GREENVILLE – Moosehead Marine Museum has received a $2,068 grant to preserve and provide better access to its historical collections.

The grant was funded by the New Century Community Program and the National Historical Publications and Records Commission.

A recent report to the Legislature documents the fact that many of Maine’s historical collections – photographs, paintings, natural history collections, and letters – are in danger of being lost to mold, mildew and 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 and libraries are seeking help to preserve the state’s heritage.

The New Century Community Program has been an initiative of seven state agencies providing matching grants and technical assistance.

Funded by the people of Maine, and supplemented by support from the National Historical Publications and Records Commission, the program seeks to assist Maine communities in preserving their cultural and educational resources.

The Historical Collections Grant Program has been a joint project of the Maine State Museum and the Maine State Archives.

Recent proposed state budget cuts will end grants for museum objects and reduce amounts available for historical records.

For more information about the grant, call Janet Roberts at 287-5791, e-mail janet.roberts@maine.gov or visit the Web site at www.state.me.us/sos/arc/mhrab/grant.htm.