FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Andi Martin, Marketing and Public Relations Manager
andi.martin@ahc.alabama.gov, 334-230-2680
April
30, 2020
Update: Alabama Historical Commission Re-Opens
“Green Spaces”
at Select Historic Sites
(Montgomery,
AL) The Alabama
Historical Commission has been closely monitoring developments related to the
coronavirus and Covid-19, following the guidelines and recommendations of
Governor Ivey and the Alabama Department of Public Health. As we enter a new stage
of response to the ongoing situation, Governor Ivey and public health officials
have instituted a phased re-opening strategy. In response, the Alabama
Historical Commission will re-open the grounds
of select historic sites that have “green spaces” available to the public.
These sites include: Fort Morgan Historic Site, Fort Toulouse-Fort Jackson Park,
Confederate Memorial Park, Old Cahawba Archaeological Park, and Fort Mims. These
sites will be open during their standard operating hours, effective Friday, May
1, 2020.
The
visitors’ centers, gift shops, and various museums on these sites will remain
closed as to ensure the safety of visitors and AHC staff. AHC encourages all
visitors to wear protective facial coverings, observe social distancing
regulations, and follow all other recommended safety guidelines.
The
Governor’s phased opening strategy designates that museums fall under the ‘entertainment’
category; facilities like these are not yet permitted to re-open. As such, the following
sites are to remain temporarily closed to the public: the Freedom Rides Museum,
Belle Mont Mansion, Pond Spring: the General Joe Wheeler Home, Fendall Hall,
Gaineswood National Historic Landmark, and Magnolia Grove.
All
physical programs and events have been cancelled through May 30, as gatherings
of 10 or more are not permitted. Visitors are encouraged
to explore the social media platforms of each of the AHC sites where many have
developed virtual engagement opportunities. AHC will continue to evaluate closures
and closely monitor the situation.
AHC
leadership has been very mindful of the availability of personal protective
equipment for the staff and cleaning supplies, which are factored in for the
safety of all. The move to re-open select sites was made only after evaluating
supply chain options so that these essential items could continually be made
available at our sites.
“The
Alabama Historical Commission remains vigilant as we navigate our staff,
historic sites, and visitors through 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. These
protocols have 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 and closed to the public. 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.
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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