Gruß & Kuss (literally translated to “greetings and kisses”) is a collaborative project between Darmstadt University of Technology, the University of Koblenz, Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences, and Darmstadt University and State Library. The project is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) for three years (April 2021 to March 2024). The Citizen Science project aims to examine, read, digitize and research love letters archived in the Love Letter Archive together with interested citizens.
How to participate in the Gruß & Kuss project
The project aims to methodically accompany citizen researchers in different text- and language-based research practices. Due to the ongoing corona pandemic, online workshops are offered in which citizen researchers read, transcribe and annotate love letters together. In addition, basic introduction courses teaching Kurrent- and Sütterlinschrift are offered, to facilitate research involving older letters. In line with the current pandemic situation, we are aiming to also offer opportunities for personal exchange whenever possible.
Possible themes that can be identified within the love letters are:
- Love in crisis and conflict situations across all age groups
- Love at a distance in the middle of life
- The allure of secret love
The thematic areas will be addressed over the three project years and are linked to specific milestones. Digital toolkits to facilitate research are made available to citizens accordingly. In addition, citizen researchers* can propose their own epistemological interests and research questions regarding love letters to the project.
Are you interested in joining the project and becoming a citizen researcher in order to access and digitize Love Letters? Then join us!