Thank you for your help!
“Staff as Visitors” Days
Everyone practiced safe habits and social distancing at the recent “Staff as Visitors” Day at the Zoo. (Photo by Jim Preston)
Dear Colleagues,
When we closed our doors to visitors in March, we had no way of knowing how long they would remain closed. The work of reopening, from bringing our systems back online to embracing a significant culture shift, is formidable. Throughout it all, you have been steadfast. Four months after our last visitors came to the Smithsonian, we held safe and successful trial runs at the National Zoo and the National Air and Space Museum’s Udvar-Hazy Center this week in preparation for our public reopening.
To those who worked so hard to help us achieve this milestone, we are in your debt. New signs were placed, a timed entry pass system was tested, hand sanitizing stations were installed, and cleaning was enhanced, all while ensuring that safety took precedence. Though many things were different, what makes the Smithsonian so special was on full display. Our facilities remain world class, our staff is enthusiastic and engaged, and our collections are one of a kind.
Thank you to everyone who came and visited on Tuesday and Wednesday. It was a joy to see you again, and your visit and feedback will help us prepare to welcome the public. The information you provided through post-visit surveys is already helping us make improvements at these two facilities, and lessons learned will be shared throughout the Institution.
By enjoying the day with your friends and family, you helped us ensure we will have the knowledge and experience to provide the best visitor experience we can. Safety has been, and will continue to be, paramount. We are closely monitoring public health data, and we will reopen to larger audiences when it is safe to do so. By conducting these “staff as visitor days,” we know we will be ready to reopen when the time comes.
One important takeaway from the “staff as visitors” days that I noticed is that it can be hard to remember to physically distance. After years of working together and months of being apart, it was so nice to see your faces. I was eager to say hello and come greet you, but I had to remind myself to stop and maintain a safe distance. The Smithsonian is intentionally limiting the number of people on site, and we must all remind ourselves to stay six feet away from our friends and colleagues. As things slowly reopen and we have more opportunities to see one another, please be mindful of this new practice.
Your flexibility, your nimbleness, and your willingness to adapt to a new normal are tremendous, and I am so proud of how you have rallied around our essential staff and our mission. Thank you for being part of this journey and for helping us keep the Smithsonian strong.
Sincerely,
Lonnie G. Bunch
Secretary
National Zoo. June 14, 2020
All photos by James Preston, National Air and Space Museum
New signage directed staff to parking during “Staff as Visitors” day at the National Zoo July 14. (Photo by Jim Preston)
Parking was free for staff July 14 at the National Zoo. (Photo by Jim Preston)
Cheetahs are excused from wearing masks. Staff had no problem enforcing social distance. (Photo by Jim Preston)
Two-way paths help maintain social distance. (Photo by Jim Preston)
Two-way paths help maintain social distance. (Photo by Jim Preston)
Family and friends enjoy “Staff as Visitors” day July 14 at the National Zoo. (Photo by Jim Preston)
Hand sanitizing stations are available throughout the Zoo. (Photo by Jim Preston)
Enhanced cleaning procedures occur throughout the day. (Photo by Jim Preston)
Orangutan approves of the new safety enhancements. (Photo by Jim Preston)
Demonstration of proper social distancing. (Photo by Jim Preston)
Face coverings are required under new safety procedures at the National Zoo. (Photo by Jim Preston)
Family and friends enjoy “Staff as Visitors” day July 14 at the National Zoo. (Photo by Jim Preston)
Zoo staff maintain social distance while preparing to greet guests July 14. (Photo by Jim Preston)
Family and friends enjoy “Staff as Visitors” day July 14 at the National Zoo. (Photo by Jim Preston)
Everyone practiced safe habits and social distancing at the recent “Staff as Visitors” Day at the Zoo. (Photo by Jim Preston)
We’re all in this together. (Photo by Jim Preston)
Udvar-Hazy Center, July 15, 2020
All photos by James Preston and Mark Avino, National Air and Space Museum
Ellen Stofan, the John and Adrienne Mars Director of Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum talks with Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch and with Richard Weld is working remotely at the Visitors Welcome Desk during Smithsonian’s National Air and Space museum pilot opening day for Smithsonian staff at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA, July 15, 2020. (Smithsonian photo by Jim Preston)
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Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch, his wife Maria Marable-Bunch, and Dr. Ellen Stofan, the John and Adrienne Mars Director of Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum listen to Nelson Blankenship, Chief of the Preservation & Restoration Unit as he talks about our Martin B-26B-25-MA Marauder “Flak-Bait” undergoing restoration during the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space museum pilot opening day for Smithsonian staff at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA, July 15, 2020. (Smithsonian photo by Jim Preston)
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Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch visits the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space museum pilot opening day for Smithsonian staff at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA, July 15, 2020. (Smithsonian photo by Jim Preston)
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Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch looks at the Wright Military Flyer in the Mary Baker Engen Restoration Hangar. while attending the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space museum pilot opening day for Smithsonian staff at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA, July 15, 2020. (Smithsonian photo by Jim Preston)
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Smithsonian’s National Air and Space museum pilot opening day for Smithsonian staff, John and Adrienne Mars Director Ellen Stofan, Maria Marable-Bunch and Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch walking down the walkway in Boeing Aviation Hangar at Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA, July 15, 2020. (Smithsonian photo by Mark Avino)
