In response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and in the sincere interest of protecting the health and wellbeing of our staff, volunteers and visitors, the Schoharie County Historical Society Board of Trustees has made the difficult decision to not open the Old Stone Fort Museum Complex in 2020.
Staff and society leadership are pleased to announce, however, several exciting projects and initiatives aimed at improving guest experiences and providing more programming, events, and resources to digital and remote audiences.
Already underway is a project to bring wireless internet access to the entire museum site, providing essential connectivity to those conducting historical research, visiting the Old Stone Fort or exploring the grounds and exhibit buildings throughout the museum complex. This project has been made possible with support from MIDTEL and a generous private donor.
Various site improvements include painting, roofing, and foundation work on several historic and exhibit buildings and a reimagined museum gift shop and bookstore. In addition to new carpeting and an expanded selection of local and specialty products, the museum store will feature a new point of sale system, bringing more ease of use to museum visitors.
Society staff is also hard at work planning a complete redesign and relaunch of the Old Stone Fort and Schoharie County Historical Society website. In addition to a streamlined design and improved functionality for mobile devices, the new website will offer visitors the chance to learn more about Schoharie County history through photo galleries, blog posts, virtual collections, immersive storytelling and access to digital programming and research resources.
For those interested in joining the Schoharie County Historical Society in advancing our preservation and education efforts, the website will offer access to membership options, volunteer opportunities and special programming and events. Site visitors will also be able to stay informed on the society’s preservation, education and outreach efforts through news, stories and event notices.
Work is likewise underway developing virtual offerings with many of our previously scheduled in-person programs and events being re-envisioned as virtual experiences. Remote lectures, tours and exhibits will soon be available on the new website and through the museum’s social media platforms, including Facebook and Instagram.
“Our first priority is ensuring the health and safety of our visitors, volunteers, and staff,” said museum director Melinda McTaggart. “We are very excited to use this time, however, to ensure a more valuable and rewarding experience to visitors both on site and remotely. We would like to express our sincerest gratitude for the generous support of our museum community as we navigate an ever changing landscape.”