After the COVID-19 pandemic forced break the staff of the Geary County Historical Society return to work this upcoming week to make preparations the eventual reopening of the Historical Museum. Society President Florence Whitebread said the building will not be open but staff will be working there. "They are going to have to do some readjustments of some of our displays. We had a lot of hands-on displays, which for awhile will be hands-off because we can't have everybody putting their hands on these things at this time with the coronavirus."
Whitebread explained the staff will spend the next two week getting the building prepared, and they'll respond to requests for information received during the pandemic. "On the 16th they plan to open again to the public, however it will be by appointment only so people need to call 238-1666 and schedule a time to come in or they can email at [email protected] and set up an appointment to visit the museum and come in and see the displays that we have."
Historical Society Director Katie Goerl provided more information on the reopening earlier last week. Only one party of visitors will be allowed in the building at a time, and staff will sanitize the building between visitors. For everyone's safety, visitors will be required to wear a mask, and so will all staff members interacting with the public. Hand sanitizing stations will be available throughout the museum, and our popular "hands-on" displays will be "hands-off" for the duration of the pandemic.
Throughout the month of June, staff will monitor public health recommendations and local risk factors to determine when it is appropriate to open the doors to walk-in visitors again. Until then their usual volunteers will not be available to interact with the public.