reprinting city directory ad in public domain

Subject: Re: reprinting city directory ad in public domain

Comments:
: I found an advertisement in an 1869 city directory I want to reprint in a book I’m writing. My understanding is that this work would be in the public domain, so I can reprint freely from the original. I initially found this directory on microfilm, and at the beginning of the microfilm it says that no copies may be made from it without permission of the "publisher," who was listed as the American Antiquarian Society. When I wrote for permission, they wanted a $75 reprint fee. Do I need to pay this to reprint from a work in the public domain? I have also found an original copy of the directory that is not on microfilm in a public library. Both are identical. Thank you.

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