APG-L Archives

Archiver > APG > 2007-07 > 1183732487


From: Sharon <>
Subject: Re: [APG] Why do genealogists disenfranchise themselves?
Date: Fri, 06 Jul 2007 10:34:47 -0400


While I am not a NY G&B member, last year I did contribute a unique set
of large (typically 30x40 inches or larger) lithographed circa 1900 wall
maps of various sections of NY State to the G&B collections.

I intended those items for an institution where it was likely that
researchers could really benefit from the level of detail in lost place
names and transportation routes to augment the historical GIS maps. I
did not engage in the long process that large donations may include -
such as formal conditions and funding, so
I wonder where that little collection will end up. Sadly, perhaps, still
rolled in the mailing tube, they will be tossed. These things happen
even under normal circumstances when archivists must implement
institution policies.

While this map collection is a nit of a point in the overall concern for
the pattern of downsizing and "tortoise in a shell" retreats in
venerable genealogical organizations, it does beg the question of what
can be done to stem the tide.

The NY G&B loss is particularly poignant for me because I wrote a review
of Edward H. L. Smith's excellent presentation about the NY G&B at the
2006 Boston FGS - see http://www.lulu.com/content/407586 Perhaps in
listening to Edward's presentation, you will have a better sense of what
is at stake.

Escalating digital collections from various public and commercial
sources do give us greater information mobility. But I do not know of
one digital site that provides the accumulated years of experience and
guidance that one finds with large institutions on-site. We also learn
from on-site visual cues that are not included or integrated into the
keyhole view that we get with computer screens.

What are the opportunities for collaborations that would creatively
address economic realities, as well as the need for scholarly
environments that not only cherish the materials, but the researchers?

Sharon Sergeant
Waltham MA
www.ancestralmanor.com

This thread: