As with many other organizations, the Boothbay Region Historical Society has had to adjust to what is being called the “new normal.” The society’s museum at 72 Oak Street, Boothbay Harbor has been closed to the public since mid-March and a number of events have been canceled or postponed. Others remain in limbo. However, we are now able to inch our way back toward the “old normal.” Based on current CDC recommendations, state mandates, and limitations on building capacity, the BRHS museum will be open beginning Thursday, June 11 for researchers only and by appointment only.

Anyone wishing to do research at the museum must first contact office manager Claire Rittershaus to schedule a time to work with her or with local historian Barbara Rumsey. Once at the museum, researchers are asked to follow posted requirements based on COVID-19 guidelines for health and safety. Some of these include wearing a face covering, maintaining distance from others, using the provided hand sanitizer, and providing contact data should we need to get in touch later. In an effort to eliminate extra cleaning, researchers are asked to avoid touching objects not related to their research. Files and other resources will be brought to a specific area set aside for research. Once used, research items will be isolated for five days.

We understand some may find these measures restrictive, however these are the times we live in. We hope to re-open for general visits in July, depending on public health information. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact Claire at the museum: 633-0820, brhs@gwi.net. Updates are also posted on our website at www.boothbayhistorical.org and on our Facebook page.

Thank you for your patience and continued support.