Bennington, Vt.-based independent press Images from the Past signed its first distribution agreement since its founding nearly 30 years ago in 1984 and the publication of its first book, Remembering Grandma Moses by Beth Moses Hickok, a decade later. Applewood Books in Carlisle, Mass., began North American distribution of the press earlier this month.

“The addition of Images from the Past’s publications to our line gives us an opportunity to provide service to a very well respected New England publisher of history and, at the same time, extend our mission,” says Applewood president Phil Zuckerman. Applewood’s own list is dedicated to building a picture of America through its primary sources and is distributed to the trade by IPS.

Images from the Past founder Tordis Ilg Isselhardt, president of the Independent Publishers of New England trade association, told PW that she looks forward to being able to focus more on the books themselves now that she won’t also have to handle distribution. “These are good solid books that stand the test of time, and that’s what Phil saw in them. They’ll be going into places I haven’t been able to get into and places that once ordered them,” she says. “I will miss the direct communication with my customers, but it will be better for them to have Applewood.” She credits Applewood with already placing Stuart Murray’s America’s Song: The Song of Yankee Doodle in the Smithsonian Museum Store.

To date, Images from the Past has published 28 books. Isselhardt says that she may increase her publishing schedule to three books a year. She publishes regional titles as well as books on presidents and on the story of America, including the press’ bestseller, Peter Hannaford’s Ronald Reagan and His Ranch. Although most of the press’ books are for adults, Isselhardt published one picture book with vintage photographs, Linda Donigan and Michael Horwitz’s Alligators Always Dress for Dinner. She also published a three-book series by Judith Edwards for middle school readers on the Civilian Conservation Corps. The final volume is due out at the end of June, At the Top of the Mountain.