Hi, I'm writing in reference to the Hampshire County Records. In the recent response I received from Dr. Armstrong, he stated: "development takes time and and persistence to resolve. I hope everything works out to enable us to transport the records to Charleston, i.e. the county commission approves, and that we can get these records filmed to insure preservation and increased accessibility." I'm suggesting a letter writing campaign to Dr. Armstrong and the County Commission urging them to support the microfilming of these records and to see that after this is done, the records are stored correctly so they will be here for our descendents to see. Dr. Armstrong has been a godsend in regards to these records, and I appreciate all the time he has spent on this project. I strongly feel if it weren't for his interest and involvement none of this would be happening. I feel he deserves our appreciation and support. I called the Hampshire County Courthouse today, and was told the County Commission meets on the 23rd. Perhaps letters to them urging them in the direction of microfilming these records would have an impact on their decision. I'd like to show these people that there are MANY amateur and professional genealogists out here, and we are interested in the availability of these records and the correct storage of them. I believe there is power in numbers, and we should show them just how many of us are interested. Some recent responses to the Mineral and Hampshire County lists follows: "It appears if the commissioners refuses to allow Charleston to have the records, then nothing will get filmed" "Please urge the Commission not to insist for a return of the records once filming is done IF they are planning on returning them to the basement without making the basement vault a temperature controlled archive room. Storage of paper in a basement that is not designed for such storage will only guarantee their destruction, even though placed in acid-free envelopes." "I agree. I have mentioned before that Mineral County has been doing the same with some of there record putting them on CD.Jack Sanders got the County to buy the machine. Why can't Hampshire just go there and see if they can use there machine then send the old Documents to the archives for safe keeping." "I would like to make a suggestion about the storage of the old records. The West Virginia Collection at West Virginia University has a climate controlled area for old records. " The addresses are: Dr. Frederick H. Armstrong Director, Archives and History WV Division of Culture and History The Cultural Center 1900 Kanawha Boulevard, East Charleston, WV 25305-0300 Hampshire County Commission Hampshire County Courthouse Romney WV 26757 I welcome any suggestions as to what to include in my letter. Thanks, Patti PS If anyone did not read the Hampshire Review Article or Dr. Armstrong's response, let me know and I will send it to you.