…and to be afraid of what is different or unfamiliar is to be afraid of life.”

I have to admit, when I hosted our first History at Home Zoom program on April 3, I was indeed “afraid of what is different or unfamiliar.” But as we contemplated a shut-down that could last several weeks (ah, we were so naïve), we knew we had to find a way to stay connected with you and fulfill our mission of sharing stories. So we learned how to Zoom, and “you’re on mute” became the phrase of the year.

2020 hasn’t been easy, but discovering virtual programming has been one positive. We’ve heard from you that even when we’re fully open, you’d like us to continue to offer virtual programs. Trust me, we will. We enjoy them as much as you do. We’ve conducted 62 virtual programs via Zoom – most of them free and very well attended.

As we retreated into our homes and businesses shut down, we knew many of our favorite programs and events were not going to happen – CheeseFest, Harvest Home Tour, Essex County Holiday House Weekend, hearth cooking classes, field trips, and our popular Walk Talk Taste Montclair Food and History walking tours.

As you can imagine, the cancellations of these fundraising events have taken a toll on our budget. We are not alone. The New York Times recently ran an article about many small museums that are shutting down. Permanently. They simply can’t survive.

We are lucky. Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, some Federal and State government help, and lots of creativity from our staff and volunteers, we are holding steady for now. We aren’t “afraid of what is different and unfamiliar,” but we recognize life could change again in the blink of an eye.

This year, more than ever, we need your help.

Please help us continue to offer our free virtual programs. Please help us continue to keep our historic properties and collections maintained so one day we can welcome you back. Please help us continue to find creative ways to keep history alive and accessible in this strange new world.

Will you make an end of year donation? As I have said over and over on our Zoom programs, there are three ways you can donate: 1) on the donate page on our website, 2) sending a check to 108 Orange Road, Montclair, NJ, or 3) Venmo (search “Montclair History Center”).

With our wishes to you for a safe and healthy holiday!

Thank you!

Jane Eliasof