Churchill Weekend Postponed Because of Cautions Concerning COVID-19

Out of an abundance of caution concerning cases of the coronavirus, or COVID-19, throughout the United States, the Association of Churchill Fellows has decided to postpone this year’s Churchill Fellows Weekend, scheduled for March 14-15, 2020. The event will be rescheduled at a later date.

The decision was announced March 9 by Timothy Riley, the Sandra L. and Monroe E. Trout Director and Chief Curator of America’s National Churchill Museum.

“While no cases of coronavirus have been reported at America’s National Churchill Museum or Westminster College, please know that the health and safety of our patrons and all Churchill Fellows is of our utmost concern,” Riley says. “We will reschedule when the rough seas of uncertainty surrounding this illness settle.”

Riley, who also is a Churchill Fellow, adds that full refunds will be issued for those who registered for Saturday’s dinner and Sunday’s Churchill Fellows Brunch. Or, if preferred, a receipt for the full registration amount can be issued as a tax-deductible donation.

ANCM remains open and is taking a proactive approach to help slow the spread of the virus, Riley says. Museum and custodial staff have increased sanitation efforts in all areas of the Museum, including restrooms, exhibit areas, the gift shop and the sanctuary of St. Mary the Virgin, Aldermanbury. Additionally, hand sanitizer for patron use is conveniently located at various stations inside the Museum.

Riley and his Museum staff are continuing to monitor new developments and remain vigilant, reevaluating steps and actions daily, following the guidance and directives of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization, the City of Fulton, the Callaway County Health Department and the Wellness Center at Westminster College.

As recommended by federal, state and campus health officials, the Museum advises that while visiting ANCM, patrons should wash their hands, avoid needlessly touching Museum surfaces or their faces and sneeze or cough into their sleeves.

If you are experiencing symptoms of illness, particularly fever, ANCM asks you to please rest at home and plan a visit to the Museum when you are well.

The Association of Churchill Fellows, founded in 1969, is an honorary society of people dedicated to the development and use of America’s National Churchill Museum at Westminster College. Past Fellows inductees include Churchill’s grandson, Winston Churchill; Walter Cronkite; President Dwight D. Eisenhower; Sir David Cannadine; Lady Mary Soames; British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher; Sir Martin Gilbert, International Churchill Society Chairman Laurence Geller; and the Right Honorable Earl Mountbatten of Burma.

For more information, please email Timothy.Riley@westminster-mo.edu or call (573) 592-5233.