Nidderdale Museum had planned to reopen next month but many of its volunteers are self-isolating or shielding.
Without its regular supply of volunteers, it will likely stay closed until October and even then just on weekends for three hours.
The museum had put in a one-way system and pause points as well as hand sanitising stations and a self-service contactless payment system.
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Now the museum has launched an appeal for volunteers between 16 and 69 years old. They have asked volunteers to get in touch before August 8.
Sue Welch, chairman of the Nidderdale Museum, told The Stray Ferret:
“There are various other museums in Yorkshire that are saying they are likely to have the same problems because many of their volunteers are over 70. I am afraid it is a known issue. People that volunteer are often older people and particularly museum volunteers. Although this is an immediate need we are hoping it will bear fruit for the future as well.”
The government gave the museums the go-ahead to reopen from July 4. However, many may be in the same position as Nidderdale Museum.
Nidderdale Museum had been working towards an exhibition celebrating the 700th anniversary of the Markets and Fair Charter to Pateley Bridge but may need to delay until 2021.