Print Data, Store In Safe Place

The past several columns discussed doing genealogy computer-style, so here’s a column with words of caution about using that method:

There are genealogists among us busily typing every scrap of information into their computers along with every tidbit of documentation. They scan in original documents and photographs. They boast their entire family history is now on one little disk one very vulnerable little plastic, magnetic disk.

This is not good.

It is good to have all your family history so organized, but it is not good to trust your entire genealogy to technology.

An excellent article on this topic in the January 1995 issue of Scientific American tells the story of youngsters in 2030 exploring the attic to find some computer disks with a note attached, “For my grandchildren.”

Realizing the disks contained information about their family history, they faced the nearly impossible task of locating a museum with equipment which could handle the disks. When they overcame that mechanical hurdle, they learned there was no software to interpret the contents of the disks. They went to the technology archives to learn the primitive codes, laughing at how elementary it was, and dashed off a program to decipher the code.

Then they found most of the data had been washed away by time. They were left perplexed and frustrated, unable to tell what wisdom was intended for them by their grandfather.

The article’s author said he’s bemused by those who preserve their information and photos for future generations by sticking everything on the computer. The irony is, the photos themselves, if stored properly, would likely long survive the digital image.

Genealogists must realize the value of the computer is not in saving the information, but in organizing the information. By using the computer and the Internet, we can find more information in a shorter time than ever thought possible.

The wisest use of the computer is to help organize that information. Think of your computer as a huge tabletop or filing system. Put all your information - all those names, dates and places - there and organize it by families, time periods or events. Document the information with thorough notes telling exactly where the information was found. Make several backup disks and give them to your family.

But remember: “Archiving by computer” is not archiving at all.

To keep a totally comprehensive record of your family’s history, print out one or more copies of the data to store in a safe place. Use safe-storage paper, binders and plastic top-loading sleeves. Along with the printed pages, store your documents and photographs in these binders. It is cheap and easy to make multiple copies of documents and photographs that look nearly as good as the original.

Keep at least one binder where your family can use it. When your grandchildren visit, read from this genealogy book before bedtime. Take it to family reunions and family vacations - even camping and to the lake. Share all the good info you’ve learned through research and help your family come to know and love their heritage as you do.

In short, do not disappoint your grandkids; keep your genealogy in a fashion that offers the best guarantee they will be able to read and learn about their ancestors.

, DataTimes MEMO: Donna Potter Phillips welcomes letters from readers. Write to her at The Spokesman-Review, Features Department, P.O. Box 2160, Spokane, WA 99210. For a response, please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope.

The following fields overflowed: CREDIT = Donna Potter Phillips The Spokesman-Review