For the first time in its 49-year history, large sections of
the site will be closed on a rotating basis. Each day, for three to four
hours at a time, one-third of the buildings will be off limits to visitors
because they will not be staffed. As well, the buildings contain precious
historic artifacts, many of which have been donated by local families. These
heritage homes will be vulnerable to theft and vandalism.
Animation of life in the Village by trained interpreters and
artisans in period costume will be greatly reduced. With close to half of
the interpretive staff - 39 of about 80 – not returning, interpretation will
be mostly limited to strictly-scheduled demonstrations within the tight
confines of buildings that don’t easily accommodate groups over 10 people.
Increased commercialization of the site that includes the
conversion of a rare 1820s heritage building, Cook’s Tavern, into a
restaurant and bar. The corruption of this building has involved the removal
of all historic artifacts and furniture from the main floor in order to
retrofit the building with modern food service appliances, including a
double-sided beer fridge and stainless steel sinks.
