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FAMILY HISTORY TIDBITS
By Wally Gray
Have you Passed it on before you Pass on?
The above title is a clever way of asking those of us who have been keeping family history records if we have provided for a way that those records will be preserved (and used) when we leave this life.
We have heard of horror stories about when a family member who had accumulated years of work died, the survivors tossed all of the records in a bonfire.
There are some simple ways to take steps to avoid such a calamity. Let me tell you what my wife and I have done:
 | We have kept our
family members (children and grandchildren and others) informed of what we are
doing. We have used newsletters, demonstrations and word of mouth to make sure
that our posterity is aware of the importance and progress of the work. |
| We have given
copies of disks containing our computerized genealogy program (such as PAF,
Family Treemaker, etc.) to various family members to enter into their own
computers. |
| We have asked for
(and received) someone to take charge of our documents, computerized data,
books, pictures, etc. when we are no longer around (or able.) In our case one
of our grandchildren traveled from Minnesota to Nevada where we live to see
what we have and be taught how to use the material. We have named him our
apprentice. |
| Another grandson asked for and received a genealogy assignment to trace and record information on one of our ancestors. It would be well to see if family members would do this so they know how to engage in the work. |
There is another factor we need to consider. That is the preservation of the records in case of computer failure, loss of information through fire, theft or other catastrophes. (This could also pertain to other items of importance stored in your computer.)
The answer to this problem is even simpler: BACK UP and place some of the back-ups elsewhere.
Back-ups can be on disks (CDs, DVDs, etc.) These back ups can be stored in safe deposit boxes, in other family members’ homes, with friends, etc. Just be sure that in addition to the back-up disks in your own homes, that back-up disks are stored out of your home. Businesses do this. So can we.
(One of our sons has suggested that hard copies of some of the computerized material be prepared and stored. A good idea!)
All these details pertain to us even if we are not the major record keepers in our family. Other family members may be keeping family history records, but we still have a responsibility to see that our work is preserved.
Books, photos, documents, other than disks, need to be stored where your apprentice knows where they are.
Speaking of photos, perhaps some of the one-of-a kind photos of ancestors, etc. should be scanned and also placed on disks and located off your property.
Of course, it is well to get others in our family involved NOW, but whether that is the case or not, our records need to be protected.
Don’t let decades of effort be tossed in the trash or destroyed and become irreplaceable.
(Wally can be reached at grayfox2@cox.net)