events postponed Covid-19

Cabot Historical Society COVID-19 Report

Spring – Summer 2020

This was six months into the deadly global Covid pandemic. There wasn’t effective treatment or vaccines. Hundreds of thousands died. The CDC, the WHO, the United States government and the State of Vermont strongly advised staying home, away from crowds and events, especially for the elderly and chronically ill. Even local government held meetings by Zoom. Following expert scientific and medical advice, the Cabot Historical Society Board voted to cancel the spring meeting, the 4th of July open house and the 2020 Apple Pie Festival.

We thought it irresponsible and unsafe to hold public events, based on what was happening worldwide. We followed the advice of experts. The board communicated by e-mail about Historical Society business and continued work that was not public meetings. Bills were paid, taxes filed, columns about Cabot history, under a Cabot Historical Society banner, were written for the Cabot Chronicle, this website was rebuilt and maintained, we researched and replied to questions about Cabot or Cabot families, we accepted donations to our collections through mail, or deposited on my front porch. Under difficult circumstances, we completed all Historical Society work that didn’t involve or include public meetings or gatherings.

Spring – Summer 2021

Hundreds of thousands more died. Vaccines were finally available, but many refused them. It took time to get the first two vaccines and a booster, before individuals were considered fully protected. Federal, State and local health departments strongly urged wearing a mask to help control and protect from infection. Many refused.

There was a surge of cases that spring and summer. The Board concluded it was still unsafe to host groups of people, large or small. The Board met by e-mail and voted to continue as in the previous year, with no “public” events, while still doing all work that didn’t involve in-person gatherings. Again we discussed what we might do, until it was safe. The Cabot Historical Society website was maintained, bills still paid, taxes filed, research responding to queries went on, additions to the collections still safely accepted and Chronicle articles still written We applied for and received a small grant. Some donations we accepted for the collection were:

1. The United Church placed the boulder and time capsule, that were no longer safe at the Cabot Center of Town, in our care.

2. From the Hardwick Historical Society, we received many photos of Cabot folks, over several years, published in the Hardwick Gazette.

3. We received more genealogy publications, including my maternal family. They came to Cabot in the late 1800’s.

4.There were other donations to the collections.

Spring – Summer 2022

More than one million Americans have died. Several people tested positive for COVID, after attending a dinner, hosted by the Joe’s Pond Association. Others in area towns still test positive and become sick. New, more contagious variants of COVID were identified and cases continue to surge. Some still refuse to be vaccinated or wear masks in public. In April, the CHS board met via e-mail. We voted to have the election of officers and other business the full membership needs to vote on, by mail ballot. It’s still unsafe and irresponsible to hold in-person public events, especially for older folks and the chronically ill. We arranged for cleaning the buildings and for the annual service and maintenance of the alarm system.

Moving forward we can reactivate committees. Their planning work can mostly occur by e-mail or phone, until it’s safe to hold small meetings/events. We hope COVID recedes into history very soon.

2022 ~ B.S.D.