Preserving historical documents (including wills and other personal
records) is certainly desirable; but many would question whether it should
be the responsibility in perpetuity of the state government, especially in
trade-off with other more  vital state responsibilties.  A more workable
solution might be for those who are interested in the preservation of these
records to organize a privately-funded research institution whose mission
would be to collect and maintain these records and to provide this
information to the public, conduct related research, etc.  This would
permit those who do not reside in VA the opportunity to assist in the
effort and to influence the level of assistance by their contributions and
active involvement in research, etc.  This would follow the pattern of the
White House Historical Society and many others around the country that have
successfully taken responsibility for the preservation of historical
materials.
   Just a thought.
        :-)       Bob Shriner
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Robert D. Shriner, Ph.D.  ([log in to unmask])
SHRINER-MIDLAND COMPANY
Management & Economic Consultants
Falls Church, Virginia  U.S.A.
703/237-8135    Fax: 703/533-9103
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