Dear TCMU Friends and Family,
Happy Memorial Day Weekend!
Over the course of the past two weeks, restrictions across the country have started to lift. In accordance with guidance from the CDC, as well as local and state governments, we too, at
The Children’s Museum of the Upstate, have begun taking steps towards our own phased reopening!
In addition to monitoring the steps taken by several of our peer institutions, TCMU has implemented new safety, cleaning and social distancing protocols for the reopening of our spaces.
It remains our top priority to create the safest environment possible for our staff and visitors—ensuring the highest level of comfort for all that step through our doors.
Today, we wanted to answer a few questions regarding these new measures:
When will TCMU reopen?
- On June 1, full-time staff will be invited back to the museum to begin training on new protocols. This first week will allow staff to reacclimate themselves to the museum, learn best and safest practices for our spaces, and make crucial adjustments as needed.
- On June 8, Summer Camps will begin at TCMU-Greenville and TCMU-Spartanburg at reduced capacities. We are so excited that we will be able to welcome campers to TCMU this summer! All registered campers will be e-mailed in the coming week.
- This phased reopening, starting with camps only, will allow us to evaluate how our staff and visitors interact during this new time. Based on real-time observations, along with evolving government guidance, we will then begin to make decisions regarding opening our doors for museum admission—first to members, and then to the general public. As we continue to open to larger capacities, TCMU will remain committed and responsive to the needs and concerns of our community—while strictly adhering to all public health recommendations.
How will the museum stay clean and safe?
TCMU is implementing new sanitizing measures for the safety of all visitors. We highly encourage any staff member or visitor who does not feel well to please stay home—rather than visit the museum. Camps, programs and exhibitions have been reevaluated to encourage social distancing and staff members will be instructed to help enforce these new guidelines.
Specifically, TCMU will implement the below strategies:
- Additional hand sanitizing stations have been installed throughout TCMU
- Sanitizing wipe stations will be set up for adults who wish to clean exhibition props
- All staff members will have personal disinfecting materials for cleaning surfaces
- Routinely scheduled cleaning will take place throughout the day and after museum hours
- Props, toys, and other exhibition related materials will be reduced, cleaned and rotated by staff throughout the day
- Revised museum flow to encourage social distancing will be clearly marked
- Multi-stall restrooms will have capacity limits
- All food and beverage consumption will be prohibited in the museum gallery spaces
What about masks?
All TCMU staff will be required to wear a mask while on the museum floor. Per CDC recommendations, all visitors will be encouraged to wear a mask—however you will not be denied access to the museum if you choose not to wear a mask.
Will camps be affected?
Camps will be run at limited capacities, with several modifications to create the safest environment for campers. This will include temperature checks, individualized materials for each camper, constant sanitization, and social distancing practices. More details will be distributed by e-mail to registered campers. If you are interested in signing up for camps,
please visit our website here!
TCMU is committed to making sure our spaces are safe, our surfaces clean and our visitors comfortable. Though we are eager to play with ALL of you again—we are dedicated to taking the time needed to create these safe environments, enhance our cleaning practices and learn, adjust and respond to the needs of our valued community.
Nonetheless, while the museum remains closed in some capacity, we continue to forgo much needed admission revenue. If you would like to support TCMU during this challenging time,
please consider making a donation here.
Every donation will help us reopen our doors to Upstate families, like yours, as soon as possible!
Thank you so much and we can’t wait to see you soon!
Best,
Hillary Spencer
CEO, The Children's Museum of the Upstate
