It’s all open at the Shafer Museum.
The Shafer Historical Museum in Winthrop opens on Friday (May 7), the first day of the 2021 Winthrop ’49er Days celebration, and will remain open through the first weekend of October from 10-5 p.m. daily.
“After more than a year of closure, the museum has used the pandemic shutdown to add more content to its buildings, exhibits and website (www.shafermuseum.org),” museum Director Suzanne Perin said in a press release. “The docents are prepared, health protocols are in place, and new exhibits developed last year will be shown to the public.
One new exhibit celebrates the 2020 centennial anniversary of the women’s right to vote. Another offers an updated look at Guy Waring, Winthrop’s founding father.
The museum was started by local merchant Simon Shafer in 1947 to display his collection of early pioneer artifacts, which he received in exchange for credit provided during the 1930s Great Depression, according to the press release. It still honors Shafer’s request that the museum ask for donations from visitors rather than charging entry fees. The suggested donation is $5 for adults, or free for children 18 free. Please wear masks, social distance from other visitors outside of your group, and follow the posted signage.
New this year, the museum will offer private docent-led tours of the grounds and buildings on Saturday mornings, starting May 29 of Memorial Day weekend, for groups of up to eight members. Cost $10 per person by website reservation only.
The museum is located at 285 Castle Ave. It is also accessible by a stairway from Riverside Avenue, across from the Rio Vista Hotel.
