The Tolland Historical Society is pleased to announce that after being closed for more than a year due to the coronavirus pandemic, two of its museums will be reopening to the public.
The Old Tolland County Jail and Museum be open Sundays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. beginning on Sunday, June 6. Located at 52 Tolland Green, it will be open Sundays through the fall except on July 4 for Independence Day and on Sept. 5 for Labor Day.
Visitors will be required to wear masks while on the museum grounds and practice social distancing.
The Daniel Benton Homestead Museum at 154 Metcalf Road will be open on Sundays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. beginning on Sunday, July 11. It will be open on Sundays through October, except for Sept. 5 for Labor Day.
Visitors to the Benton will be required to wear masks and practice social distancing. Only four people will be allowed inside the museum at a time, and restrooms are not available.
The museum openings are always subject to change if COVID-19 numbers rise again in Connecticut.
Admission to the museums is free, but donations are always appreciated. They can be made at the museum, through the website or by sending a check to the Tolland Historical Society, P.O. Box 107, Tolland, CT 06084.
The jail museum welcome visitors for the first time in more than a year on Sunday, May 30 to observe Memorial Day, and also featured members of the Connecticut Re-enactors Guild, who portrayed members of the military from different eras.
In photo 1, Historical Society President Kathy Bach, center, welcomed visitors with the help of members of the Board of Directors, Dr. Sharron Laplante and David Geissler.
In photo 2, members of the Connecticut Re-enactors Guild spoke with visitors.
In photo 3, Historical Society intern Jillian Freeto was one of several interns who led visitors on a tour Sunday, May 30.
In photo 4, Society Director Cathy Wilcox showed off examples of her weaving and demonstrated use of a loom.
In the final photo, more members of the guild spoke with a visitor about World War II uniforms and weaponry.
Photos by Kate Farrish
