How to Create a Genealogy Grab & Go
If you had just 10 minutes to evacuate your home, could you save your family history? Natural disasters, fires, floods, and medical emergencies often strike without warning. That’s why every genealogist should have a Grab-and-Go Bag, a compact, organized kit of your most vital genealogical documents and digital backups. In this post, I’ll Walk you through what to include, how to organize it, and where to keep it so you’re always ready.
What Is a Genealogy Grab-and-Go Bag?
It’s a portable kit or bag that holds the most essential copies of your family history research. Think of it like an “emergency suitcase” for your ancestors, ready to protect your work if you ever need to leave quickly or safeguard it during unexpected events.
What to Include in Your Grab-and-Go Kit
Paper Copies
- A printed version of your family tree (pedigree chart or narrative summary)
- Key family documents (census records, birth/death/marriage indexes)
- Copies of vital records (certificates, obituaries, service records)
- Research summaries or brick wall notes
Digital Storage
- USB flash drive with your most up-to-date tree and scanned records
- Backup of digital photos and family stories (PDFs, Word docs, GEDCOM)
- Cloud login info written down (if not already stored)
Contact & Instruction Sheet
- Who to contact if something happens to you
- A brief “Genealogy Will” or Record Distribution note
- Notes for your family explaining how to access your full research
What to Store It In
- A small waterproof binder or accordion folder
- A fireproof/water-resistant document bag
- A zippered file organizer or laptop case
- Clearly labeled with your name and “Genealogy Backup”
Where to Keep It
- Near an exit or evacuation area
- In a waterproof/fireproof container
- In a trusted relative’s home (optional backup)
- Keep it updated at least 2x a year
Make It a Family Activity
Invite your kids or grandkids to help assemble it, it’s a great way to introduce them to genealogy while preparing for emergencies together.
Conclusion
Your research is priceless. A little planning now can save decades of work and preserve your legacy for future generations.
Want a free printable checklist for your Grab-and-Go Bag?
Click here to download it and watch the companion mini webinar!
Continue Your Genealogy Journey
Creating a genealogy “Grab & Go” plan is an important step in protecting your research from unexpected events. These articles explore additional ways to safeguard and preserve the family history you’ve worked so hard to discover:
• Safeguarding Your Family History: Protecting What You’ve Discovered – Learn practical strategies for protecting your genealogy research so it isn’t lost to disaster or technology failures.
• What Happens to Your Family History – Reflect on what might happen to your research if it isn’t preserved or passed on to someone who understands its value.
• Naming a Genealogy Guardian: Why It Matters More Than You Think – Discover why choosing someone to care for your research can ensure your family history survives for future generations.
