Wellington County to reopen museum and archives next week

Heritage Barn and some museum galleries will remain closed; tours, programs and rentals cancelled until Aug. 31

ABOYNE – The Wellington County Museum and Archives will open to the public on July 13 for the first time in four months.

“When in our facilities, visitors will be required to wear a face covering and respect physical distancing protocols,” states a June 30 press release from the county.

“Screening tables will be set up at all entrances, and all visitors will be required to sanitize their hands and complete a visitor form when entering the facility.”

The building was closed by the county on March 15 as part of its response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Starting on July 13, the museum and archives will resume regular business hours: Monday to Friday from 9:30 am to 4:30pm; Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 5pm.

The Heritage Barn, as well as some museum galleries (including interactive and high contact exhibit components), will remain closed, officials say.

All programs, tours, events, and rentals will remain cancelled until Aug. 31. Collection donations can be made by appointment.

Officials say the museum will limit visitors to 20 at a time, while group appointments with 10 people or less from the same household or social circle can be made by calling 519-846-0916 ext. 5221 (these are not appointments for museum tours).

The archives section of the building will limit visitors to seven at a time. Retrieval services will be available, but the public will not be permitted to browse the collection at this time.

The use of personal laptops is encouraged, while computer and microfilm reader printer use will be available by appointment by calling 519-846-0916 ext. 5225 or emailing karenw@wellington.ca.

Editor