Sumter County Museum sets reopening date
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Educational and historical outlets in Sumter are reopening as the state continues its summertime schedule of trying to recover from the pandemic.
The Sumter County Museum and Temple Sinai Jewish History Center will reopen on June 4, and admission will be free at both locations through July 31.
According to a news release from the museum, whose mission is to preserve and interpret the history of Old Sumter District and present-day Sumter, Lee and Clarendon counties, the staff wanted to offer something to the community during the difficult time presented by COVID-19.
While spring was scheduled to be a busy time of year for the museum, handfuls of programs and events have been canceled or postponed. The museum added a new program in light of the pandemic and is asking the public to donate materials, stories and other ways of recording COVID-19's impact on the area. For more information, go to www.sumtercountymuseum.org.
Both locations will be "strictly following CDC guidelines to ensure the safety of our members, guests and staff," including:
- Maintaining social distancing guidelines at all times;
- Allowing up to 20 people inside the Williams-Brice House or Temple Sinai Jewish History Center at a time;
- Asking that anyone who is sick or has virus symptoms to not visit either location;
- Ensure social distancing is maintained at the Carolina Backcountry Homestead in its outdoor setting; and
- Possibly having staff available for tours of the downstairs of the Williams-Brice House and Temple Sinai Jewish History Center, though both can be experienced with a self-guided tour. There are informational placards throughout the exhibits and interpretive signs on the grounds and in the Carolina Backcountry Homestead to guide and educate visitors.
The museum hours will be Thursday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 112 N. Washington St. The Jewish History Center hours will be Thursday and Friday from 1 to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 11 Church St.
Call (803) 775-0908 to speak to a staff member on a non-operating day.