Matt, I have the same massive three ring binders that you do with all the same information. I keep mine by major family branch with indexed tab dividers for each sibling's family on a particular branch with a master index from my genealogy program in the front. My master index is a detailed decadency master tree for each major branch plus a master list of all individuals in the database. I also keep two copies of my electronic file - including email notes, scanned documents and photos, and a copy the master genealogy software program on CDs. I save all email notes with valuable information in nested folders arranged by major family branch and sibling on that branch. Everyone does this a little different to suit what works best for them. I keep one set of these back-up CDs in my home (in case of a computer crash or virus problem) and the second set in my bank safety deposit box. I also share a GEDCOM file of my database with 2 of my cousins who I collaborate with on our trees. [We are good about making copies of original (scanned, photocopied, sometimes hand-copied) documents for one another and adding detailed research notes and complete source references for each of the entries in our record "just in case" we lose an original document or correspondence.] I update my "insurance" back-up copies of the electronic file after each major work session by replacing the older CDs with newer ones with the most current file and then recycling the old CDs. [I admit I only update the back-up safety deposit box copy only about every 2-3 weeks -- ususally when I'm doing other banking business. I figure I can remember who I talked to or corresponded with in the prior 2-3 week period before the most current update if I lost the most current work.] If you don't have a safety deposit box, another good place to keep personal copies (besides at a relative or friend's home or in your locker or workstation at work] is in a specific spot in the trunk of your car (don't use the glove box - too accessible if your car is even broken into or the kids are rummaging through the glovebox). At home, it's also a good idea to keep your copies of your back-up discs or CDs and certain irreplaceable originals in a fire-proof, security records box - available for not a lot of money at any major discount department store or superstore like BJ's, Wholesale or Costco or Walmart. Also, take care in picking your storage spot at home - you want someplace where the kids can't get at them or you and/or the spouse won't inadvertently misplace them while housecleaning, etc. I've worked as a disaster recovery manager for my Company for the past 15 years and these are all classic back-up storage methods for "valuable papers and records". Trust this helps. Jack Cox Arlington, MA ----- Original Message ----- From: "Mike" <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Saturday, March 27, 2004 11:55 AM Subject: Re: [PA-CAMERON] Filing system > you may want to keep a separate copy of everything in a different location > or scan it and put it on CD's. > > I would hate to tell you how mine is organized! NOT! LOL > > Mike Wennin > Come Visit the Cameron County Genealogy Project! > http://www.rootsweb.com/~pacamero > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Matthew T. Hout" <[email protected]> > To: <[email protected]> > Sent: Saturday, March 27, 2004 11:36 AM > Subject: [PA-CAMERON] Filing system > > > > Hi guys.. I'd like everyone's input on this if possible: > > > > When I 1st started searching I had a file for each person (family) like > > George and Marg. (Prechtl) Hout with a copy of a family work sheet and > any > > letters / records I've gotten from St. Marks or the courthouse. Then one > for > > each of my brothers with loads of their paper work, pictures, report > cards, > > etc.. > > > > I still have those files, but I also have a huge thick 3 ring binder with > > (countless) family worksheets, copies of census (my own hand written, I > got > > off rootsweb). E-mails I've sent and received all in this binder. I like > > this idea, but is it safe? I mean I have almost everything in that binder > > that I got off the internet and from my favorite computer program Family > > Tree Maker. > > > > Matthew > > > > > > > > > > Carpe Diem > > > > > > Matthew T. Hout > > [email protected] > > [email protected] > > www.matthewhout.com <http://www.matthewhout.com/> > > mobile: (440) 623-7474 > > > > > > <http://www.plaxo.com/signature> Signature powered by Plaxo > > <http://www.plaxo.com/signature> Want a signature like this? > > <https://www.plaxo.com/add_me?u=17179896024&v0=51842&k0=1560107144> Add > me > > to your address book... > > > > > > > > ==== PACAMERO Mailing List ==== > > Come Visit The Cameron County Genealogy Project > > http://www.rootsweb.com/~pacamero > > > > > ==== PACAMERO Mailing List ==== > List your surnames in the Queries section of the Site to get the full benefit of what there is to offer. > http://www.rootsweb.com/~pacamero > >