Historic sites and museums reopen
Minnesota Historical Society is welcoming back visitors to additional historic sites, starting in late May and continuing into early July.
The Minnesota History Center, Split Rock Lighthouse, the Trading Post at the Mille Lacs Indian Museum, and outdoor trail sites including Birch Coulee Battlefield, Fort Ridgely, Marine Mill and Traverse des Sioux have neem
Beginning in late May additional sites will open with changes in hours and offerings that help ensure the safety of visitors and staff, while maximizing efficient operations. These include Comstock House, Sibley Historic Site, W.W. Mayo House, Forest History Center, Mille Lacs Indian Museum, James J. Hill House, Jeffers Petroglyphs, Oliver Kelley Farm, Historic Fort Snelling, Snake River Fur Post, Historic Forestville and Charles Lindbergh House and Museum.
MNHS is working on plans to open the Alexander Ramsey House, Folsom House, Harkin Store, Lower Sioux Agency, Mill City Museum and Minnehaha Depot, and will make decisions based on COVID-19 social distancing protocols, ability to deliver a robust program and the financial cost of operating the site. Further announcements will be shared as decisions are made. MNHS is prepared to offer self-guided tours at the capitol as soon as the Minnesota Department of Administration reopens the building.
In order to ensure the health and safety of guests, staff and the community, MNHS is limiting the number of daily visitors at sites. Tickets can be purchased online or through the box office at 651-259-3015 beginning May 27, 2021. A limited number of tickets will be available for walk-ups. New protocols designed to minimize the risk of spreading COVID-19 can be viewed on the health and safety procedures page of each website. FFI: www.mnhs.org/covid-19
Opportunity Partners Virtual Gala
Opportunity Partners hosts its annual gala – to be held virtually for the first time – at 7 p.m. Thu, May 13. The event is Opportunity Partners’ largest fundraising event of the year, supporting the organization’s mission of advancing the quality of life for 1,500 people with disabilities. Opportunity Partners works to develop independence, promote inclusion and build stronger communities alongside people with disabilities in the Twin Cities metropolitan area. Event highlights will include mission moments, live entertainment and silent and auction. KARE11 Chief Meteorologist Belinda Jensen is emcee. Registration is free. packages and sponsorship opportunities ate available. FFI: 952-912-7442, events@opportunities.org
Steps for Autism 2021
Autism Society of Minnesota’s Steps for Autism in Minnesota 2021 – Hybrid Edition is 9 a.m. – noon Sun, May 23 at Como Lakeside Pavilion, St. Paul. It’s a new date and location for the annual fundraiser, which is in its 21st year. With safety in mind and social distancing in place, AuSM will offer participants a walk route, fun activities, an autism resource fair, and opportunities for community connections. Those who prefer virtual access will find autism business and organization resources on our website and will be able to walk their favorite route in their own spaces, in their own time. Registration opens soon. FFI: www.ausm.org
Open Flow Forum
The Artists with Disabilities Alliance meets via Zoom 7-9 p.m. the first Thu of the month. Upcoming dates Thu, May 6. Virtually join artists with disabilities and supporters to share visual art, writing, music, theater and artistic efforts or disability concerns. Facilitators are Tara Innmon, Kip Shane and Springboard for the Arts. The gatherings are fully accessible. Anyone needing special accommodations should contact Andy at host organization Springboard for the Arts. FFI: 651-294-0907, resources@springboardforthearts.org
Less to Enjoy!
Restrictions have eased in the entertainment world, so look for changes. Many of the museums, arts and theater groups that typically have listings in the Access Press Enjoy! calendar have moved to online services or are offering in-person services with social distancing and safety measures. Please check with a venue or organization before making plans. Check to see what classes and performances are offered online. See what is available through the Minnesota Access Alliance and its calendar, at https://mnaccess.org/
