A museum documenting the life of a middle class family and its enslaved workers during the 1800s has reopened for the public to explore.
The William Root House Museum and Gardens are now open to visitors, said Cobb Landmarks & Historical Society, which owns and operates the Marietta museum. The museum, like many others around the county, closed in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Cobb Landmarks said the closure resulted in a loss of revenue for the nonprofit organization. However, Cobb Landmarks said reopening with new social distancing guidelines in place will “help guests feel safe during their visit.”
Executive Director Trevor Beemon said hands-on components of the museum are closed, but its gift shops and gardens are open for business. Social distancing protocols will be in place for employees and guests alike, he said.
No more than 10 guests will be allowed in the museum at one time. Guests visiting the museum will check in at the Visitors Center located inside the 1830s Manning Family Cabin. They will be given a stylus pen that can be used to view the museum’s interactive touch screens.
While visitors will be allowed to explore the museum at their own pace, they will be asked to practice social distancing and allow for enough space to enter and leave exhibit spaces. Once guests are done with their tours, they should return the stylus pens to the Visitors Center so they can be sanitized.
William and Hannah Root lived in the home with their children and extended family from 1845 to 1886. Hannah Root’s father, Leonard Simpson, lived with the family until his death on Oct. 11, 1856.
Now owned by the Cobb Landmarks & Historical Society, the museum offers a glimpse into the lives of the Root family and the enslaved people who lived and worked on the property, according to the museum’s website.
You can learn more about the Root House Museum by visiting its website or calling 770-426-4982.
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