In the interest of the safety of our patrons, volunteers, and staff in light of the developing COVID-19 situation regionally and nationally, the McLean County Museum of History and Cruisin’ with Lincoln on 66 Visitors Center will be closed to the public beginning Saturday, March 14. Should conditions allow, the Museum will reopen to the public on Monday, April 6. UPDATE: Because the Governor has extended the stay at home order we are now closed at least through April 30, 2020.
Though the Museum will be closed, we welcome the opportunity to engage with our audiences in new ways online. Museum staff are working diligently to deliver on promises of upcoming special events and programming in ways that best serve our audiences while better ensuring their safety. Look to the Museum’s website (www.mchistory.org) and social media platforms for more information about ways to connect with and explore our local histories. Research questions can be directed to the Library/Archives by phone or email from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays.
Considering our large volunteer staff, the national and international origins of our visitors, and our unique interactive exhibits, the Museum has determined that temporary closure is the best way to mitigate risk to all members and visitors to our community. During this closure, Museum staff will continue to expertly maintain our invaluable collections, engage with our audiences in creative and informative ways through digital means, and work to achieve a safe environment for visitors when the time comes to reopen to the public.
The Museum encourages all community members to refer to resources provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Illinois Department of Public Health, and the McLean County Health Department for more information about coronavirus and healthy practices to limit infection.
Questions about the Museum closure should be directed to Greg Koos, Interim Executive Director, at gjkoos@mchistory.org
