The money, Derby said, is for historical preservation. The project will encompass the digitization of the documents stored in the Lakewood Historical Museum , located in the lower level of the Village Hall, 20 W. Summit Ave.

She then plans to place the documents into a searchable digital archive.

“I want to digitize every piece of paper that we have,” Derby told trustees Monday. “That’s like 15,000 estimated sheets of paper. I’m going to digitize all of it, which is a huge undertaking, but it’s going to allow our collection to be accessed through Google Arts and Culture, the National Archives, and the Library of Congress. It’s important that we take this incredible collection of documents that we have and share it.”

Derby is also seeking about five or six volunteers to help her organize the museum’s files, so the museum can be more approachable.

The entrance to the Lakewood Historical Museum. P-J photo by Michael Zabrodsky

Derby added that the one-time investment for the stabilization phase (phase 1) of the project may secure about $800,000 in cultural assets.

Derby said included in the $12,000 investment would include external hard drives to store the documents, a scanner to provide high-resolution scans of photos, documents, and to enable digital preservation; a computer, and monitor, and software to aid in the preservation process. Also included in the investment are archival preservation supplies, and memberships.

“This first initiative is designed as a focused, finite program that will halt

deterioration, create lasting infrastructure, and position Lakewood’s historical collection as a public asset. Together, these steps form a strategic pathway to fulfill state mandates, unlock grant opportunities, and deliver long-term value to local residents, educators, and researchers,” Derby said.

Chautauqua County Historian Norman Carlson said the village should seize the opportunity and make the investment.

The Lakewood Historical Museum is located in the lower section of the village hall, 20 W. Summit St. P-J photo by Michael Zabrodsky

“I have only talked with Olivia a couple of times, and I don’t know how about you folks that have but this concept that just comes to me regarding her is the word opportunity, and I just hope you realize that, realize what an opportunity you have – and don’t blow it,” Carlson said.

Ted McCague, village historic preservation committee chairman, said the village now has a plan and direction on how to proceed with the museum.

“We’re very fortunate to have Olivia here to take that on for the village. … The opportunity is now, and I would urge the board to support it and move it forward, because I have to think where we would be if we didn’t do this,” McCague said.

Derby told trustees that once the village has a publicly accessible collection, the village is eligible for funding through grants.

“You have my full support on anything you do,” said Trustee Ben Troche. “I look forward to seeing this.”

The board will discuss the project more at its next meeting, Nov. 10.