WASHINGTON COUNTY, MAINE RECORDS PRESERVATION FUND Cemeteries have gravestones, but the records tell the story… Deteriorating vital records, incomplete records, broken gravestones, unmarked graves, and records destroyed by fire come to one's mind when discussing Washington County, Maine. Out of the concern for preserving what is left of the records for future generations has emerged the Washington County, Maine Records Preservation Fund. WCMRPF is a not for profit trust fund. The mission of the WCMRPF is to preserve and publish the historical records of the various localities, cities, towns, townships, plantations, and other administrative jurisdictions located in Washington County, Maine. Sharon Howland is the Grantor and Trustee of the WCMRPF. She is the author of Calais, Maine Vital Records Prior to 1892 and Vital Records of Alexander, Maine, and her proceeds from the books were used as seed money for the fund. Although Sharon currently lives in Waltham, MA, she is the seventh generation to live in Washington County, Maine. She is also co-editor of WKRP (Washington/Charlotte Kounty Records Preservation) and is under contract with Picton Press to do a series of genealogical aids concerning Washington County, ME. An Advisory Committee has been established to help with decision making. The committee as a whole has an incredible amount of talent. Valdine Atwood of Machias has years of experience with genealogy, the DAR, and running the Burnham Tavern Museum. George Handran, a lawyer living in Boston who drafted the trust fund, is a certified genealogist, has ancestors in Washington County, and is the treasurer of the National Genealogical Society. Terry Hussey of Milbridge is connected with the Milbridge Historical Society and Museum. Gerald LaPointe of Calais and Wakefield, MA, is a history buff and is an experienced grant writer. Frances Raye of Perry rounds out the committee with expertise in genealogical research. She is also President of the Washington County Genealogical Society and runs the Barracks Museum in Eastport. The first major project will be to inventory the whole county to see what records are available. These records will include: births, marriages, deaths, tax records, cemetery records, cemetery maps, gravestone inscriptions, church records, newspapers, and other records. The condition of the records and whether they have been microfilmed or photocopied will be part of the inventory. There is one exception to the inventory and that is the Court House in Machias. It will not be included in the inventory, because an archival committee is already in place for that building. After the inventory has been completed, the major concern will be to copy the records. Most of the records in the county have never been microfilmed. Once a record has been copied, then the preservation of the record itself and publication will take place. Although Sharon is currently under contract with Picton Press, others can apply to WCMRPF for help with publication costs to help preserve records. In order to complete the above phases of the process, WCMRPF will need substantial funding. This will be used when applying for matching grants to further enhance the preservation of records. All amounts of tax deductible contributions are gratefully accepted. All monies will be used to ensure that this essential information is preserved for future generations. Here is a chance for people to help preserve their own ancestors' stories. Above all, this means that Washington County will have its own records preservation fund. Send tax deductible contributions to: Washington County, Maine Records Preservation Fund c/o Machias Savings Bank 108 North St. Calais, ME 04619 For further information about the fund contact: Sharon Howland E-mail: shwkrp@aol.com Web Page: http://hometown.aol.com/shwkrp/shwkrp.html