HomeMy WebLinkAboutVillage of Cayuga Heights Map Archive Project Proposal.pdfVillage of Cayuga Heights Map Archive Project Proposal
5/3/2016
Cayuga Heights History Project members:
Beatrice Szekely, Village Historian
Patricia Longoria, Deputy Historian
Randi Kepecs, Village Preservationist
Carole Schiffman, Village Preservationist
There are a few hundred maps stored in the Marcham Hall attic that document the birth and
development of the Village of Cayuga Heights. Many of the maps were prepared by Cornell engineering
professor Carl Crandall, the village’s first engineer who served the village in multiple capacities for more
than three decades. (See Village Historian Beatrice Szekely’s important biography of Crandall and his
long-lasting impact on the village: http://cayugaheightshistory.weebly.com/carl-crandall.html.)
The village maps show the changes in village streets, homes, infrastructure, and natural areas. They are
precious primary sources that visually capture village history and encompass a number of planning and
zoning issues that remain relevant today. (A small sample of the maps have been digitized and shared
online: http://cayugaheightshistory.weebly.com/historic-maps.html.)
To plan how to preserve the maps and make them accessible for researchers and village planners, the
Cayuga Heights History Project members have attended a conservation workshop given by a Cornell
conservationist and consulted with Donna Eschenbrenner, The History Center in Tompkins County
archivist, and Bob Kibbee, retired Cornell map archivist.
Based on archival best practices, committee members recommend that the following preservation steps
be taken to ensure that the maps will remain usable for the future:
The maps should be stored in a climate-controlled space on the ground floor rather than in the
attic, where changes in temperature and humidity have damaged the maps. Donated map
cabinets have been placed in the jury room for this purpose. The cabinets will be lockable.
Purchase large, acid-free archival folders to store the maps flat. The folders will prevent further
deterioration of map content and help flatten out the maps that have been rolled up for
decades.
Work with the Tompkins County Clerk’s office to get all of the maps digitized.
Store the digital files on the village server and publish selected maps on the Cayuga Heights
History Project website.
Catalog all maps and make the list accessible for village staff, board members, volunteers, and
researchers.
Arrange for one of the maps to be framed using archival-quality materials and hung above the
fireplace in the jury room to replace the historic map of New York City.
Create a plan and research county grant funding for storage of larger maps that will not fit in the
map cabinets.
This multistep process will be overseen by the members of the Cayuga Heights History Project, with
approval by the mayor and trustees and with direct consultation with Village Engineer Brent Cross and
Village Clerk Joan Mangione.