I agree that we need to push our representatives to fund preservation of our
public records.  Important records are still being lost to rot, fire, theft,
incompetence, etc., because of untrained personnel and poorly equipped local
storage.  

It isn't unusual for old records that haven't been microfilmed to still be
stored in boxes in attics, basements, or miscellaneous storage areas in County
Courthouses and other local buildings.  When these buildings burn, or flood, or
get damaged by storms, we lose our heritage.  When these unguarded boxes are
plundered by selfish individuals concerned only with their personal interests,
we lose more history.  When well meaning, but untrained local staff try to
"preserve" old records using their untrained judgment with methods that cause
damage to the documents over time, we lose again.

1. It should be required by law that old public records of historical or
genealogical interest be transferred into the care of qualified, trained
archivists and stored at well constructed, climate controlled facilities. 

2. It should also be required by law that all such records must be duplicated
using methods approved by the State Archivist and that the master duplicate be
maintained at a separate facility from where the original documents are stored.

The method for funding such laws could be built into the system which creates
the records.  A simple fee could be collected when any such record is created. 
These fees could then be placed into one common State fund used to pay the costs
of protecting the records.  Until such a funding mechanism is in place, the
legislature should use whatever funding source is available.  It is a simple
choice.  We pay or we lose.

My personal preference is that the State manage the funding and preservation of
our public records.  I don't think it is practical or reliable to expect each
county to build and maintain suitable archive facilities or to fund a staff of
trained archivists.  I also don't like turning this important function over to a
private religious based organization such as the Church of the Latter Day Saints
(i.e. Mormons). 

Is the "Local History Network" you wrote about associated with or supported by
the Church of Latter Day Saints (i.e. Mormons) in some way?  If not, what groups
is it associated with?

It is my understanding that the LDS Church funds and supports genealogy work
because in their religious dogma they believe in conversion of souls after
death.  A church member submits their family genealogy and the church "converts"
the members dead ancestors into the Mormon faith.  Is that essentially correct,
or is there some other reason I'm not familiar with?

I think it might make some of my ancestors "turn in their graves" to have their
religious believes and affiliations posthumously converted.  Especially knowing
that they endure wars, persecutions, and left their homelands in opposition to
having their religious beliefs changed against their will.  I wonder if there
are words a person might insert in a will to prevent conversion after death?

Steve Coker
SCRoots Web Master
[email protected]
http://members.tripod.com/~SCROOTS/index.html


[email protected] wrote:
> ....
> microfilming of all the old records in SC - I have a small update.    A pilot
> project with the LDS will take place.   If it is satisfactory to all parties,
> future joint efforts may result.   However,  South Carolina has a budget
> surplus this year!!!  and every group imaginable will be applying for funds.
> Please write your congressman and let them know that you would like funds to
> go to the SC Archives so that they may film our historical records.   If we
> don't get more support for this, the money will go elsewhere....
> 
> secondly,   I am the new host for the South Carolina Page of the American
> Local History Network.    The goal is to be sort of an index for historical
> and genealogical information for South Carolina....

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