Museum of the Alphabet

• Where did writing begin?
• How did alphabets develop?
• Are there still languages today without a written form?

These questions and many more are graphically answered as the Museum of the Alphabet traces the history of alphabets and other writing-systems from the beginning to the present. The world’s writing systems are artistically unfolded, as both ancient and modern alphabet-makers are highlighted in the picturesque settings of the museum displays.

The Museum of the Alphabet was proposed by William Cameron Townsend, founder of SIL International. His purpose in such a museum was to focus on the gift of written language.

Of the world’s 6,912 languages, the mother-tongues of millions of people still do not have a written form. This is the ongoing task of modern alphabet-makers as they carry on the heritage of the past, giving the gift of written language to those still waiting.

A web site highlighting some of the points of interest of the Museum of the Alphabet, with excerpts from the book, The Alphabet Makers, © 1990, has been created independently as a public service of JAARS.

Visit the Museum of the Alphabet website.

A group of fifth grade students crowned their course on World Cultures with a trip to the JAARS Museums. “I’m so glad we did this!” exclaimed one student. Read A Jar for JAARS.

Location

Tel: 704-843-6066

Museum hours

Monday through Saturday: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon; 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Closed: Sundays and holidays