Preservation Needs Assessment for the Marian Hunter History Room at the Avon Free Public Library

FAIN: PG-233766-16

Avon Free Public Library (Avon, CT 06001-2537)
Glenn Grube (Project Director: May 2015 to September 2017)

The hiring of a consultant to conduct a preservation needs assessment of a collection that consists of books, serials, photographs, postcards, maps, deeds, and other memorabilia related to the history of this Connecticut town.  Highlights include the family papers of Rev. Rufus Hawley (1741-1826) and industrialist Frank Hadsell (1859-1942) and a collection of service histories connected with members of Avon’s Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3272.  A number of researchers, including genealogists, have used these materials, which have also formed the basis for displays and public programs.  In addition to the planned assessment, the grant would enable staff to attend a workshop on the preservation of paper-based materials.

The Marian Hunter History Room at the Avon Free Public Library is dedicated to Marian M. Hunter, long-time librarian and historian of Avon. The collection was formed when the Library and the Avon Historical Society combined their archives and dedicated the room on February 4, 1989. Researchers and interested residents may find information on the general history of the town, original old homes and buildings in Avon, and genealogies of original families. The collection includes photographs, postcards, scrapbooks, maps, deeds, and other memorabilia. Library staff and Historical Society volunteers are working to digitize and preserve the collection, but a professional preservation needs assessment should be completed to determine suitable and adequate long term preservation and storage plans for this collection. The History Room is open for research and study on a regular 14 hours per week schedule, plus by appointment and for special functions.