Genealogists, researchers and writers can spend a lifetime pursuing their interests, but have they made any real plans for their valuable files after they are gone?
An article by Patti Albaugh addressing this point, "Writing a Codicil to Protect Your Genealogy Collection," appears in the September/October issue of Family Chronicle magazine, available at bookstores or at www.familychronicle.com.
The author covers the idea of making a list of genealogy papers as well as family heirlooms, and who should get them. If you can't leave it to a family member who will care -- and for many people there just isn't anyone to leave things to -- then pick an institution.
With papers, you should specifically mention the repository to which you wish the materials to be donated, and it's always best to check ahead of time to make sure they will take them. Most archives will not take unorganized papers; some will not take genealogy papers or notes, but others will.
You also should name someone in your will to make sure these wishes are carried out. Even if your executor is your child, a sibling or a spouse, that does not mean they will do the right thing when the time comes, so pick someone who will follow through.
Irish updates
Several developments related to Irish research have come to light.
The website www.irishcentral.com has a guide to Irish genealogy websites by Kate Hickey. Go to that site and search for "genealogy hickey" to find the article. There are a lot of other interesting items on the site if you just search for "genealogy."
Irish television has started a program called "The Genealogy Roadshow," a combination of "Antiques Roadshow" and "Who Do You Think You Are?" It can be found at www.rte.ie -- go to "television" and then search for "genealogy" to find the program. The site also highlights the genealogists used on the show.
"Tracing Your Irish Roots," which is full of useful genealogy research tips and websites, is available via Family Chronicle magazine at www.familychronicle.com, along with other publications related to different ethnic origins.
Taliaferro County deaths
One of Georgia's least-populated counties is featured in "Taliaferro County, Georgia, Deaths, 1877-1921," by Fred W. McRee Jr.
He has compiled obituaries from several newspapers published in the county seat of Crawfordville. He used microfilm from the University of Georgia's Georgia Newspaper Collection, the most comprehensive in the state.
The obituaries are arranged in chronological order and there is a full-name index. This is a valuable source for this county, about which little has been published.
The book is available for $26 postpaid from Fred W. McRee Jr., P. O. Box 128, Dahlonega, GA 30533.
