Thursday, 2/17/22

In our blog post from 1/6/21 we outlined the design and reason for a bench under the stairs on the lower level. As we’ve launched ourselves into this renovation and the 21st century we’re thinking about accessibility and what that means. This renovation project addresses the physical aspects of accessibility. Obviously, this includes the addition of the elevator. It also includes other ADA requirements like this bench (see below) that serves as a cane detection for vision impaired individuals, door hardware that has levers instead of knobs, certain signage, and a 60” of turning radius in the bathrooms (just to name a few). 

Image of the new bench on the lower level.

Updated image of the reception area with newly painted wall (to compare with last week’s posted image).

We’re also thinking about what accessibility means outside of the physical requirements. How does the community access the Museum and its programs? How do we make more people feel welcome? This is a big question that will take us time to untangle. In the meantime, we’ve begun to address some of these challenges by upgrading our website so that it’s easier to navigate, we’ve been adding virtual programs so more people can participate, and we’re exploring the inclusion of translation and programs in other languages (just to name a few). This isn’t a project with an end date but one that will evolve as we continue to grow with our changing community.

With accessibility in mind, tonight we’re hosting a virtual event titled, Sweet City: A History of Candy Manufacturing in Somerville, Cambridge, and Boston. This is event is free (donations are always welcome to help offset the cost of these programs) and open to all. Join us for an evening with beloved confectioner Jeremy Spindler of Spindler Confections. This event is part of our Bittersweet exhibition's Chocolate Stories Salon series and is co-sponsored by our friends and partners at Historic Somerville. Learn more and reserve your spot today!