Historic sites are opening with care
Debra Alpeter, a staff member at Schoenbrunn Village, shows an item used to store candles in the Zeisberger cabin. The village, the Dennison Depot Railroad Museum, and the Uhrichsville Museum of Clay Industry and Folk Art all recently opened for visitors.
With safety measures in place, Historic Schoenbrunn Village, the Uhrichsville Museum of Clay Industry and Folk Art, and the Dennison Railroad Depot have opened their doors to the public.
After months of isolation where museums were limited to virtual activities, the sites will provide a welcome respite for visitors. These sites also provide an important look into the past and opportunity to learn about what makes the area unique.
“When you visit the Dennison Depot, you walk in the footsteps of American heroes — those on the warfront, but also the homefront,” said Wendy Zucal, director of the Dennison Depot Railroad Museum. “You can’t do that anywhere else in the country as we are the only example left in the nation of the over 200 WWII Servicemen’s Canteen. That is why we are a National Historic Landmark and why we are here to remember and tell their stories.”
A visit to Historic Schoenbrunn Village has visitors following in the footsteps of Rev. David Zeisberger and the Native American members of the Moravian mission at the actual site of the first settlement in Ohio with the first school, church and code of laws in Ohio.
The Clay Museum provides an opportunity to learn about Uhrichsville’s role as the Clay Capital of the World and some of the creative clay products produced in the area.
Zucal said museums are important as they house and exhibit authentic objects of area history for posterity.
“They allow visitors to visualize their past with their own eyes and step into experiences that help them better understand their heritage,” Zucal said. “Museums bring people together for community, storytelling and national dialog. By providing a safe setting for visitors of all ages and backgrounds, museums help us understand our past, envision our future and learn about the world around us.”
The staff has spent the last two months learning about safely reopening in webinars, workshops and discussions on best practices. They developed plans, and the measures were shared with the volunteers.
“Our three museums are going above and beyond to follow the governor’s guideline, CDC and health guidelines, plus best practices from the Ohio Museum Association, the Ohio Local History Alliance, the American Alliance of Museums, and the American Association for State and Local History,” Zucal said. “All three museums have written plans. Because Historic Schoenbrunn Village is owned by the Ohio History Connection, the OHC had to approve the village’s reopening plans to receive approval to open.”
The Over the Rail diner, located at the Dennison Depot, is open and following all guidelines for restaurants.
None of the museums will have summer events this year; however, some events are still on. “The Depot’s Sand and Sangria Gala, an important fundraiser, has been rescheduled to Aug. 1 and will be held at the (Performing Arts Center at Kent State Tuscarawas),” Zucal said.
All fall and winter events are still on the schedule including the Colonial Trade Faire and Lantern Tour at Historic Schoenbrunn Village and the Polar Express at the Dennison Depot.
Zucal recommends visitors take advantage of their membership program to join their favorite museum and supersize to become a member of all three museum. Included is free access to the museums, a discount on gift-shop purchases, a biannual newsletter, a complimentary museum pass for two guests and email updates.
Museum members also have the first opportunity to purchase tickets to special events. Depot members can purchase Fall Train Ride and Polar Express tickets, Schoenbrunn members will get first chance at Sleepy Hollow tickets and Clay Museum members can purchase Queen’s Tea tickets before the general public.
New-member perks have been added this year such as a Fast-Pass Lane for members at larger special events, special-member hours starting at 9 a.m. Tuesday through Friday at Historic Schoenbrunn Village and Dennison Depot, and a discount on rentals.
One of the best reasons to join, Zucal said, is the satisfaction of preserving the mission of each of the Dennison Railroad Depot Museum Systems’ museums.
For anyone wanting to lend a hand to preserve history, volunteers are welcome at all three sites.
“We can always use more hands,” Zucal said. “Volunteers enable us to build our capacity and do more, especially in regards to events. The Polar Express, the Colonial Trade Faire and the Queen’s Tea at the Clay Museum are examples of events that could not happen at our museums without volunteers.”