Concord Museum is the latest venue to announce its reopening following months in lockdown mode due to the pandemic.
It’s reopening today — Aug. 6 — in accordance with public health recommendations and guidelines laid out in Phase 3 of Massachusetts’ reopening plans. The museum will be open Thursday through Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
New safety measures are in place, including admission by advanced online ticketing only, social distancing throughout the galleries, and enhanced sanitizing and cleaning protocols.
The museum will extend the run of the national exhibition “Beyond Midnight: Paul Revere and His Ride” through Oct. 12. It had opened just days before the pandemic hit.
“We are thrilled to reopen our doors so that visitors and families can experience that show and four of our recently renovated permanent galleries that help tell the story of Concord’s iconic history,” said Executive Director Tom Putnam.
The “Beyond Midnight” exhibit explores Revere’s role as a political activist and Revolutionary War legend, shedding light on both the man and the myth. Curated by the American Antiquarian Society, it features objects connected to the events of 1775, including the museum’s famous lantern that was ordered hung in Boston’s North Church belfry as a signal by Revere himself.
Additional highlights include the 1922 painting “Paul Revere” by renowned American artist N.C. Wyeth; a printer’s manuscript of Longfellow’s famous poem “Paul Revere’s Ride;” the 1775 deposition of Revere; a manuscript transcription of Emerson’s “Concord Hymn”; and an impressive tea service handcrafted by Revere himself.
The museum’s new permanent galleries, At the Center of Revolution and People of Musketaquid, plus temporary galleries featuring Thoreau’s Walden desk and objects from the museum’s decorative arts collection, are also open for viewing.
The health and safety of Concord Museum’s staff and visitors is the highest priority in the reopening. Visitors and staff are required to wear face masks and adhere to six-foot social-distancing guidelines. Timed tickets will ensure that occupancy levels remain low, allowing visitors to enjoy quiet galleries. Enhanced sanitation measures and environmental health protocols across the museum will make visitors feel confident and safe during their visit. Guests will arrive and follow a guided path throughout the galleries to avoid crossing paths. Staff will be on hand for questions.
Further details about purchasing tickets, online ticketing procedures and safety protocols can be found at www.concordmuseum.org.
The museum continues to offer online and virtual experiences, including forums, programs and History at Home, a free weekly e-newsletter offering videos, family activities and collection highlights. Visit the website for info.
Quilter’s delight
There’s no Lowell Quilt Festival this year. But the Brush Art Gallery and Studios, 256 Market St., continues its annual tradition of an August exhibit of beautiful quilts with “Here and There.” On view Aug. 4-Sept. 12, the juried exhibit celebrates the quilters’ favorite places — a vacation spot, a special place they have lived or a place they have dreamed of visiting. Curators are Mary Walter and Sandy Gregg. Quilters include Audrey Augun, Kathy Collins, Tricia Deck, Phyllis Follett, Barbara Huff, Mary-Ellen Latino, Kathy Menzie, Frauke Palmer, Nita Penfold, Sharyn Raiche, Ann Ribbens and Sara Schechner. A reception is planned for Saturday, Aug. 22, 2-4 p.m., and will follow state guidelines for limited occupancy and spill into the adjacent courtyard. Visit www.thebrush.org or call 978-459-7819 for info.
Save the date
Ogunquit Museum of American Art, a showcase by the sea in not-too-far-away Ogunquit, Maine, is holding its annual Art by the Sea fundraiser auction online this year. They’ll host a kickoff event on Saturday, Aug. 15, at 5 p.m., and invite all to participate. Visit www.OMAAArtByTheSea.com for details.
Iconic webinar
The Museum of Russian Icons in Clinton hosts a Zoom webinar Saturday Aug. 15, 1-2:30 p.m., exploring the current exhibit “The Long Way Home,” which maps museum founder Gordon Lankton’s journey from Germany to Japan in 1956. It’s limited to 100 participants; registration required. Free to members; nonmembers $5. To register, visit www.museumofrussianicons.org/event/zoom-webinar-exploring-the-long-way-home-exhibition.
Nancye Tuttle’s email address is nancyedt@verizon.net.