Family archive readiness
Is your family record ready to be handed on?
Use this private, ten-minute assessment before moving a family file anywhere. It helps identify whether there is a record, a steward and a clear reason to act.
Keep this assessment to yourself. It does not ask for names, dates, photographs or a copy of the family record.
The record
You know what exists and where the working copy lives.
There is a GEDCOM, spreadsheet, family book, paper genealogy or organised collection to begin with.
The current record has a recognised keeper or steward.
An independent copy exists somewhere other than the steward’s main computer.
The family
The people involved can make thoughtful decisions about access.
At least one other relative is willing to help review the archive.
You can identify who should initially browse, contribute and steward.
Living relatives’ details will not be shared outside an agreed private space.
The reason to act
There is a real preservation need—not only a someday wish.
The present keeper cannot be the archive’s only long-term plan.
Something has already been lost, duplicated, disputed or made difficult to find.
A birthday, reunion, handover or other family moment gives the work a useful deadline.
What your answers mean
A good starting point is six or more checks—including a steward and an independent copy.
Six to nine: Kinonicle early access can help you test a private, stewarded home for the record.
Three to five: first gather the record and agree who will help steward it.
Zero to two: begin by locating and backing up what already exists. You do not need new software yet.
When you are ready
Discuss the shape of the archive—not the private contents.
The first conversation covers approximate size, current format, family roles and the reason for acting. Family files are never requested by ordinary email.