Historical Society work continues despite closure due to coronavirus

The Lorain Historical Society has closed its doors during the novel coronavirus pandemic, but staffers are working at home planning programs for when its facilities reopen.

Barbara Piscopo, executive director of the Lorain Historical Society, said there still is a lot to do.

From cataloging a backstock of local artifacts, to trying to reorganizing canceled events and making sure the community stays engaged, the staff is trying to figure out their new normal, Piscopo said.

“We had to cancel our ‘Can We be Friends Event’ our spring camps for kids and our play,” she said. “But that doesn’t mean we aren’t working.”

There’s a misconception with the community and work done at the Historical Society, Piscopo said.

“Sometimes people think when we aren’t open, we don’t do anything,” she said. “That simply isn’t true.”

The Historical Society is like any other business and takes a lot of effort from staff to remain going, Piscopo said.

“Even though our gift shop isn’t open and we aren’t doing tours, we’re still doing research, cataloging, event planning and community engagement,” she said.

The Historical Society’s annual meeting still is scheduled for May 26 at Ariel on Broadway, said Nicole LeGalley, who works in advancement and philanthropy at the Historical Society.

“We’ve been planning this meeting since November,” LeGalley said. “We’re taking it day-by-day and will have an answer if we’re going to have the meeting around May 1.”

The annual meeting is dedicated to women’s suffrage and women empowerment, she said.

“We’re going to have extraordinary women such as (Ohio Supreme Court) Justice Melody Stewart, Dr.

Melissa Li-Ng and others, who shattered the glass ceiling and have done wonderful things,” LeGalley said.

Piscopo said the event only will take place if it’s allowed and if everyone is comfortable.

“We’re not going to bring people together unless they’re comfortable,” Piscopo said.

Historical Society staff also is using this time to adjust and figure out their next steps, she said.

“Everybody is trying to adjust and wrap their head around the economic impact,” Piscopo said.

“We’re settling in our routines and trying to move forward.”