Going into fall, visiting local museums is a great way to safely escape your daily routine. Some remain closed (think Cogswell’s Grant or the Essex Shipbuilding Museum, both in Essex,) but there are plenty to choose from in the area that are offering limited visits, all within safety guidelines. Check websites for hours and procedures. Here are just a few:
CAPE ANN MUSEUM | capeannmuseum.org
27 Pleasant St, Gloucester | (978) 283-0455
After nearly six months shuttered, the Cape Ann Museum opened its doors this weekend to its members and will be open to the general public starting October 1. The hours of 10-11 am are reserved for high risk visitors. Go to their website to reserve tickets and schedule a visit.
HAMMOND CASTLE MUSEUM | Hammondcastle.org
80 Hesperus Ave, Gloucester
Hammond Castle is now open for scheduled tours of up to 20 visitors at a time. Tours run 9:30 am – 3 pm every day until the end of October. Tickets for the spiritualism tours every Thursday night and the upcoming H.P. Lovecraft event series are also available. Please visit their website to reserve tickets before visiting.
PEABODY ESSEX MUSEUM | pem.org
161 Essex St, Salem | 978-745-9500
Peabody Essex Museum is now open to the public Thursday-Sunday each week from 10 am to 5 pm. The Peter Hutton: At Sea exhibit will be up until the first day of November, so be sure to check it out while it’s still there. Reserve tickets ahead on their website.
MANCHESTER HISTORICAL MUSEUM | Manchesterhistoricalmuseum.org
10 Union St, Manchester-by-the-Sea | (978) 526-7230
The Manchester Historical Museum's Trask House is now open to the public every Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Staff are limiting the number of visitors allowed in exhibit rooms at a time to follow social distancing guidelines, so if things are busy there might be a short wait in the courtyard outside.
Any additional information about how to visit can be found on the museum websites or by calling ahead. Make sure to get out there, stay safe, and have fun!
