When it comes to the concept of future proofing your genealogy research it is imperative for any genealogist to become familiar with the 3-2-1 preservation concept. The 3-2-1 backup rule is the protocol used by IT professionals, photographers, and archivists worldwide. Long term, it is just as important for genealogists.
Genealogy research often represents years or decades of work, that involved compiling family trees, researching through print sources and original documents, photocopying/scanning records and photographs, and DNA data, just to name a few of the activities. The 3-2-1 concept protects against the most common risks genealogists face such as the following:
- Prevents total data loss
- Protects irreplaceable documents and photos
- Preserves research for future generations
- Supports accurate source verification
- Provides peace of mind
At some point in all of our lives, we will pass away. For many genealogists that have spent decades researching their family history, they will inevitably face the question of what will happen to their research once they have passed. The purpose of this article is to provide a brief overview of the process. At the conclusion of the article, I will provide additional links for more detailed information and techniques designed to put you in the best position for success. The 3-2-1 Genealogy Data Preservation Plan consists of the following operational levels which are described below, along with the purpose for each level.
- 3 Copies – Redundancy. Having at least three copies ensures that if one file becomes corrupted or deleted, others remain available. Examples include maintaining a primary working copy on your computer, backup copy on an external hard drive, and a third backup in cloud storage.
- Multiple Media Types — Protection from Failure. Different media fail in different ways. Using two formats reduces the risk of simultaneous loss. Some examples in this category would include a computer hard drive + external drive, external drive + cloud storage, or a USB drive + archival DVD.
- 1 Off-Site Copy — Disaster Protection. An off-site copy protects against events like, fire, flood, theft, power and hardware failure at home. Some examples of options to overcome the potential issues include utilizing cloud storage, a drive stored at a relative’s house, or a safe deposit box.
The bottom line is that the 3-2-1 concept in genealogy is a vital data backup and preservation strategy to safeguard your research and digital files from data loss due to hardware failure, theft, natural disasters, or accidental deletions. Following this type of strategy will put you in the best position for success to maximize the chances of data recovery, ensuring your family history is preserved for future generations. Incorporating this method ensures your family legacy remains secure.
For more information on this topic, please visit the following sources.
Meminto Stories. Digital v. Traditional Ways to Preserve Family History. 2025
Stickler, Alexia. 3-2-1 Backup Rule: Keeping Your Digital Files Safe for the Long Haul. 2025
Bryan L. Mulcahy
Reference-Genealogy Librarian
Fort Myers Regional Library
bmulcahy@leegov.com1/14/2026