In a message dated 2/8/2003 10:05:29 AM Eastern Standard Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:


>  Preserving historical documents (including wills and other personal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
>

I agree with you, though I imagine (and think it is right) that local
libraries and historical societies would want first crack at documents within
their domain.  My concern is that as the bill now stands, it appears that
individual counties can make whatever decisions they want to based on
whatever individual criteria they choose to define the terms in the bill and
then dispose of those documents they deem it is okay to (after filming)
WITHOUT telling anyone, advising anyone of their decision, offering them to
the public.  There should be language in the bill that REQUIRES some sort of
public notice of their decision, offer of documents to interested parties
(perhaps with LVA having first right of refusal), etc. that holds off for a
couple of months at least the trip to the dumpster.   You (plural) can't tell
me that there aren't individuals in every single courthouse in the state of
Virginia who know exactly who the local people are that have a stake in
preservation, since the local folks are probably well known to all (the
phrase "haunting the courthouse" comes to mind).

My personal persuasion is to keep all originals within the county if at all
possible.

Janet Hunter

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