JAARS, Linguistic support organization in Waxhaw, North Carolina, US
JAARS is a support organization based in Waxhaw, North Carolina, that helps communities in remote parts of the world through aviation, technology, and translation services. The campus includes many buildings and its own small airfield, used for training and operations.
William Cameron Townsend founded the organization in 1948 to support Bible translation projects in remote areas through aviation and radio communication. Over time, it grew to serve many more languages and regions around the world.
The Alphabet Museum on the grounds shows how writing systems developed around the world, using objects like an ancient Torah scroll and a Rosetta Stone replica. Visitors can follow how different communities have recorded their languages over time.
The campus is best explored on foot, and the Alphabet Museum is one of the most accessible points of interest for outside visitors. It is a good idea to arrange your visit in advance, as the site is an active working environment.
The organization trains pilots and mechanics on its own airfield to prepare them for some of the most remote areas on earth. This training covers grass strips and short runways, which are common in those regions.
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