Hayes Center reopens on Mondays

FREMONT – For the first time since 2009, the Hayes Presidential Center will open its doors to the public on Mondays beginning in August. To celebrate its expanded hours, children 12 years and younger will receive free admission to the museum and home on Aug. 3.

There will be a special scavenger hunt in the museum with prizes given to children who complete it. Refreshments will also be served throughout the day.

“We’re excited to reopen to the public on Mondays,” said Christie Weininger, executive director. “In addition to our regular patrons, this will also help us to accommodate more school tours; we get booked quickly in the spring and fall.”

The Hayes Presidential Center reduced its hours of operation in September 2009, as a cost-saving measure due to a decrease in state funding. Weininger explained that a recent increase in state support along with the center’s development efforts have strengthened revenue streams.

Weininger added that with staff returning to full-time work, planning and implementing the center’s many projects and events will be a bit easier. “While gearing up for our Centennial Celebration next year, it has been difficult to get everything done we needed to in a four-day week,” she said.

The Hayes Presidential Center is working on buildings and grounds improvements, special programs and a complete redesign of its exhibit galleries, all to be completed by May.

Later this fall, the center will launch a new name, logo and website.

“We are an organization on the move,” said Weininger. “People will be amazed at the transformation.”