Churchill Fellows Weekend Postponed

Despite an announcement this morning regarding the induction of Churchill Fellows on Sunday at America’s National Churchill Museum on the campus of Westminster College in Fulton, MO, a decision was made Monday afternoon to postpone Churchill Fellows Weekend activities, including the induction ceremony, until later in the year.

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

“Out of an abundance of caution concerning cases of the coronavirus, or COVID-19, across much of the U.S. and around the globe, the Association of Churchill Fellows has decided to postpone this year’s Churchill Fellows Weekend that was scheduled for Saturday-Sunday, March 14-15, at America’s National Churchill Museum in Fulton.

“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 said. “We will reschedule when the rough seas of uncertainty surrounding this illness settle.”

Full refunds, he said, 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 amount of your registration will be issued as a tax-deductible donation.

America’s National Churchill Museum remains open and is taking a proactive approach to help slow the spread of the virus, Riley said. 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 said he and his 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, we advise that while visiting the Museum, you wash your hands, avoid needlessly touching any surfaces, do not touch your face and sneeze or cough into your sleeve.

If one is experiencing symptoms of illness, particularly fever, ANCM asks you to please rest at home. ANCM staff members will look forward to seeing you 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.

Thank you. For more information, contact Sarah Backer at 573-220-9038, sarah.backer@westminster-mo.edu, or Tom Pagano, 314-602-7549, tompagano@mostrata.com.