As time passes, we all get older ... and many of us have some pretty rare and valuable books, etc. My experience is that my kids have different interests and I would hate to see my collection be throw out or auctioned off via an estate sale.
So ... what to do? How do you go about figuring out where to donate the books and materials?
wow when your young you never think about that, I hope that all the valuable information in the form of books, papers and what not will be preserved for the future generations so they can have the same opportunity to study and learn about WWI, I think museums might be the best pick, or friends that are interested in the hobby as well
just my two cents
I am 15 so I dont think I am old enough to talk about this just yet
I have given this a lot of consideration, considering I am a Funeral Director, I deal with death every day. Me and my wife have talked about it, I have picked a friend, just in case I die young (Roger, now dont wish me to die young pleaseJust becouse you are it...) But if I die latter in life, and Roger has bit the dust, She will send my stuff to the Tank Museum Bovington.
All the Best
Tim R
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"The life given us by nature is short; but the memory of a well-spent life is eternal" -Cicero 106-43BC
This is a professional advice of someone that works in a museum. I think there are several steps that you should follow.
I know how it is when someone dies, most of the books or private collections are lost… This is due to the lack of catalogue and catalogue numbers issued to specific items.
If you consider going to the other side as we all do in one way or the other, I think the most important thing is to make some kind of list of what you have. Once you make a list of your collection then it is more likely that the collection of yours would be treated as such – a collection, not just bits and peaces to be dragged around.
But be certain that institutions such as museums and public libraries are not too keen to accept something collected by private collectors. I hope that you know someone, a friend, someone that shares your interest that you might give your collection to. It could be someone of your age or someone much younger. I reckon much younger the better. If not so consider wargaming clubs or even hobby stores! The reason I am mentioning stores is that what you have would be sold for a fair price – to someone that really cares for what you have! I think it is the most important!
A friend of mine died from a terminal sickness some time ago… Well there were the bustards that gave his family a call like: ‘are you to sell all those figures and books now?’ the day they heard that he died!!! What to say? I have complete collection of plastic toy soldiers (20 000 including boxes and all) but last thing I would like to happen to it is to let it go to some stupid children to play with. Even the bustard that knows the value of your collection is better than ignorant fool!
So my advice to you is to make a list – a catalogue in order to make it a complete collection. Then offer it to people with the same interests.
I hope you’ll be around for a long time, but do make a catalogue and offer it to someone that really knows the value of it.