ROCHELLE – Flagg Township Museum officials recently announced it is once again open to the public and has upcoming events planned for the community. 

Due to the stay-at-home order, the museum was forced to close its doors on March 19 until recently being allowed to open again on July 2. Now that the museum is open, it has announced the dates and locations of its upcoming events, pending no more changes due to COVID-19. 

The museum currently has the following upcoming free events planned: 

July 26 from 1 to 3 p.m., at Skare Park, “celebrate Norm Skare Day at the Skare Park Museum,” with birthday cake and ice cream; 

Aug. 2 and 30, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the museum is, “A Sneak Peek at the History Trunks,” looking at what the museum has to offer for learning a bit of history. 

Aug. 16 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the museum, is, “They Took to the Streets—But Never Without a Hat,” a reception for a new exhibit celebrating the vision of women and the passing of the 19th Amendment, giving women the right to vote.

“The museum is very happy to be open and serving the community once again,” museum director Jan Devore said. “It has been pretty lonely around here and we have several things in the works.” 

During the time it was forced to close, the museum repainted both the jail room and the science and industry room featuring its car exhibit. The museum also has different “History Trunks” that are separated into historical events that it adds too as it comes across new information. The trunks include different resources, activates and worksheets suitable for anybody who is elementary age to use. 

Utilizing the extra time on its hands, museum was able to update and add to one of the trunks as well as create three entirely new ones bringing the museums total up to seven trunks. In order to reopen to the public, the museum has also implemented many new safety regulations as well as a couple changes to popular exhibits. 

“We are observing all of the rules and regulations set by health officials for people coming into the building,” Devore said. “Masks are required to enter, hand sanitizer and gloves are available and many of the previously interactive exhibits have been modifies to limit the amount of contact. Museum staff is also frequently sanitizing surfaces throughout the building.” 

More information on the museum and events can be found on its website at www.flaggtownshipmuseumrochelle.org or by contacting the museum at 815-562-3040.