John,
Quite a serious consideration question really, one that has exercised the
minds of a number of mining history researchers.
The real test is in determining how original is the content of the
collection and where the interest might be in its retention. Irene's
comment on depositing material with the SMR held by the 'county'
archaeologists is valid but you should not wait until your dead to take that
action. The SMR wants the relevant information now - when it can be used to
assist in site protection. If you have unique information on mine sites
send a copy to the archaeologists, likewise copies of any papers / articles
you might publish.
Back to the post death scenario - the sensible approach is to plan for the
event. Nominate a 'mining executor' in your will, preferable a younger
person - to ensure that your wishes are carried out. Unique material should
go to a reputable repository capable of ensuring its survival. Manuscripts
to the local record office; photographs, field and research notes perhaps to
the local studies library - much depends on how relevant they are to the
locality; rare books and periodicals, again, perhaps the local studies
library; however, in the case of the latter two categories, you should
consider depositing them with one of the mining interest groups, e.g. NMRS
or PDMHS.
Book collections are another thing - my wife says she going to sell mine to
recover all the money I've spent on them over the years - but again the
choice is probably between the local studies library or a mining history
interest group as recipients.
Peter
______________________________________________
Peter Claughton, Blaenpant Morfil, Rosebush, Clynderwen,
Pembrokeshire, Wales SA66 7RE.
Tel. 01437 532578; Fax. 01437 532921; Mobile 07831 427599
University of Exeter - Department of History
School of Historical, Political and Sociological Studies
E-mail: [log in to unmask]
Co-owner - mining-history e-mail discussion list.
See http://www.mailbase.ac.uk/lists/mining-history/ for details.
Mining History Pages - http://www.exeter.ac.uk/~pfclaugh/mhinf/
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