[Russell]

Peter,

The issue has certainly occurred to us, speaking as a member of Chris Shores team for at least 33 years, (we started serious work on Above the Trenches in 1985). We have talked about the matter more than once.

In my case the issue is what to do with my book collection, especially if some deserving historian in Europe wishes to acquire it, of how to ship it there. Or would they want all, or only a few of the books out of the 6000 or so!. Then there is what to do with photos, CD's microfilms etc etc. I don't have many microfilms (but I do have a set of the famous claims films) and barely a thousand photos. What people will do who have thousands of microfilms and tens of thousands of photos of Ultra info etc, who knows.

Lastly what to do with what is on our computers. For example if my computer was junked that would lose 70 per cent of the Air 27's for the Mediterranean area, let alone claims and casualty lists etc., Instead of a researcher being able to inherit
the info they would have to bleed to death to buy them. It would be a waste.

The younger historians we are aware of are probably nearer 40 than 30, so who knows how to define young.

My own view is that Societies or Trusts, set up by donations from people who no longer need to worry about money or records, could the way to go, but who wants to do such a permanent task?

Thoughts welcome as this is a very serious issue.

Regards

Russell