***Oglebay Institute’s Message from the President Regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19)***

Updated June 15,2020

Dear Friends,

I hope that this correspondence finds you and your loved ones well. I want to personally thank you for your continued support over the last several weeks while our facilities were temporarily closed to help mitigate the spread of COVID 19.

We truly appreciate the many ways that you have shown that you care about Oglebay Institute–including following and sharing our content via social media. Your caring notes of support have encouraged us and your membership contributions help to ensure our continued vitality, even during challenging times like these.

While we have been apart, our team at Oglebay Institute has been actively preparing to safely welcome you back to our facilities. We continue to follow the CDC guidelines.

I am pleased to tell you that as of June 1 all Oglebay Institute facilities were opened to the public with capacity restrictions, enhanced cleaning procedures and daily health screenings for all staff and patrons. Cloth face coverings are strongly recommended for both staff and visitors. Dance lessons have resumed, the museums and galleries are open for tours and programs at the nature center are underway.

On Monday, June 8, the Governor announced that summer camps in West Virginia could begin on June 22; therefore, Oglebay Institute’s summer day camps will be held in July and August. We have developed new policies and procedures following the best practices set by the Centers for Disease Control, the American Camping Association, the Association of Camp Nursing and state and local health guidelines. New procedures will include enhanced cleaning procedures, new processes to encourage proper social distancing at check-in, pick-up and throughout the camp day along with daily temperature checks and health screenings of campers and camp staff. Cloth face coverings for both campers and staff are strongly recommended.

Junior Nature Camp, Oglebay Institute’s only residential camp, will be online this year, with the possibility of some onsite activities at the Schrader Center. Details of Junior Nature Camp are still being developed and will be publicized in the coming days.

Information about summer camps, as well as scholarship applications, can be accessed at www.OIonline.com/camps.

We are still awaiting guidance from local and state officials about when we can resume some of our other regular classes and performances. I encourage you to follow our website at www.OIonline.com and the OI Facebook Page for the most current information and schedule of events.

Please know that we are thinking of you and are available to answer any questions that you may have. We will continue to keep you posted about our plans and many thanks for your patience, understanding and continued support! Wishing you good physical and mental health during this difficult time.

Sincerely,

Danielle Cross McCracken
President, Oglebay Institute

Schrader Environmental Education Center, 304-242-6855
Stifel Fine Arts Center, 304-242-7700
School of Dance, 304-242-8807
Towngate Theatre, 304-242-7700
Museums of Oglebay Institute, 304-242-7272
Administration, 304-242-4200