What an opportunity! I would contact someone from the Smithsonian on how to remove and preserve the paper.
The American Textile History Museum is affiliated with the Smithsonian. I used to live near Lowell, it is in an old textile mill right on the canal and it is a wonderful place with very knowledgeable people!
They could also give you great information on the handling of this Depression Era American treasure!
491 Dulton Street
Lowell, Massachusetts 01854-4221
(978)441-0400
http://www.athm.org/
Another possibility is The Textile Museum in Washington, DC:
http://www.textilemuseum.org/
You have an outstanding piece of history in your hands—even though it is not yours—and could be a wonderful experience.