The price tag for preserving the north country's history is getting bigger.
The Jefferson County Historical Society - and its buildings - need work, for which the Historical Society needs money.
At 136 years, the Paddock Mansion on Washington Street in Watertown - the Historical Society's headquarters - is starting to show its age.
For instance, there are squirrels living in the woodwork.
"All of these things have to be adressed sooner or later," said Bill Wood, executive director.
But too much later could be too late, and that's the reason for a new fundraising campaign. The Society hopes 500 people will donate $50 each, for a $25,000 total.
"We definitely need the help of the community to get that work done," said Wood.
The mansion's windows need work . Some of the bricks need new mortar. The back steps should be replaced.
And it's not just the mansion that needs work. On the grounds are four other buildings, all well over a century old.
To wit: the Massey house has a rotting porch, and the barn in back of the mansion has foundation problems. The historic Pink Schoolhouse floor needs attention, and a log cabin has a problem in the loft.
"We have to preserve this stuff or it's gone forever," said David Coleman, museum caretaker.
The work is on top of the museum's regular needs, to protect its one hundred thousand artifacts.
"We need the wherewithall to keep the doors open and keep things operating," said Wood.
(What can you do? Bill Wood appeared on 7 News This Morning Tuesday. Watch, read here for details on the fundraiser.)
