Norwalk receives a grant to preserve historic death records

The City of Norwalk was recently awarded a $10,500 grant from the Connecticut State Library Historic Documents Preservation Program to preserve death records more than 100 years old.

Through the grant, the City will preserve the death records from 1880-1890. These records were recently recovered and had previously been stored in envelopes and boxes, which made them susceptible to damage. Without proper historic preservation, the documents run the risk of further deterioration or irreparable damage. The $10,500 grant will ensure these historical archives are preserved. The scope of work includes restoring and reinforcing any paper tears or damage, binding the documents with archival grade polyester, and adding the records to 35-millimeter microfilm for public viewing.

“Each of these documents tells a story. They are historical records of those who came before us and needed to be preserved for future generations,” said Norwalk Mayor Harry W. Rilling. “I am very appreciative to the Connecticut State Library for once again providing funding for this critical project.”

Now in its nineteenth year, the Historic Documents Preservation Program has awarded more than $16 million in grants to municipalities. The grants have supported a wide range of projects that allow municipalities to improve records preservation and management, increase efficiencies, and reduce costs. The death records will be archived over the next six to eight months and will be available for the public to view in the Norwalk Town Clerk’s office.

“The public has been very interested in the historic preservation of these documents. Schools and historians have come to view them,” said Norwalk Town Clerk Richard McQuaid. “Each record has a story and connection to our City. I am thrilled these will not be lost to history.”