As Talbot County, the State, and the Nation cope with the coronavirus pandemic, the Board of Directors of the Talbot Historical Society (THS) has decided to shut down until the Fall.

While essential businesses remain open to some degree, it should be recognized that THS is not one of those. We are important; we are necessary; some would argue we are uplifting. However, in wartime (and make no mistake the nation is at war), we should defer to the critically needed businesses, especially our health care facilities and service providers. When we can all return to some degree of normality is an open question, as the Stage 1, 2 and 3 guidelines so clearly demonstrate.

As you know, the very nature of museums is to attract visitors to see our exhibits, artifacts, photographs, and other historic documents. We also are charged with holding large gatherings to showcase our work, to raise awareness, and to raise funds. THS will conduct our Annual Membership drive beginning as soon as possible (usually it is the first of May), for we feel all will want to retain their membership and help us with fixed costs (utilities, maintenance, security). In addition, we will launch an online service for members so that all can view some of our newly saved historic photographs on our Website. In addition, all are encouraged to visit the THS Facebook Page where rare photos are placed weekly for comment and review.

THS will not hold its Annual Meeting in May, nor our Annual Fundraiser Event in late summer. We urge all who can, to contribute to the critically needed infrastructure entities – hospitals, soup kitchens, day care centers, and other such facilities. These are the places we need to support today without exception. Hopefully, in the fall we will be able to have celebratory events, welcome all to our exhibits, and conduct our Annual Fund drive, which typically begins in November.

While this decision is painful for all of us who love the incredible history of Talbot County, we feel it is the right thing to do at this moment of national crisis.

To end on a bright note, when THS reopens in the fall, we have much to celebrate – the renovated Tharpe building will house a new Extended Museum where we will showcase 18th and 19th century furniture, silverware, and jewelry (some never seen before), and the new Hill Research Center with library. In addition, after several years of study and preparation, we will open a permanent African American Room as part of the museum in the historic Mary Jenkins House.

We look forward to welcoming back each of you, hopefully sooner rather than later.