Okay, I got the piece back threaded, tied and I glued it and trimmed the string. Doesn't match exactly but close enough for government work!!
I moved it and the NY pieces up to the middle shelf (about belly button high)and put it to the back. I took my Delaware pieces (including the event piece) and my Maryland piece and put them on the top shelf of my corner 5-shelver (about chin level) so they should be safe and the cat can live without forced demise!! :p
Thanks for the suggestions and the interest.
Steve