A friend shared this with me. It is excellent advice for those
adicted to genealogy:
I am sure you have spent hundreds of hours gathering information, it
would be a shame to see it lost in the next generation.
Genealogical Codicil to My Last Will and Testament
To my spouse, children, guardian, administrator and/or executor:
Upon my demise it is requested that you DO NOT dispose of any or all
of my genealogical records, both those prepared personally by me and
those records prepared by others which may be in my possession,
including but not limited to books, files, notebooks or computer
programs for a period of two years. During this time period, please
attempt to identify one or more persons who would be willing to take
custody of the said materials and the responsibility of maintaining
and continuing the family histories. [If you know whom within your
family or friends are likely candidates to accept these materials,
please add the following at this point: "I suggest that the persons
contacted regarding the assumption of the custody of these items
include but not be limited to" and then list the names of those
individuals at this point, with their addresses and telephone numbers
if known]
In the event you do no find anyone to accept these materials, please
contact the various genealogical organizations that I have been a
member of and determine if they will accept some parts or all of my
genealogical materials. [List of organizations, addresses and phone
numbers at bottom; include local chapters, with their addresses,
phone numbers and contact persons if available as well as
state/national contact information and addresses]
Please remember that my genealogical endeavors consumed a great deal
of time, travel, and money. Therefore it is my desire that the
products of these endeavors be allowed to continue in a manner that
will make them available to others in the future.
Signature ___________________________ Date ___________
Witness ____________________________ Date ___________
Witness ____________________________ Date ___________