For many Vermonters who suffered flood damage to their homes this summer, among the deepest heartache was losing the irreplaceable: family photos, art, heirlooms, textiles, memorabilia, documents and more personal treasures.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency, through a partnership with the Smithsonian Institution, is providing guidance to help flood-affected Vermonters salvage these items. Beginning Thursday, conservation experts with the Heritage Emergency National Task Force will be available at three locations in the state to demonstrate preservation techniques to Vermonters so they can save their prized possessions from flood ruin.
Experts will be available at the following times, days and locations:
- 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Aug. 31 through Sept. 2, at Barre Auditorium, 16 Auditorium Hill, Barre, VT 05641
- 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Aug. 31 through Sept. 2, at Cabot Town Hall, 3085 Main St., Cabot, VT 05647
- 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Aug. 31 through Sept. 1; and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sept. 2 and 3 at the Champlain Valley Expo, 105 Pearl St., Essex Junction, VT 05452
According to a press release issued on Thursday, FEMA said the Heritage Emergency National Task Force is “a partnership of 62 national service organizations and federal agencies” that work “to protect cultural heritage from the damaging effects of natural disasters and other emergencies.”
Vermonters who are unable to attend the in-person demonstrations can find resources online at https://www.fema.gov/disaster/recover/save-family-treasures.