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Smithsonian’s National Air and Space museum pilot opening day for Smithsonian staff, Deputy Director Chris Browne, John and Adrienne Mars Director Ellen Stofan and Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch on tour in Boeing Aviation Hangar at Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA, July 15, 2020. (Smithsonian photo by Mark Avino)
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Smithsonian’s National Air and Space museum pilot opening day for Smithsonian staff, Deputy Director Chris Browne, Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch, John and Adrienne Mars Director Ellen Stofan and Maria Marable-Bunch on tour in James S McDonnell Space Hangar at Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA, July 15, 2020. (Smithsonian photo by Mark Avino)
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Supervisor Museum Specialist Nelson Blankenship talking with Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch in Mary Baker Engen Restoration Hangar at Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA, July 15, 2020. (Smithsonian photo by Mark Avino)
[20200715MA.310] [NASM2020-08762]
Smithsonian’s National Air and Space museum pilot opening day for Smithsonian staff, Supervisor Museum Specialist Nelson Blankenship talking with Maria Marable-Bunch, Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch while Supervisor Conservator Malcolm Cullom and John and Adrienne Mars Director Ellen Stofan listen in Mary Baker Engen Restoration Hangar at Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA, July 15, 2020. (Smithsonian photo by Mark Avino)
[20200715MA.320] [NASM2020-08763]
Smithsonian’s National Air and Space museum pilot opening day for Smithsonian staff, Supervisor Museum Specialist Nelson Blankenship talking with Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch and Maria Marable-Bunch, while Deputy Director Chris Browne and John and Adrienne Mars Director Ellen Stofan listen in Mary Baker Engen Restoration Hangar at Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA, July 15, 2020. (Smithsonian photo by Mark Avino)
[20200715MA.326] [NASM2020-08764]
Smithsonian’s National Air and Space museum pilot opening day for Smithsonian staff, Supervisor Conservator Malcolm Collum talking with Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch and Maria Marable-Bunch, while Deputy Director Chris Browne and Supervisory Museum Specialist Nelson Blankenship listen in Mary Baker Engen Restoration Hangar at Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA, July 15, 2020. (Smithsonian photo by Mark Avino)
[20200715MA.354] [NASM2020-08765]
Smithsonian’s National Air and Space museum pilot opening day for Smithsonian staff, Supervisor Conservator Malcolm Collum talking with Maria Marable-Bunch and Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch while John and Adrienne Mars Director Ellen Stofan listen in Mary Baker Engen Restoration Hangar at Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA, July 15, 2020. (Smithsonian photo by Mark Avino)
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Smithsonian’s National Air and Space museum pilot opening day for Smithsonian staff, Supervisor Conservator Malcolm Collum talking with Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch and Maria Marable-Bunch, while Contractor Conservator Nora Frankel listen in Mary Baker Engen Restoration Hangar at Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA, July 15, 2020. (Smithsonian photo by Mark Avino)
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Smithsonian’s National Air and Space museum pilot opening day for Smithsonian staff Visitor Services Michelle Welker giving the couple directions at the Welcome Center at Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA, July 15, 2020. (Smithsonian photo by Mark Avino)
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Smithsonian’s National Air and Space museum pilot opening day for Smithsonian staff, John and Adrienne Mars Director Ellen Stofan giving Deputy Secretary and Chief Operating Officer of the Smithsonian Meroë Park and her family tour in Boeing Aviation Hangar at Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA, July 15, 2020. (Smithsonian photo by Mark Avino)
[20200715MA.412] [NASM2020-08770]
Smithsonian’s National Air and Space museum pilot opening day for Smithsonian staff, John and Adrienne Mars Director Ellen Stofan giving Deputy Secretary and Chief Operating Officer of the Smithsonian Meroë Park and her family tour in Boeing Aviation Hangar at Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA, July 15, 2020. (Smithsonian photo by Mark Avino)
[20200715MA.414] [NASM2020-08771]
Smithsonian’s National Air and Space museum pilot opening day for Smithsonian staff, Deputy Secretary and Chief Operating Officer of the Smithsonian Meroë Park and her family looking at Mother Ship model from Close Encounter of the Third Kind in James S McDonnell Space Hangar at Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA, July 15, 2020. (Smithsonian photo by Mark Avino)
[20200715MA.458] [NASM2020-08772]
Smithsonian’s National Air and Space museum pilot opening day for Smithsonian staff, Supervisory Museum Specialist Nelson Blankenship talking to Deputy Secretary and Chief Operating Officer of the Smithsonian Meroë Park and her family while John and Adrienne Mars Director Ellen Stofan and Supervisory Conservator Malcolm Collum listening in Mary Baker Engen Restoration Hangar at Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA, July 15, 2020. (Smithsonian photo by Mark Avino)
[20200715MA.477] [NASM2020-08773]
Smithsonian’s National Air and Space museum pilot opening day for Smithsonian staff, Supervisory Conservator Malcolm Collum talking to Deputy Secretary and Chief Operating Officer of the Smithsonian Meroë Park and her family in Mary Baker Engen Restoration Hangar at Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA, July 15, 2020. (Smithsonian photo by Mark Avino)
[20200715MA.513] [NASM2020-08774]
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Posted: 17 July 2020
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Categories:
Air and Space Museum , Feature Stories , Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute
