Welcome Back to Buckman!

In any other year, September becomes a month of reflection and planning for me. I would be reflecting on the summer season, beginning preparations and planning for the remainder of the fall season while also looking ahead towards the following Spring opening of our historic houses.
 
However, as we can all attest, this has been anything but a normal year. Absent this summer were the curious questions of students and visitors asking “What time did Paul Revere arrive at Hancock-Clarke House?” or “How did Buckman Tavern end up with a musket ball hole in the front door?” Instead, there were questions of “Is Lexington Historical Society open?”, “Is Lexington Historical Society opening the historic houses?”, or “What types of tours does Lexington Historical Society offer?”
 
As the summer has progressed, Lexington Historical Society has moved from offering 3D online virtual tours to self-paced phone tours (with 2 new tour options!) to guided walking tours. While these transitions have been happening, I have been delving deep into webinars, COVID-19 regulations, and social media groups for museum best practices - all to plan for that wonderful day where we would be able to welcome visitors back inside the historic comforts of our buildings.

I am now happy to announce we will be able to open Buckman Tavern on a limited basis with a hybrid outdoor/ indoor guided tour! During the tour, participants will gather outside with a Lexington Historical Society guide to learn the history of Buckman Tavern and the role it played in the Battle of Lexington. After this brief chat, visitors will be guided through the historic 1710 tavern and be able to view the period rooms that up until this point have been closed to visitors since March 2020. Visitors will have time to view artifacts and ask questions of LHS guides during this abbreviated tour of the interior of Buckman Tavern.
 
During the tour, all social distancing practices and mandated Massachusetts State Regulations and Requirements will be observed. Please remember to stay the length of a British Grenadier (6 feet) away from other visitors and to always wear your mask so that we can keep both our visitors and staff as safe as we can.

Hybrid tours of Buckman Tavern will begin on Saturday October 3 and will be offered daily through Thanksgiving from 10 AM – 2:30 PM every 45 minutes. Online reservations are recommended and will be available for booking starting on October 1.
 
I think I speak for all of our guide staff when I say that we are excited to have the public back inside our building and look forward to seeing everyone if you feel comfortable visiting! Finally, I want to thank everyone for their support over these past few months as we have attempted to serve our loyal audience while at the same time “building an airplane as we fly it” during this ever-shifting pandemic. 

-Chris Kauffman, Education and Interpretation Manager