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The Pioneer Museum of Alabama is moving ahead with plans to host its annual Pioneer Days on October 9 and 10.

Barbara Tatom, museum director, said doing so during the continuing pandemic was dependent on the participation of the demonstrators who regularly support the museum’s Pioneer Days for students and the general public.

Encouraged by the positive response from the demonstrators, Tatom and the museum board made the decision move ahead with its plans to host the annual event.

“Pioneer Days, a two-day event, is our largest event,” Tatom said. “Friday is normally students’ day but, with the coronavirus, there probably won’t be any field days for a while so Friday will not be specifically for students. But, most everyone is looking for things to do and places to go, so Pioneer Days will be a place to go where there are things to do and of interest for all ages.”

Pioneer Days is held on the museum grounds were the demonstrators are traditionally spaced socially distant throughout the grounds.

Visitors to Pioneer Days move among the demonstrators at their leisure, therefore, social distancing may be maintained.

Tatom said the decision to host Pioneer Days was made with the knowledge that the event could have to be canceled if COVID-19 mandates it so.

“But, our hopes are that the Pioneer Museum of Alabama will be able to offer this opportunity for families, friends and individuals to come out and spend a day learning more about our Alabama pioneers and how they lived, worked and played.”

However, there is no reason to wait until October 9 and 10 to visit the Pioneer Museum of Alabama.

The pioneer museum is open to the public from 9 am. until 5 p.m. Thursday through Saturday so now is also a good time to visit the museum.

“We have been pleased with both the number of local people and travelers who have visited with us during COVID-19,” Tatom said. “Since the beaches opened, we have had some really good days. We’ve had some visitors that have made the museum a day trip. We had a couple last week that was in Troy to move their daughter to Troy University. They enjoyed the museum so much they bought a membership.”

Tatom said those who have visited the Pioneer Museum of Alabama have been impressed by the large number of artifacts featured, the quality of the exhibitions and the variety of pioneer structures on the grounds.

“It is always interesting to hear comments about the Pioneer Museum of Alabama and to know that others appreciated it as much as we do, “Tatom said.

Individual and family memberships to the Pioneer Museum of Alabama are available that will include Pioneer Days and all museum sponsored event throughout the year. For more information, call 334-566-3597.