Safeguarding Your Family History Webinar Q&A
The following are questions that were asked through the Q&A panel during the Webinar. These have been divided up into topics:
Preservation & Organization
- Q: What’s the most important first step to preserving my genealogy research?
A: Start with a simple inventory — list what you have and where it’s located. That clarity allows you to plan and protect it effectively. - Q: I have a lot of unorganized materials. Where should I start?
A: Start by separating physical from digital items. Then group by type — photos, documents, keepsakes, etc. Don’t try to do it all at once. - Q: Should I use a spreadsheet or paper form for my inventory?
A: Either works! Use what’s easiest for you. Spreadsheets are searchable and easy to update, but paper is great if you’re more comfortable offline.
Digital Backup & Storage
- Q: How often should I back up my digital files?
A: I recommend backing up once a month, and anytime you make major updates to your research. - Q: What cloud services are best for genealogists?
A: Google Drive, Dropbox, iCloud, and OneDrive are great for backup. Just be sure to organize your folders clearly. - Q: Are CD/DVD backups still safe?
A: No — they degrade over time and modern devices often don’t have drives. Transfer those files to an external hard drive or cloud storage.
Emergency Planning & Grab-and-Go
- Q: What should go into a “grab-and-go” bag for genealogy?
A: Include copies of your family tree, important documents, selected photos, and a USB with your digital backups. - Q: How do I protect documents from fire or water?
A: Store originals in waterproof/fireproof containers and keep scanned copies in the cloud or offsite. - Q: Should I keep original photos in the grab-and-go bag?
A: No — keep copies in the bag, and originals in a secure, fireproof location.
Legal, Legacy & Succession Planning
- Q: Should I put my genealogy plan in my will?
A: Yes, include a reference in your will and leave detailed instructions in a separate action plan. - Q: What if I don’t have anyone in my family interested in genealogy?
A: That’s common. Consider donating to a library or society, or appoint a “genealogy guardian” who values preservation. - Q: What should go in my genealogy action plan?
A: A list of what you have, where it is, who should receive it, login info for online accounts, and instructions for access.
Accounts & Digital Assets
- Q: Can someone else manage my Ancestry account after I die?
A: Ancestry has a legacy policy. Someone with access to your email or legal authority can request changes. - Q: How do I share my DNA results securely?
A: Most DNA sites allow you to add a beneficiary or share access with family. Document those choices in your plan. - Q: What happens to my research on FamilySearch after I pass?
A: If your account is disabled, your public contributions remain but cannot be accessed unless previously shared.
Donating Research
- Q: Where can I donate my genealogy?
A: Local genealogical societies, state archives, historical museums, or even sites like Archive.org are great options. - Q: What should I include in a donation to a society or archive?
A: Provide organized materials, a summary of your collection, and an inventory to help the receiving institution manage it. - Q: Should I donate before I die?
A: Yes — donating now gives you more control and ensures your collection is placed where it will be appreciated.
Sharing with Family
- Q: How do I get family members interested in taking over my research?
A: Start by sharing one story or family photo at a time. Let them connect emotionally before overwhelming them with documents. - Q: What if my kids don’t want any of it?
A: That’s common. Don’t be discouraged — consider donation, or ask if they’d at least like a digital copy or keepsake. - Q: Can I turn my research into a book for sharing?
A: Yes! A simple printed book with stories, charts, and photos makes a great legacy gift.
Online Footprint & Social Media
- Q: Can I leave a digital legacy on Facebook or other platforms?
A: Yes — Facebook allows a legacy contact or memorialization. Document your preferences in your action plan. - Q: Should I include social media in my plan?
A: Absolutely. List your accounts and whether you’d like them deleted or preserved.
Practical & Reflective
- Q: What’s the biggest mistake genealogists make with preservation?
A: Assuming someone else will take care of it. You need to make your wishes clear and documented. - Q: How can I start taking action today?
A: Inventory what you have, create a backup, and start writing your action plan. Even small steps matter.