A Message from our Executive Director and President & CEO:

One week has passed since our original COVID-19 communication to you, and we wanted to update you on the efforts we are taking to protect our employees, volunteers, members, supporters, and the Museum during this time while maintaining day-to-day business operations.
 
Due to current state mandates that affect the hospitality industry through April 8th, we are still operating under the belief that we will open to the public on Saturday, May 2nd. We continue to monitor local, regional and national news for updates and may push back our Opening Day if needed, as we are unwilling to jeopardize the health and well-being of any of our members or guests. The decision on whether or not to delay our opening will be made mid-April.  For now, online ticket sales for our Daniel Tiger event on June 13/14 that were originally scheduled to begin on March 27th have been postponed to begin on May 1st.
 
There are still no known COVID-19 cases among our volunteers or employees, or cases of self-isolation/quarantine among our employees. Because of the design of our facilities and employee work areas are spread throughout campus, they continue to work at the Museum. We are keeping them safe by practicing thorough daily cleaning regimens in the Restoration Shop and Visitors Center, they are able to flex their schedules and work alternating hours, and some can work from home.
 
Our mission is unique and our employees all possess rare talent. We’ve recruited them from across the country, and some commute 90 minutes daily. It has taken the Museum quite some time to put together such a talented, productive group of professionals, and our goal is to do all that we can to support them during the pandemic so they can continue help us fulfill our mission. We will support any employee who needs to self-quarantine, falls ill during this time, or needs to take care of a loved one who is ill by providing all employees with an additional 2-weeks of sick time.  
 
We have asked volunteers, many of whom are from populations at high risk for COVID-19, to stay home for the time-being to preserve their health. As such, we are now heavily utilizing teleconferencing and video communication to stay connected. All trolley operator requalification trainings will be held virtually this spring. New operator training is tentatively scheduled for 5/23, 5/30, and 6/6. If you have any questions about training, or if you would like to sign up to become an operator for the Museum this season or in the future, please email training@trolleymuseum.org .
 
Following our Board of Trustees meeting, held virtually this past Saturday, the Society's Annual Meeting is still scheduled to be held on Saturday, April 25th. The size of the meeting may need to be limited based on the circumstances at that date; shareholders have been encouraged to vote via proxy this year to guarantee their participation in this year’s election of Trustees. Currently, the Governor of Maine has restricted gatherings to no more than ten (10) people, so if conditions remain the same, we may move most of the non-business related activities planned for Annual Meeting Day to Members Day this season (October 10, 2020). As the Annual Meeting approaches, we will make a final decision about this—stay tuned.
 
Museum Clean Up days that were originally scheduled to begin next weekend have been pushed to Sunday, April 26th--Friday, May 1st. Projects for solo-individuals and solo-families working more than 20-30 feet away from others outside and in our carbarns will be available. Sign up here if you would like to volunteer.
 
Senior staff are meeting with our President & CEO weekly to re-assess the current climate and modify expectations and restrictions as needed. We plan to send out communications like this weekly, or as the situation changes, throughout the pandemic to keep you informed. 

The next communication you receive will detail the many ways you can continue to support the Museum during this uncertain time. Thank you for your support and for helping us fulfill our mission during this global crisis. 

Respectfully,

James D. Schantz
President & CEO

Katie Orlando
Executive Director

Thank you for your support!
Phone: (207) 967-2800