AUGUSTA – The Poland Historical Society has received $600 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. As many have noted, the “creative economy” is an important factor in the state’s economic growth.

With studies showing that cultural resources are important in decisions to locate businesses or to choose a community in which to retire, the grants sustain the basic infrastructure of the key sector of the economy.

“They support community efforts to protect the stories of our birth, property rights, government, and how we lived our lives,” said Jim Henderson, Maine State Archives director.

“People need to document their birth or naturalization 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,” Henderson said.

A recent report to the Maine Legislature demonstrates that many of Maine’s historical collections (photographs, paintings, natural history collections, letters) are in danger of being lost to mold, fire, theft or misuse.

Maine has an estimated 200 million historical records, many in facilities with little or no security, fire protection or environmental controls. Recent surveys show that people in local government, historical societies and libraries are seeking help to preserve their heritage.

“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 concern and effort through an award also generates a substantial amount of enthusiasm,” Henderson said.

The Maine State Archives is a bureau within the Department of the Secretary of the State. For information about the Historical Collections Grant Program, call Janet Roberts at 287-5791 or e-mail janet:[email protected] or visit the Web site at http://www.maine,gov/sos/arc/mhrab/grant.htm.