Due to the closure and cancellation of winter and spring events, I felt it was necessary to write directly to you about the occurrences of the Cumberland County Historical Society. Our closure, though work has continued but at a slower pace, has allowed us to re-evaluate how we can adapt and function within this new world, leading us to assess our online presence. During the closure, we started a YouTube channel and have posted videos spotlighting Potter’s Tavern, our recent make-up exhibit at the Gibbon House, and uploading recordings of past author series. More videos are in the works! To view the videos, go to YouTube.com and type “Cumberland County Historical Society NJ”. We are the first channel to pop up!
The virus, state protocols, and the concern over everyone’s welfare has caused us to examine our fall events. Unfortunately, after attempting to organize the 49th Annual Artisans’ Faire and Marketplace, forces outside of our control have made it impossible to move forward with the event this year. We are deeply saddened by having to make this call. The Artisans’ Faire is an enjoyable and fun event that we look forward to year after year. While we are upset at the cancellation of the Faire, we move forward knowing next year’s Faire will be a huge event!
As of right now, we do not have dates for 2021 Hearthside Dinners. We will re-evaluate whether or not holding the dinners are possible at a later date.
We are moving forward with our Annual Business Meeting, which will be held on November 7, 2020 at 4:30 p.m. at the Greenwich Baptist Church, located at 928 Ye Greate St, Greenwich, New Jersey 08323. Due to COVID-19, a dinner will not be offered after the meeting, nor will there be a speaker this year. Because of the changes to the program, there will be no cost for attending the meeting. We are happy to accept donations which will be given to the Greenwich Baptist Church for allowing us to use their facility.
Although we are looking forward to the day that COVID-19 is a thing of the past, we do not want to continue waiting and lose more time hoping for the old normal. As we move onward, we are working on how we can still hold programs within the world of masks, social distancing, and a pandemic. Which has led us to the conclusion that the best way, while ensuring the safety of our staff, volunteers, and visitors, is to do some events virtually. The virtual events will be the Halloween Ghost Walking Tours and Christmas in Greenwich. While this is and will be very different, we are excited by the challenge to try something new, and to continue growing as an institution!