When the world went completely virtual, in March of 2020, it sent panic shockwaves throughout the East End. In particular, the numerous non-profit organizations. Fears mounted over an inability to meet budgetary needs or, worse, the possibility of closing altogether. But in a time of instability, the South Fork Natural History Museum (SOFO) planted its seeds for success.
Without a system in place to work from home, the early weeks of the pandemic proved to be a challenge. However, thanks to a dedicated staff, SOFO was able to quickly adapt. As doors remained closed indefinitely, the collective team came together bi-weekly across video, phone, email, and text messages in order to design virtual programs that would benefit the community as a whole.
“Our goal was to bring nature to the people if they could not explore nature at the museum. It was a bit challenging but we made it work,” Diana Aceti, SOFO’s Director of Development, explained.
Like everywhere else, adaptation was a process, but also progress. The museum created a weekly digital newsletter, where the public could contribute to Nature News and Backyard Watch Citizen Science Program News — both served as a means to keep supporters engaged and connected. Existing programs were converted to Zoom and environmental educators swiftly adapted, thanks to regular run-throughs that ensured seamless delivery and comfortability. By the first of April, SOFO had shifted to an extensive Zoom program, across all age demographics.
SOFO Executive Director, Frank Quevedo, remembered, “The most challenging issue during the pandemic was to stay proactive in SOFO’s mission under the new restricted guidelines. The SOFO team had to learn quickly to adapt and convert in-person nature walks and on-site programs into virtual programs.” Some of those programs included the Young Environmentalists Society, for those ages 10 to 16, along with the STEAM Enrichment after-school program.
Although the museum itself could not welcome visitors, the outdoors remained opened — a place where social distancing has long been encouraged. Thus, through crafted email blasts, social media posts, and virtual programming, SOFO, once again, became champions of the natural environment.
The museum remained completely closed for nearly four months, until mid-July 2020 allowed for small group nature walks, where all participants remained socially distant and were required to wear masks. Despite regulations, interest not only increased but SOFO welcomed new residents from New York City. However, while doors reopened, it was bittersweet without the celebratory annual gala — which typically provides a large portion of the year-round budget.
“We felt confident that our supporters would continue to donate to help ensure the well-being of the museum during this difficult time. We are very appreciative of the great support we have received through the pandemic. As they say, it takes a village!” Aceti said.
Through the support of the Board, Advisory Council, members, and donors, SOFO was able to meet the needs of the museum and support the 2020 budget. But, in order to achieve this, leadership and staff voluntarily took temporary pay cuts, while others were placed on a temporary layoff until the museum opened doors again.
Today, the staff is back full-time but museum visits remains at thirty-three percent capacity on a daily basis and by reservation (20 people per session). Outdoor programs are ongoing and full, up to 50 persons, with oftentimes a waiting list. And Zoom presentations gather nearly 100 people per session, proving that “the community is more eager than ever to experience all that nature has to offer.”
Beyond simply recovering, the entire team remains optimistic for the future.
“It’s a credit to SOFO’s team of educators that they stayed focused in our mission and created the highest quality nature programs for families to enjoy during these difficult times,” Quevedo said.
As summer nears again, SOFO remains up to date with Covid-19 guidelines and is in talks with officials at Southampton Town to plan the much anticipated 32nd annual gala for Saturday, July 24.
Aceti expressed, “Our staff believes in the power of nature and in our mission. They are happy to see that interest in our programs has increased during this difficult time … We are eager to celebrate with everyone at our annual gala. We promise everyone a creative, safe experience.”