need suggestions to write a delicate letter

[Leslie]

an elderly Aunt passed away.  She was living with some friends and has no immediate family.  Because my cousin and I are the family genealogy historians, we are interested in any old family photos there might be.  As they are of no value to the friends she was living with, what is a delicate way to request them?  I have never met these folks, BTW, and don't want to appear like a vuture, but there must be dozens of photos that should be preserved and shared. 

I am thinking I should write exactly that and see what happens, eh?  Nothing ventured, right? 

[Barb]

I would say that and also thank them for watching over your aunt - let them know it was nice to count on them to take care of her with no immediate family close.   Do they live close at all to where you could make a personal visit?

[Paul Coover]

Hmmm, interesting issue.

I would start by offering condolence for their loss, then perhaps say something that you miss about her or something else that offers praise.

Then get into the task at hand. You are trying to keep her legacy alive, so that is a noble and worthy cause. I think that they will see it that way and give you the assistance that you want.

Good luck!

[Leslie]

Hmmm, interesting issue.

I would start by offering condolence for their loss, then perhaps say something that you miss about her or something else that offers praise.

Then get into the task at hand. You are trying to keep her legacy alive, so that is a noble and worthy cause. I think that they will see it that way and give you the assistance that you want.

Good luck!

excellent "keeping her legacy alive"  good one!

Have already sent condolences and thanked them for their faithful and charitable care.  hmmm, they are within an hour's drive...

[Sadiesmom]

What about making copies for yourselves and maybe putting them in an album for them. That way they get to keep their memories and pictures , but you get to get a copy too. Tell them you are trying to keep her memory alive and this way it can be passed down to future generations.  But see if they will at least let you borrow them for a little while to make copies.  Guarantee them they will get them back.