Museum Reopens With New Staff

Fairhope, Alabama


Acting director Gabriel Gold-Vukson



Exit on Section Street


SHUTDOWN FINALLY OVER

After being shut down over two months by the pandemic, the Fairhope museum of history has reopened with a new acting director and special projects assistant: hours 9-5 Tuesday through Saturday.

Indiana native Gabriel Gold-Vukson said his training in archeology/anthropology and art from the University of South Alabama ... and in pubic administration at the University of West Florida should serve him well in the new job.




He said he and new special projects manager Courtney McDonald have been working to get the museum clean and ready for reopening ... and to keep the public informed about goings on: "We made daily postings on our Facebook site ...  enhanced some of our displays ... and added new information."

Visitors are asked to enter by the back door (Bancroft side), and maintain 6' social distancing; masks are recommended but not required.  Please avoid touching displays as well to prevent community spread of the virus.





 DOCENTS TO RETURN IN JULY

Staff only will be running the museum until early July, when volunteer docents will return per expected new directives from the governor regarding COVID-19.

The popular 'Tea at Two' speakers forum held Thursdays is still suspended indefinitely.




Comments

Anonymous said…
Happy for Mr Vukson, On a seperate note. You may not be aware our library is still operating with strict limited access. School is out and most children cannot access our library without strict restriction. Upon contacting Director Tamara Dean,PH# 929-0366. I asked why she thought necessary to be stricter than the rest of our community. Her reply was for health of staff and patrons, but thank you for calling. There is zero science behind that comment. Tiawan has led the world with no lockdowns. If our library which I love is to be run in a limited capacity. I would expect there budget to also be cut reflect this. After all Fairhope needs to find 1.5 million to cover the shortfall due to lockdown. Call Ms Dean and our Mayor to end this lockdown.
Publisher said…
Yes we are aware of the restrictions at the library. You may not be aware it operates under an autonomous library board and is not technically a part of the city. However, the restrictions they are using conform to the governor's current directives we were told.
Anonymous said…
At present Alabama until July 3 is under amended safer at home rules. Everybody from schools to movie theaters are allowed open with social distance. Our Library keeps doors locked,On the hour you have 45 min inside,Computer w/appt,Book pickup by limited appt,Youth section closed,No youth computer. Taxpayers provide the bulk of funding. If a board and director decides without valid reason to restrict access. It is up to the city to step in. Call Director Dean 929-0366.
Publisher said…
Library boards are authorized under state law; the city has no authority ... except to appoint board members. Martin Lanaux is its current chairman; councilman Conyers the city's representative on it. Ms. Dean works for the board, not the city.
Anonymous said…
Dear Publisher thankyou for pointing out the board rules. The taxpayers provide the funding. The city provides the budget. And as you said appoints the board. If you follow the money and deed to the property there is alot of room for conversation. But my goal is simply to have access to our TAXPAYER funded library.
Publisher said…
The library board is scheduled to meet again June 15, at 4PM at the library. Open to the public.
Anonymous said…
Why do we have unelected people runing our library?
Anonymous said…
I would rather see the library to error on the side of safety then have the an asymptomatic infect someone especially the elderly or a child.
Anonymous said…
To use the logic of let us stay closed because some person may become infected. Is a failed argument. The harm to our childrens education growth can not be measured. And the elderly are just as at risk at the library no matter the effort as they are at Walmart. People need to work,eat,educate, and move on and live. The science says mask and hand wash is proper at this time. To have severe restrictions at one alone location and not all is illogical. You make your own choice but not mine.
N. Hale said…
":I would rather see the library to error on the side of safety then have the an asymptomatic infect someone especially the elderly or a child."

No, you'd rather dictate to others. I cannot infect your elderly, young, or vulnerable if they stay home. So, keep them home. Fret, fear, and follow blindly as you choose, but do not tell me that I must live under under an irrational, unscientific, arbitrary, and tyrannical rule.
Anonymous said…
Other Baldwin County libraries are wide open with little to no restrictions. So being under the control of the library board is not an excuse to be so restrictive.
Anonymous said…
Fairhope is turning more liberal every day, control is their way.
Anonymous said…
Your Republican governor is the head controller you know.
Anonymous said…
This was a local decision, the governor had nothing to do with it.
Anonymous said…
I had no idea Fairhope was becoming more liberal, but if true it's certainly good news.
Anonymous said…
N. Hale said...

":I would rather see the library to error on the side of safety then have the an asymptomatic infect someone especially the elderly or a child."

"No, you'd rather dictate to others. I cannot infect your elderly, young, or vulnerable if they stay home. So, keep them home. Fret, fear, and follow blindly as you choose, but do not tell me that I must live under under an irrational, unscientific, arbitrary, and tyrannical rule."

No one is dictating here. And cite or reference you unscientific arbitrary data or rule you mentioned, and please don't cite anything from Fox News (aka Fake News)! The CDC still showing COVID is prevalent, and Baldwin Country still reporting new cases.
Anonymous said…
FOX new is fake news, boy have you been fooled by CNN and others.
Anonymous said…
I would really like to make use of the library, but the children area is closed. Does anyone know why? I asked the librarian and she said she did not know.
Publisher said…
Try to stay on topic here, please.