MUSEUM NEWS
gress. Finding the right route for the Museum and its crew through the rocks and shoals of government support programs and increased unemployment benefits was an exercise in finding the best worst solution. With no guarantee of reopening, and no way to forecast a return to normal attendance, the difficult decision was made to lay off a significant number of staff members. Without any doubt, that was the lowest day of the pandemic experience. From that point forward, the remaining staff began to work on how to reopen, as opposed to how to close. What to open, when to open, what guidance to follow, social distancing, etc. were topics that joined the continuing discussions of PPP, lines of credit, government action, and how to keep the Museum afloat. As we approached reopening day in late May, the question on everyone’s mind was, would visitors return to our Museum? While Disney uses the term “imagineer” for its theme park designers, all of our staff became instant “re-imagineers” as new models of operations and visitor services were developed and changed on the fly. A week of free admission to the grounds was the first step, and a high number of visitors attended. Building on the free concept, Liberty launch tours were made free, and Boathouse boat rentals were made free as well. Both of these proved to be extremely popular throughout the summer, culminating in long lines for both boat rentals and for the launch tours, something not experienced in recent years. As visitor numbers increased through the summer, further activities were added as staff levels permitted. Events that could be held in a safe manner were reviewed and re-engineered for COVID-19, and this enabled us to maintain some of the regular events of summer such as the Antique & Classic Boat Rendezvous, the Antique Marine Engine Expo, and the September antique car show.
As we now embark on our late fall and winter events under the cloud of rising COVID-19 numbers, it is a good time to look back at what we have learned this summerTHE POWER OF FREE Offering Boathouse rentals and Liberty waterfront cruises at no additional cost removed a barrier that was preventing us from fully sharing the magic of Mystic Seaport Museum with our guests. So many families stepped into a human-powered craft for the first time in their lives this summer and could experience Mystic and the Museum from a new vantage point and make a small but tactile connection to the seafaring world. MAKING A “MYSTIC MOMENT” Reimagining our visitor interaction with less staff highlighted the need to continue to make a connection with our visitors. Whether it came from our roving interpreter, boathouse attendant, or volunteer at the informational Nav Station, our staff worked hard to ensure that each visitor had a “Mystic Moment.” In a year where we all feel the loss of personal interactions, this was an important way to make a connection. THE DIVERSE TALENTS OF OUR STAFF Whether inventing an online class, tool sharpening over Zoom, or managers teaching the basics of rowing, the Museum’s staff stepped in and stepped up, truly showing the spirit of what we call “The Mystic Way.” As this stormy voyage continues we will have to keep our hatches battened down, prepare contingency plans and options for the winter and next year, all while looking forward to a new hand at the wheel with a new president coming aboard to build on Steve White’s steady leadership through this tough year.
As we approached reopening day in late May, the question on everyone’s mind was, would visitors return to our Museum?
Chris Gasiorek is interim executive vice president.
FALL / WINTER 2020
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