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Saving Genealogical Data Permanently                         2017 07 01
Lesson 021...                                                                                                 Published Monthly

What's The Problem?...
The task at hand is the the problem of how to best save the data we collect Permanently.
The goal is to do so cost effectively, giving access to those we choose while keeping all others out.

For our purposes we should define "permanently" as sometime beyond that of our own passing.
Whether that's for this week or fifty years is out of our control, but the methods should last the latter.

This "data" is obviously important to whomever collected it as noted by the manhours attended to it.
Securing its future beyond our own is the next logical step for any family tree builder of any style.

Deciding who should have access to the information-now or in the future-is not as simple as it sounds.
More to the point is in choosing whether or not there are certain persons you wish to keep out.
This can range from self-serving relatives to greedy globalists or anywhere in between.

It's also possible that you may wish to go the humanitarian route and insure free access for all!
There are several helpful methods available and range from minimal to full effort.
These and many other choices are to be decided along the way.


How Does That Happen?...
At some point in time we felt a need to discover the names of family members that came before us.
That in itself is not something that every family member will feel or understand.
By the sheer numerical aspect of it, you are in the minority.

As noble as our efforts are, we are still limited by the mediums we choose in which to secure data.
This has always been the issue plaguing man since the earliest known recordings of time.
Fowl weather, decay, fire, flood and more have all contributed to lost treasures.

Ironically, the problem may be that man has always fought decay on his own for as long as he can.
As each of us passes, so do our efforts, and the wait for another from the "minority" begins.
When another is "chosen", they begin to re-gather the same information yet again.

With few exceptions, this has been the family norm for thousands of years over the entire world.
Each cycle brings forth less and less tangible memoirs from the previous generation.
The business of life is burden enough without added repair of the past.


What's Been Done To Fix This?...
Fortunately there are several long established saviors as well as newly developed ways that help!
Unwittingly, mans greed has grown to become one of genealogy's best known assets!
Taxation! Because money is the root of all evil, records have been kept!

Throughout much of history, information has been gathered for the benefit of collecting taxes!
Because of this, a value is attached to property, and names are attached to property!
A longterm method of saving genealogical data has been created by greed!

The desire for wealth is so strong that it quickly spread throughout the worlds governments.
As private sectors were being taxed they kept records of what they sold to consumers!
Consumers for various reasons in turn also kept records for proof of purchases!

The downside to the greed regarding all this information is that the greed continues to grow.
Unfortunately, some businesses have recognised the historical/profit value of records.
These genealogical companies use membership fees to buy more record rights.

Not to dismay! There are still places to recover as much data as possible while available!
It's important not to delay. Every day comes closer to the time when all are gone.
Greed, like the fire, "do'eth consume". Many are unknowingly funding it.


Where Can We Find This Free Data?...
There are several well known areas to use prior to parting with any of your hard earned cash.
The internet, family elder interviews, photo albums, cemetery's and distant relatives.
You will be amazed at the time you'll save, as well as the fact-over-fiction!

We now understand that the bulk portion of all the data is kept in a few well-known-to-us areas.
Work in a deliberate fashion to collect and compile any "fleeting" information quickly.
Remember that the past is continually fading from our present every day.

Beyond the memories of our eldest living family members is the internet world-And it never forgets!
General web searches can be both a starting or end point depending on other options.
Narrow/unforgiving searchfields are a necessary hurdle (Lizotte vs Lezotte).

Use all spelling variations, search engines and websites for each person researched in your tree.
Be conciously aware of not habitually relying on a "favorite website" by creating a search list.
Collecting and assembling it to one area is what we as historians and genealogists do.


What Can We Do With This Knowledge?...
Here is where you'll begin with your own choices regarding longterm saving methods.
No matter what form your originals are in, you need to make an electronic copy.
All mediums known to man will eventually succumb to animal or element.

The difference is that this medium (Though virtual) can be transfered readily across any distance.
Additionally, due to it's digital nature, each subsequent copy is as good as the first.
This was the prime selling point of digital music and video at the start.

The primary choices yet to be made are how much to save, where to save it and who to pass it on to.
None of these should be taken lightly, as each one affects the others ability to a certain extent.
Of all these, your main interest should be in who you will leave it with after you pass.

How you choose who is not an easy task. And as with all else, there should also be a "backup".
Knowing who the "right" person is, and whether they're interested or not isn't easy.
Make a list of duties, choices, etc. to see if they feel the same as you do.

How much info to save is the least troublesome of all due to the nature of growing electonics.
Choosing a method of saving is extremely important. Consider the tech savyness of the next holder.
The saving method should also be as compact as possible so as not to be intrusive of their hospitality.


The Basic Rules...
First...
Decide who you want to access to it, and who you don't.
Choose a person that you feel will follow this through/Possibly have it notarized or left in a will.

Second...
Keep it as small of a physical space as is possible-ONE BOX ONLY/WHETHER VIRTUAL OR TANGIBLE.
It's important to keep it simple-especially for the disinterested. (USB Portable Thumb or Hard Drives)

Third...
Make copies-Before as well as after the "handoff". It may also be the step that saves your work.
Many people also want their children to be heirs to their lifes work creation. As they say, "Two Birds".


As always...
What you'll choose to do with this information is up to you.
It will at least serve as a stepping stone for further knowledge.
You should be applauded for your willingness to educate yourself.

These are only basic guidelines, and can always be adjusted to suit your personal needs or budget.
Hopefully the knowledge gained here will help you to be better positioned as a family historian!

      Happy searches!!

        Massachusetts

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