Bucks Co. Children's Museum To Stay Closed Until 2021 (ICYMI)

NEW HOPE, PA — The Bucks County Children's Museum, which has been closed since March due to the coronavirus, will stay that way through at least the end of 2020 and early 2021, officials announced Wednesday.

Staff at the museum in New Hope have been monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic and made what they called a difficult decision after talking with doctors and seeing local infection rates, which are in the midst of a troubling surge.

They said Wednesday they are now targeting a spring 2021 reopening.

"The financial strain on our beloved museum has been difficult," said museum Executive Director Kelly Krumenacker. "We hope for a spring 2021 reopening date, but realize that date is subject to change based upon the health and well-being of our community."

The museum closed its doors on March 12, as the first wave of the coronavirus pandemic hit. Since then, it has furloughed 10 of its 14 staff members and lost about $300,000 in operating revenue, officials said.

The remaining staff members have been remote educational activities and resources via the museum's website and on social media. They've also organized community outreach projects and made improvements and upgrades at the museum, at 500 Union Square Dr.

A nonprofit, the children's museum is asking for community support during the continued closure. Anyone wishing to do so may make donations via the Bucks County Children's Museum website.

"We miss our guests and look forward to welcoming everyone back as soon as possible and getting kids back to the important work of play," Krumenacker said.

Last week, Bucks County reported a record 2,417 new coronavirus cases and 23 new deaths from the virus. On Wednesday, the day before Thanksgiving, Bucks County reported a single-day record 584 new cases.