I've come into possession of what appears to be (from the date on its face) an old mortgage document from the mid-1700's.
It's in rough shape, so a lot of it is tough to read. It's probably not worth restoring, but I am curious enough about it to that I would like read what it says. It is in english, though faded in multiple spots and tough to read the handwriting in others. I don't even know who I would take this to .. any suggestions?
The document may not be suitable for restoration, but it could be suitable for conservation. Keep it in a cool, dry place. And don't hang it up in direct sunlight in a frame. They make acid-free envelopes- that's what would be good for storage.
You should not be afraid to try to make a transcription. Do it in decent lighting. You won't be able to read it quickly, of course, but you'd be surprised at how , like a jigsaw puzzle, words will slowly , then suddenly, become clear. And when you've got enough of them transcribed, the totally illegible words will often be puzzled out by their context.
If it's a mortgage ( often titled "Indenture"), it's for a place. That place now likely has a historical society or museum nearby, and you'd likely be able to find someone there to give you a hand deciphering. They might also be interested in the document- or at least a transcription of it.