Lincoln Memorial Shrine to reopen on April 1

Redlands' Lincoln Memorial Shrine, which has been closed because of the coronavirus pandemic, will reopen April 1.

The shrine will be open 1-4 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays.

“Our thoughts go out to all who have lost their lives and whose families have been impacted during this worldwide crisis. As health conditions improve, we look forward to once again creating educational experiences that facilitate interaction with our shared past within the Lincoln Shrine,” Nathan Gonzales, curator of the Lincoln Shrine, said in a news release.

A number of new safety measures are in place, including increased sanitation procedures, limited capacity, directional flow for exhibits and requiring face coverings for all visitors older than 2, according to the news release.

The Lincoln Shrine will continue its virtual exhibition gallery and history webinar programs in addition to in-person experiences.

“One thing we've learned through all of this is that the opportunity for teaching about the Civil War and that critical time in history isn't limited to being physically present at the museum,” Maria Carrillo, associate archivist, said in the news release. “Technology allows anyone with an internet connection the opportunity to participate in so many of the things the shrine has to offer.”

As conditions continue to improve, public hours will increase to four hours per day and include Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

“But this is a great place to start. We're so happy to be able to offer our community this wonderful resource once again,” Gonzales said in the news release. “A digital representation on a screen is very helpful, but can never replace the thrill of seeing the actual piece of paper Abraham Lincoln signed.”

The Lincoln Memorial Shrine is in Smiley Park, behind the A.K. Smiley Public Library, 125 W. Vine St. For information, go to lincolnshrine.org.