FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Andi Martin, Marketing and Public Relations Manager
andi.martin@ahc.alabama.gov, 334-230-2680
April 3,
2020
Update: Alabama Historical Commission Responds to COVID-19
(Montgomery,
AL) Based on a directive by Governor Ivey and the recommendations of public
health officials to implement a plan for social distancing and “shelter in
place” order, the Alabama Historical Commission has
closed its Main Office in Montgomery, all historic sites to the public, and all
programs and events have been cancelled through April 30. AHC will continue
to evaluate closures and closely monitor the situation.
“The
Alabama Historical Commission remains vigilant as we prepare our staff,
historic sites, and visitors to the coronavirus and the COVID-19 situation,”
said Lisa D. Jones, Executive Director Alabama Historical Commission.
“We are dedicated to the safety and well-being of our employees and historic
sites visitors. This new protocol has been implemented to serve the public and
maintain safety for all those impacted under the AHC umbrella.”
The
Alabama Historical Commission Main Office in Montgomery will be operating with
limited staff. The public is encouraged to correspond with program coordinators
via email with regards to ongoing projects. Section 106 applications have moved
entirely to a digital
submission process. A directory of staff members and corresponding
programs is available at https://ahc.alabama.gov/staffdirectory.aspx.
Select
historic sites and programs were closed to the public beginning March 16. The
closure update announced on April 3, 2020 encompasses all AHC historic sites
and will go into effect on Saturday, April 4 at 5:00pm.
AHC
Historic Site closures include the Alabama State Capitol, Fort Morgan, Freedom Rides Museum, Pond
Spring, Belle Mont Mansion, Fendall Hall, Gaineswood, Magnolia Grove, Old
Cahawba, Fort Toulouse-Fort Jackson, Confederate Memorial Park, and Fort
Mims.
The full list of impacted AHC events through April
30, 2020:
April
- All month - Guided tours
and small arms demonstration every Tuesday & Thursday – Fort Morgan, Gulf
Shores, AL
- All month - Coastal Bird Banding – Fort Morgan,
Gulf Shores, AL
- April 4 Civil War Walking Tour & Prisoners of
War Memorial Service – Old Cahawba, Orrville, AL
- April
18 Nature Walk – Pond Spring, Hillsboro, AL
- April
18-19 French & Indian Encampment – Fort Toulouse-Fort Jackson, Wetumpka,
AL
April 25-26 Living History & Saturday Skirmish – Confederate
Memorial Park, Marbury,
- April 25 160th
Anniversary Gala – Fendall Hall – Eufaula, AL
AHC
acknowledges that this situation will continue to evolve as protocol and policy
is put into place at the state and federal levels.
AHC acknowledges that
this situation will continue to evolve as protocol and policy is put into place
at the state and federal levels.
About the Alabama Historical Commission
Located in historic downtown
Montgomery at 468 S. Perry Street, the Alabama Historical Commission is the
state historic preservation agency for Alabama. The agency was created by an
act of the state legislature in 1966 with a mission to protect,
preserve and interpret Alabama’s historic places. AHC works to accomplish its
mission through two fields of endeavor: Preservation and promotion of
state-owned historic sites as public attractions; and, statewide programs to
assist people, groups, towns, and cities with local preservation activities.
For a complete list of programs and properties owned and operated by the AHC,
hours of operation, and admission fees please visit ahc.alabama.gov
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