The Changing Archive

For a long time, critical editing and translation have been crucial for improving access to historical records. Selected historical records are transcribed, supplemented with editorial notes, and published as source publications. In recent years, the accessibility of Dutch historical records for the study of the early modern Indian Ocean has increased rapidly, thanks to digitization and online databases.

Source publications themselves have also evolved over time. Once limited to printed volumes, many are now made available as open-access books or searchable digital formats. Today, transcription technologies (e.g. Transkribus or Loghi) and translation tools (e.g. DeepL or Claude) are making handwritten archives even more accessible.

GLOBALISE is a digital infrastructure project aiming to make the Dutch East India Company archives more accessible. It builds upon the long-standing RGP (Rijks Geschiedkundige Publicatiën) series. This roundtable opens up discussions on how digital tools and AI are transforming historical research. Speakers will reflect on changes in source editing, contextualization and translation, and what it means to open up the archives – for researchers, the general public, and communities affected by colonial histories.

Introduction: Matthias van Rossum, GLOBALISE project leader
Chair: Manjusha Kuruppath, GLOBALISE team lead historical contextualization

Speakers:
Asawari Luthra, guest researcher GLOBALISE
Jos Gommans, Leiden University
Lennart Bes, Leiden University
Mahmood Kooria, University of Edinburgh
Norifumi Daito, Historiographical Institute, University of Tokyo
Tristan Mostert, Linschoten Vereeniging and the Atlas of Mutual Heritage

Please register by ordering a ticket. You'll receive the Zoom link by e-mail shortly before the event.