Stratford wins Moose Plate grant to restore four fragile town records; board flags mold and storage issues

The Stratford Selectboard voted Dec. 1 to accept a Moose Plate grant to restore four of the town’s most damaged historical books and to designate Maryann Lister as the town’s signer for the award.

Lister told the board the grant will pay restoration work on a selection that includes the History of Stratford (1897), town vital records from 1850–1858, mortgages from 1849–1858, tax records from 1852–1860, and appointment records for 1909–1936. The board noted Kofile, a conservation vendor in Vermont, will perform the restoration and that additional town funds may be needed to cover remaining costs and transport if shipping is required.

The board discussed how the books are currently stored in a vault and reported mold problems, particularly in volumes kept against exterior walls. Board members and staff weighed options to reduce moisture exposure, including moving books to interior shelving, insulating or adding barriers to outside walls, keeping the vault heated, and using dehumidification or moisture-absorbing packets where electrical access is limited. Town maintenance staff will be asked to assess feasibility and provide measurements or options.

Lister said the town plans to continue applying annually for Moose Plate funding; the town estimates roughly 50 additional books will eventually need preservation. The board approved the grant signer designation by a 3-0 vote.

Procedure note: the board recorded that a caller mentioned Department of Justice involvement in a separate Bog Road matter; the board said it would monitor that development.