibility of Wikipedia entries on abolitionists, anti-slavery activism and the history of the transatlantic slave trade. 

• You’ll be guided in using reliable resources, including materials from the University of Rochester and University of Leeds library and archives. 

• Library staff and facilitators from both institutions will be available online throughout the session to advise, answer questions and support your editing.

• The session will includes scheduled screen breaks.

This is a great opportunity to actively contribute to open, equitable knowledge sharing, while learning valuable digital research and editing skills. 

Who this is session for? 

You don’t need to have any prior experience of Wikimedia editing. This workshop is aimed at beginners and those looking to build their confidence in using Wikimedia as an editor. 

We particularly welcome participation from: 

• Those researching Frederick Douglass, the transatlantic slave trade, global anti-slavery activism and abolitionism. 

• Those who are interested in using Wikimedia as a tool within their own studies and research. 

• Anyone looking to learn a new skill and to learn how to curate and contribute to trusted knowledge on Wikipedia.

Do I need to do anything before joining this session? 

This session will be held online and we’ll be joined by colleagues from multiple time zones. 

Please ensure that you have created a Wikipedia account before you arrive. Here is a link to set up your account: 

Create account - Wikipedia

If you get stuck, we will be happy to help you to set this up on arrival. 

Content Warning: 

This material discusses the transatlantic slave trade, including references to slavery, racism, violence, exploitation, and human suffering. Participants may find some of this content distressing. Please take care while engaging with materials during this edit-a-thon.