Dear Monsieur Sampaio…

Gonçalo Sampaio (29.3.1865 - 27.7.1937) was an extraordinary individual, characterized by his visionary nature. He delved into the realms of educational theory and music, while simultaneously displaying an inexhaustible passion for botanical taxonomy. His life unfolded amidst the backdrop of Portugal's tumultuous historical and political landscape, showcasing a profound curiosity and discerning perspective on matters of science, culture, and politics in his extensive national and international correspondence.

A prolific author, his works, crafted a century ago, still captivate readers with their innovative content and readability. Notably, the Herbarium of the Natural History and Science Museum at the University of Porto houses a treasure trove of over three thousand correspondences between Gonçalo Sampaio and more than eighty national and international peers, spanning various fields such as botany, ethnology, medicine, music, administration, and education. These exchanges have remained ensnared in the permanence of ink and paper, forming an invaluable network of information.

The "Dear Monsieur Sampaio..." project endeavors to bridge this academic information gap by creating a digital platform for the complete accessibility and searchability of Sampaio's correspondence. Transcriptions generated via the Zooniverse platform will be rigorously authenticated, encoded, and integrated into our digital archive, aiding researchers in reconnecting with the rich tapestry of knowledge Gonçalo Sampaio wove over a century ago. Join us in revitalizing and extending these historic connections between people and various fields of knowledge.