COVID-19 Response

Updated March 17, 2020

Following the recommendation for Iowa schools to close for four weeks, the AAMI has decided to close to the public through April 13. Community spread has been detected in Iowa, so we are closing as a proactive measure to protect the health of our patrons and employees, and to encourage responsible social distancing practices that can help to slow the spread of COVID-19. Over the course of the next four weeks, we will be closely following announcements from the Center for Disease Control, the Iowa Department for Public Health, and the Linn County Public Health department and evaluating any need for further closings and cancellations based on these reports.

We will update this page as needed with any updates.

How You Can Help the Museum

This is a time of uncertainty, with closures affecting small businesses and non-profits, especially those in the arts and cultural industry. During this period we will be relying more than ever on the generosity of donors who understand the importance of sharing history and culture, especially in difficult times. If you would like to support the AAMI during our public closing and ensure that we can offer our exhibits and programs for years to come, please consider making a donation or becoming a member.

Membership Opportunities

Programs and Events

All public events and programs through April 13 have been cancelled. We will post any announcements about rescheduled events at a later date. Private rentals and tours will be discussed on a case by case basis. If you had a rental or tour scheduled before April 13, please make sure to contact us to determine if you will need to cancel or schedule.

Contacting Staff

AAMI staff will be primarily working from home during our closure. If you need to contact a staff member, please do so by using their business email address. We discourage calling or leaving voicemails at this time, as it may be difficult for staff to respond to calls.

Prevention Plan

As part of our efforts to reduce the spread of COVID-19, the AAMI is providing patrons with access to hand sanitizer, hanging CDC posters regarding prevention techniques in public areas, and increasing our sanitation efforts. During our closing, we will evaluate if any additional measures are necessary and notify the public about any additional steps we plan to take.

COVID-19 Health Risk

We would like to stress that at this time reports indicate that the risk to healthy individuals under 60 remains low. Prevention measures are currently being taken in Iowa and across the country because individuals at low risk may be unaware that they have contracted the novel corona virus pass the virus to those at greater risk. In order to reduce the burden on our healthcare system and ensure that those who need treatment will be able to receive it, it is important to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Even if you are at low risk as an individual, engaging in social distancing can help to protect members of your community at a higher risk.

All individuals are being asked to engage in common preventative measures such as covering your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your upper arm/elbow, cleaning your hands frequently with soap and water, and containing germs by staying home when ill. It is normal to feel some anxiety about a new virus, and the Iowa Department of Public Health has posted suggestions for dealing with that anxiety. The AAMI would like to encourage our patrons to take reasonable preventive measures and to look for information from reputable sources.

Resources

Center for Disease Control

Iowa Department of Public Health

Linn County Public Health

World Health Organization

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