RUMFORD – Rumford Historical Society has received a grant of $412 to preserve and provide better access to its historical collections.

The grant was provided by the Maine Historical Records Advisory Board with funds from the National Historical Publications and Records Commission.

A recent report to the Maine Legislature documents the fact that many of Maine’s historical collections (photographs, paintings, natural history collections, letters, etc.) are in danger of being lost to mold, mildew or misuse. Maine has an estimated 200 million historical records, many of which are in facilities with little or no security, fire protection, or environmental controls.

Recent surveys show that Maine people in local government, historical societies, libraries are seeking help to preserve our heritage.

“These local grants support community efforts to protect the stories of our birth, property rights, government, and how we lived our lives,” noted Jim Henderson, director of the Maine State Archives. “People need to document their birth to obtain a passport or to get medical care; others research their property boundaries; some seek long lost relatives or to understand the history of the old saw mill down the road.

Without these precious records, most questions like this would remain unanswered.”

Small grants have stimulated residents and organizations to commit more of their own resources to these projects. “Although financial support is important, recognition of local concerns and effort through an award also generates a substantial amount of enthusiasm,” Henderson said.

The Historical Collections Grant Program has been a joint project of the Maine State Museum and the Maine State Archives, a Bureau within the Department of the Secretary of the State.

Recent state budget cuts have ended grants for museum objects and reduced amounts available for historical records.

For information about the Historical Collections Grant Program, phone Janet Roberts at 287-5791.