Potsdam Museum will restore rare 1803 Upper Canada map

Jan. 29—POTSDAM — The village board has given approval for the village treasurer to withdraw more than $4,000 to cover the expenses associated with restoring a rare 1803 map depicting the village, town and Upper Canada.

Potsdam Public Museum Director Trevor J. Blank told the board that the creation of the map coincides with the establishment of the town. Potsdam's settlement began in 1803, with the formal establishment of the town occurring in 1806.

Blank explained that the conservation efforts for the map were initiated by the previous director a couple of years ago, with $2,700 already expended on the project. The remaining balance required to complete the restoration is $4,310. The museum holds approximately $68,000 in its fund balance. Accessing these funds necessitates approval from the village Board of Trustees.

Deputy Mayor Steven J. Warr inquired about the map, asking if it was "the Upper Canada map." Blank confirmed and highlighted the map's uniqueness, pointing out that it not only offers intricate details but also lists the names of residents and homeowners.

Blank said part of the restoration involves fully digitizing the map, making it accessible through online collections. The ultimate goal is to preserve and either safely store or display the map.

Blank acknowledged that the restoration project began before his tenure at the museum but expressed his commitment to see it through.

Warr suggested that there might be no comparable map in Quebec City, the home of Upper Canada.

Later in the meeting, the board voted to authorize the village treasurer to withdraw the $4,310 from the Potsdam Public Museum's Rossi fund balance.

The cash will pay the Northeast Document Conservation Center in Massachusetts, ensuring the completion of the map's restoration.