In my last post, I explained how I intended to revisit my 20+ years of genealogical research with any eye on reorganizing and purging. I thought I’d start with the paper files. Instead, I ended up digging into my digital files. Over the years as I updated and upgraded computers, I tried to transfer any digital files from computer to computer. Eventually, I moved everything (I think it was everything?) to Dropbox, where I have folders for each family name.
But then, with a new computer, I got drawn back into the grasps of internet search engines and started downloading more, renaming files less, and unraveling my Dropbox organization. So, I spent more than several hours this weekend, uploading, renaming, and re-categorizing files. I’ll draw on that drudgery in the future when I’m tempted to work fast instead of smart.
I moved on to my paper files. Just like I ask my kids to make “keep,” “donate,” and “trash” piles when cleaning out closets and toy boxes, I worked my way through old bankers boxes methodically. I purged files containing only 20 year old printouts of census records – all available digitally. I saved printouts of old emails and message boards which contained information or research leads that I need to transcribe into digital to-do’s. After those are entered into my family tree software for follow-up as needed, I’ll purge that paper too.
I saved files with photocopies of vital records, photographs, handwritten notes from deceased grandparents and their siblings, ancient typed poems composed by a never-met great-grandfather, emails with first-hand recollections of past generations, and other random newspaper clippings saved long ago. These, I’ll scan for posterity and probably hang onto in paper form as well.
Next, I’ll work on scanning these items into my Dropbox. And then I’ll get to work on some genealogy research plans. Not the sexiest way to dive into this project – but the right way. It’s taken over 20 years to get here. I can take the time to do this right now.
