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FAQ
What is the purpose of this project?
We are working to identify and map racially restrictive covenants in property records in Washington states. These covenants were used to prevent people who are not white from buying or occupying property and became commonplace across the country in 1926 when the U.S. Supreme Court validated their use. While this research initially began in 2005, the current iteration of this project was authorized by state legislature under SHB 1335 in May of 2021. We have reached a point in the research process where we need the help of volunteers like you to help expedite the process of identifying these racist covenants.
Can I change my responses if I realized I did something wrong? Will it mess up the data?
While in progress you can go “Back” to re-do or re-assess. If you realize you did something wrong after you have pressed ‘Done’, don’t worry! Multiple people will look over each document to ensure accuracy so one mistake will not ruin the data.
Am I able to choose a different document?
All documents are shown at random for quality assurance purposes.
Should I correct spelling or grammar mistakes?
Please make sure to transcribe the restrictions exactly as you see them even if they contain errors.
I keep typing the same restriction. Is there a way to copy one I have already written out?
Oftentimes the same grantors used the same restriction in all of their property deeds. If you are finding yourself typing the same restriction over and over, we recommend keeping a separate document with the restrictions you come across. Before you copy and paste the restriction, please make sure to read through it carefully to be sure the restriction is identical.
What if I have other questions that aren’t in the FAQ or the Tutorial?
You can ask us on the "Talk" section of this project! We will do our best to respond within 24 hours to questions. If you have a question unrelated to classification, our research team can be contacted at wacovenants@gmail.com.
What happens to the data after I finish the document?
Your classifications are stored in the Zooniverse’s secure online database. After each document is transcribed by multiple people, we will export the data and the research team will assess each classification for accuracy. After we have done so, you will be able to view a complete list of restrictions as well as an interactive map on the Washington Restrictive Covenants website.
Where can I find more information about the Restrictive Covenants project?
You can read a history of this project, information on restrictive covenants and segregation in King County, several essays, view an in-progress list of restrictions, and an interactive map on the Segregated Seattle website and the Racial Restrictive Covenants Project in Washington State website.